Family Friends Eager For Palin’s Speech To GOP

COEUR D’ALENE – When Sarah Palin takes center stage at the GOP convention in St. Paul Wednesday she’ll be cheered on by some close family friends in Coeur d’Alene.

Jack and Zella Bloxom’s kitchen table is covered with newspaper clippings following Sarah Palin’s political career from governor to vice presidential nominee for the Republican Party.

Jack went to Sandpoint High School with Sarah’s dad Chuck and the two families have stayed close over the years, constantly sending each other family updates which have included a book about Sarah’s rise from small town mayor to governor of Alaska and an article from Vogue magazine.

Zella learned about the nomination from a friend the day it was announced and the couple called Sarah’s parents in Alaska.

“I think we need someone like Sarah in there,” Zella said. “I think we need someone to straighten things up, clean up government and really go to work for the country and people.”

“It doesn’t matter what the obstacle is like she will conquer it,” Jack said.

When Palin addresses the nation Wednesday night there’s no question where Jack and Zella will be.

“Well, I’m going to be listening to Sarah that’s for sure,” Jack said.

“I’ll be watching TV too. I really want to hear her speech, maybe get a glimpse of the rest of her family,” Zella said.

After all, it’s not everyday you can say you know a vice presidential nominee.

“Not ever before, I’ve never been this close and so it’s exciting and it’s fun,” Zella said.