In a recent speech, Palin said, “”Senator McCain, he promises to use that power of veto also in defense of the public interest. I can assure him that it works and I will continue to assure him that that power of the veto works.”

For a rundown of her budget vetoes, see this pdf from the State of Alaska.

That’s the 2007 budget she cut.

What about 2008?

Palin’s veto ax lops $268 million from budget

TENSION: Some legislators say cuts were unnecessary and went too deep. By SEAN COCKERHAM

scockerham@adn.com Published: May 24th, 2008 12:26 AM

Last Modified: May 24th, 2008 04:19 AM Gov. Sarah Palin on Friday axed about 10 percent of the spending that state legislators approved for hometown projects. This is the second year in a row Palin vetoed projects dear to legislators. She said lawmakers stuffed the $2.7 billion state capital budget too full.

Meanwhile, Sitka Republican Sen. Bert Stedman said the state has a surplus that could expand by $9 billion over the coming year if oil prices stay at these heights.

The very next month, Palin proposed to give every Alaskan (man, woman and child) $1,200 for “energy relief.” This money would be in addition to what they receive under the the 2008 Permanent Fund dividend program.

According to the LA Times, a family of four can expect to receive about $13,000 this year. Larger families will receive more, as the cash distributions are per person, not per household.

To summarize: Palin cut $268 million worth of projects which were democratically approved by the State Legislature, but supported plans to give away $781 million to her constituants. Yes, Palin knows how to use the Veto pen. She also knows how to buy votes.

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