Palin pick electrifies GOP conservatives

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Conservative activists are pleased Republican presidential hopeful John McCain has tapped Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, observers say.

Politico reported the conservative base of the GOP has been reinvigorated given that McCain chose a solidly anti-abortion, pro-gun candidate, but Democrats have said the first-term governor and former small-town mayor lacks national or foreign policy experience.

For some conservatives, Palin's nomination has spurred them for work for McCain, for whom the party base has, until recently, offered only lukewarm support.

"There is an electricity going through the social conservative crowd right now; it's unbelievable," said James Muffett, head of Michigan's Citizens for Traditional Values. "Especially given all the set-ups and head fakes -- it's amazing. A lot of people were sure he was going to show his more moderate colors."

Muffett added that his fellow conservatives are very pleased with McCain's pick.

"My wife and I watched an MSNBC special on her last night," he said. "My wife knew nothing about this woman. But she was in tears listening to her articulate the views she had."