Sarah Palin was the first female and the youngest ever governor of Alaska. Elected in 2006, Republican presidential hopeful, John McCain, chose her as his running mate in the 2008 presidential election. After a loss to Barack Obama and Joe Biden, Palin returned to Alaska. Palin sported over a decade of experience in Alaskan politics, but many had doubts about her vice presidential capability. The election launched her into the national spotlight -- and she has yet to leave. She has worked as a Fox News political commentator and debuted on the TLC network with her show Sarah Palin's Alaska. She has also written two books, and actively advocated for the Tea Party movement, which promotes adherence to the constitution, lower taxes, and less government spending. In the 2011 presidential primary, the buzz about her possible candidacy lasted until the deadline for paperwork passed.