Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, delivered a video message to the Alaska Federation of Natives on Thursday but attendees weren't impressed with her plans for a new rural subcabinet.

Palin's proposal fell short of AFN's request for an emergency task force to address high costs of fuel and rising rates of outmigration from Native villages to urban areas. AFN leaders drafted a resolution that said the subcabinet was "not sufficient" to respond to the crisis.

Palin didn't attend the convention in person, leading some to question to her commitment. "If she wants to win the Native vote, she should be here at the event," Nick Lekanoff told the Associated Press.

During her videotaped speech, Palin appeared to be taking extra steps to mention "tribes," "tribal leaders" and "chiefs," potentially in response to criticism that she has not had a great relationship with Alaska's 200-plus federally recognized tribes.

Get the Story:
Fuel costs top the list of AFN village worries (The Anchorage Daily News 10/24)
Palin tells AFN she's forming rural subcabinet (AP 10/23)
pwlat

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