Palin, 'Going Rogue' stopping at the Mall

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will sign copies of her memoir at the Mall of America on Dec. 7. State GOP leaders are thrilled that she has included Minnesota on her national book tour.

By BAIRD HELGESON, Star Tribune

Last update: November 5, 2009 - 5:32 AM

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The nation's most loved and loathed hockey mom will visit the Mall of America next month as part of her book-signing tour.

Former vice presidential candidate and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will visit the Twin Cities on Dec. 7 to sign copies of her 400-page memoir, "Going Rogue: An American Life."

Palin's book signing will bring her back to the state where she became an overnight sensation as the GOP's first female running mate at the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul. During her acceptance speech, Palin described herself and other hockey moms as pit bulls with lipstick.

"Sarah Palin has such a tremendous army of supporters here," said Michael Brodkorb, deputy chairman of the state Republican Party.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for the activists around the state who want the opportunity to talk with her, to meet with her," he said.

Palin has become a divisive personality among Democrats and even some leaders in her own party, and the book title stems from a period of tension between Palin's staff and advisers for her running mate, Sen. John McCain of Arizona. At one point, McCain staffers told the news media she was "going rogue" and frequently went off-message.

Palin's publisher, HarperCollins, has described the book as "her words, her life and it's all there in full and fascinating detail."

Mall of America officials said they aren't concerned about crowds getting out of hand.

"We are prepared for that," mall spokeswoman Erica Dao said Wednesday. Security officials don't know how many people to expect, or even when or how long Palin will be at the mall, but said they have handled celebrity events that drew thousands.

The book is set for release Nov. 17 and has an announced initial run of 1.5 million copies. It has been among Amazon.com's best-sellers for weeks.

Many political watchers believe Palin hopes to use the book to launch a 2012 presidential bid.

Palin will appear on the "Oprah" show the day before the book release.

Baird Helgeson • 651-222-1288

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