Politics of Alaska best performance, with a net gain of 7.5 percentage points. In 2008, Governor Sarah Palin became the first Republican woman to run on a national ticket when she became John McCain's running mate. She continued to be a prominent national figure even after resigning from the governor's job in July 2009. Politics of Alaska Political party strength in Alaska has varied over the years. The communities of Juneau, Sitka, downtown and midtown Anchorage, the areas surrounding the College/University of Alaska Fairbanks campus and Ester and the "Alaska Bush" – rural, sparsely populated Alaska – stand out as Democratic strongholds, while
Tim Kelly (Alaska politician) 1979 to 2001. In 1989 and 1990, Kelly served as the senate president. Kelly died at his home, in Anchorage, Alaska, from heart problems. Tim Kelly (Alaska politician) Timothy Donahue "Tim" Kelly (August 15, 1944 – August 17, 2009) was an American businessman and politician. Born in Sacramento, California, Kelly graduated from Sacramento High School in 1962. He served in the United States Marine Corps and later in the Alaska Air National Guard. He was a legislative aide in California and Nevada. In 1970, he moved to Alaska and settled in Anchorage, Alaska. He was in the banking business and