Alaska Gov. addresses speculation about Obama and ACORN

NOBLESVILLE, Ind.- In a venue typically reserved for rock stars, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin held her own Friday, addressing nearly 20,000 supportive Hoosiers at Verizon Wireless Music Center.

Campaigning for presidential Republican nominee John McCain, the vice-presidential candidate spent just as much time shaking hands and meeting supporters afterwards than the actual 30-minute speech.

The Governor eagerly addressed speculation about Democratic nominee Barack Obama’s connections with ACORN, the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now. The organization is under investigation for voter fraud in 13 states and has received more than $800,000 from the Obama campaign, Palin said.

“It is not mean-spirited and it is not negative campaigning when we talk about someone’s record,” Palin said to the roaring audience. “All of this would be a lot of baggage to drag into the oval office. Americans are entitled to answers before Election Day.”

Palin emphasized how Hoosiers would have choose between a politician who they knew much less about, and McCain, who pledges to end out-of-control spending and finish the war in Iraq with a victory, she said.

“Indiana, this election is going to come down to the wire,” Palin said. “I hear in the home of the Indianapolis 500 you all know something about close races. You know how to sprint right to the finish line and the victory lap and that’s why I’m asking for your vote.”