In Laconia, New Hampshire, Sarah Palin Warns Crowd of Tax Increases

Laconia, New Hampshire -- Governor Sarah Palin spoke about voter fraud, energy independence, and taxes at a rally held at Weir's Beach in Laconia, New Hampshire, on Wednesday. A Secret Service agent estimated the number of Palin supporters at 3,500, all of whom were made to go through an airport-like security screening to get close enough to hear Palin at the outdoor venue on Lake Winnipesauke.

Governor Palin opened with several comparisons between Alaskan and New Hampshire residents, focusing on the tradition of low taxation in both states. She pointed out to the rally-goers how important New Hampshire's four electoral votes were to the McCain campaign, calling New Hampshire a "microcosm" of the rest of the United States because of its large amount of registered independent voters. New Hampshire has a strong history of voting republican, but in the last presidential election voted for the democratic candidate like its neighboring New England states.

The crowd booed loudly when Palin said that Barack Obama voted 94 times for higher taxes. Later the crowd chanted the now- famous, "Drill, Baby, Drill!" mantra that arose in response to the spike in gas prices. "You betcha!" Palin responded to the crowd, "and also...yes...building more nuclear power plants," Palin said apparently referring to Barack Obama's hesitancy to commit to nuclear power as a possible solution to the energy crisis. Palin accused her opponent Joe Biden of saying that drilling for oil off the coast of Alaska was "raping the outer shelf." Palin stressed her commitment to energy independence for America, saying that she and McCain will adopt an "all-of-the-above approach" to energy independence

"Unconscionable voter fraud," was how Palin described the latest presidential campaign topic, referring to Senator Barack Obama's involvement in A.C.O.R.N., the non-profit lobbying group that has admitted to some fraudulent voter registration activity. "We need a leader with...good judgment, and truthfulness," Palin said.

Palin also said that she and her running mate John McCain planned to "stabilize" the housing market, not by "giving a hand out, but a hand up."

The bulk of Palin's speech addressed economic issues. "His [John McCain's] plan is to change the tax code immediately upon entering [presidential] office so that retirees can keep their 401Ks." Palin went on to talk about how she and McCain plan to balance the country's $10 trillion budget deficit by the end of their term. "America can't afford another tax increase," said Palin.

"She's got far more training than Obama," said a woman from Bedford , NH when asked what she liked most about Palin. Other comments were less broad. "Deep Down, he's a socialist. He talks about spreading the wealth...," said a women from Merideth, NH.

John McCain will be making campaign stops in New Hampshire next week, as reported in New Hampshire newspapers.