Ethics law may keep Palin from stardom

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- If vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin loses the election, she might have to wait to cash in on her experience until after her term as Alaska governor.

Politico reported that if Republican John McCain is not elected president and Palin continues as Alaska governor, she would be barred by the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act from accepting speaking fees or accepting an offer to host a TV or cable show while still in office.

Last week, The Hollywood Reporter suggested several producers and other entertainment packagers were attempting to find "the ideal on-air vehicle for the VP candidate." Among the ideas being floated: a news program on Fox, a reality series featuring the entire Palin family and an afternoon talk show.

"I could see her getting more traction as an Oprah than as an Anderson Cooper," said agent Eric Wattenberg at New York's N.S. Bienstock, a talent firm that handles top network and cable news stars, including Fox's Bill O'Reilly and MSNBC's Chris Matthews.

During the Republican presidential primaries last year, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, after he bowed out of the GOP race, began accepting speaking engagements for which he was paid about $25,000 per speech.