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
Alaska pollock as food during winter and allowing it to undergo natural freeze-thaw cycles. It is often boiled into a soup called "hwangtae-haejang-guk" (hangover soup). Rehydrated "hwangtae" can be grilled (usually with a gochujang-based marinade) as "hwangtae-gui", simmered "hwangtae-jjim" or "jorim", or added to "hwangtae-juk" (rice porridge). Jerky made from yellow Alaska pollock is called "hwangtae-po". "Nogari" (), which is dried young Alaska pollock, is often served with a variety of dipping sauces as "anju". "Kodari" (), which is the "nosed" variant, is made by gutting young Alaska pollock and half-drying them on ropes that are tied through their noses. It is often simmered