Sarah Palin slated for Bakersfield Business Conference
Last Updated Monday, Nov 16 2009 03:01 PM
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Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gives her resignation speech during a ceremony in Fairbanks, Alaska, July 26, 2009, where Palin turned over power to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)
Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and actress Goldie Hawn will be among the speakers at next year's Bakersfield Business Conference.
The much anticipated one-day conference is returning Oct. 9 after a five-year absence, and organizers are announcing one or two speakers a week as headliners in business, politics and entertainment are confirmed.
Conference organizer George Martin could not be reached for comment, but in a statement called Palin "one of the most talked-about figures in public life today."
Because of the role the oil industry plays in Alaska's economy, Martin said, Palin "has unique insight into the energy sector of our economy and a candid approach to sharing that knowledge. Understanding the future of the energy industry and energy policy is important to understanding the overall business environment as well as key economic trends in the short and long-run."
Many local political figures were excited to learn that Palin will be coming to town.
"Kudos. That's quite a coup for Bakersfield," said GOP consultant Tracy Leach.
A virtual unknown before joining last year's presidential campaign as Arizona Sen. John McCain's running mate, Palin is considered by some a viable candidate for the presidency in 2012.
She was simultaneously praised for energizing her party's conservative base and criticized for undermining its credibility because of her relative lack of national and international experience.
But party loyalists remain supportive of the first female vice presidential candidate in the Republican party's history.
"She was an easy target for the media," Leach said. "I don't think it was warranted or fair. I think it was over the top hyperbole."
When Susan Moxley, president of Bakersfield Republican Women Federation heard Palin was coming, she exclaimed, "Oh fabulous! Wow."
Moxley said she was "lukewarm" to McCain's bid for the presidency, but Palin's addition to the ticket ignited tremendous excitement, and continues to do so even after Palin's decision to step down from the Alaska governor's office before completing her first term.
That decision "raised eyebrows," Moxley admitted, but she said it doesn't diminish Palin. "I don't know what her specific plans are, but the door's wide open for her," she said.
Since leaving public office in July, Palin has been promoting her new book, "Going Rogue: An American Life," (HarperCollins, $28.99), appearing on news talk shows and traveling the lecture circuit.
Not everyone was warm to Palin appearing locally. Bernita Jenkins, an official with the Obama campaign in Kern County, said Palin is divisive.
"Mr. Martin has always been able to pull quality people to come for the Bakersfield Business Conference, and every now and then he brings people who are controversial," Jenkins said. "She is definitely controversial in that she has caused a lot of polarization in the past.
"She's probably going to badmouth the president of the United States, and will continue to widen the divide in an already divided community. I'd rather hear someone who will try to bring people together."
Bernard Anthony, president of the Bakersfield chapter of the NAACP, said he is not a supporter of Palin, but that she probably has a lot to teach conference participants.
"She's someone who has been politically active at a national level, and anyone who has been at that level, there are lessons you learn. Maybe she can take her experience and help someone else to be successful in that arena," Anthony said.
The other speaker announced over the weekend was Hawn.
Hawn is best known for her acting, including an Oscar-winning performance in the 1969 film "Cactus Flower" and an Oscar nomination for the 1981 film "Private Benjamin."
But Hawn also is an entrepreneur, chief executive officer, director, producer and author.
Previously announced speakers are former First Lady Laura Bush, impressionist Rich Little, former Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne Cheney.
For conference updates and ticket details, go to www.bpcbakbusconf.com.
