In an Eagle Forum Alaska questionnaire filled out during the 2006 gubernatorial race, Palin said she would fund abstinence-only education programs in schools.

"The explicit sex-ed programs," she wrote, "will not find my support."

The position prompted a local paper, the Juneau Empire, to respond.

"Abstinence may be a laudable goal, but failing to educate teenagers about how to protect themselves from disease or unintended pregnancy is tragically misguided. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, abstinence-only programs do not reduce sexual activity, teen pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease.

"Every day 10,000 U.S. teens contract a sexually transmitted disease, 2,400 get pregnant and 55 contract HIV. Unintended pregnancies happen to Republicans, Democrats and people of all faiths."

This all comes as it was revealed that the Governor of Alaska said she would not support an abortion for her own daughter even if she had been raped.

"I would choose life," said Palin.

What is implicit in her statement is that she would not allow her daughter to choose at all.  Or anyone's daughter.  Or anyone, period.

It is tragic that Palin's daughter has been caught up in national politics, and I recommend that we keep her out of the picture, but it is an even more pressing reminder of the millions of daughters who would find themselves caught up even deeper in politics should McCain change the balance of the Supreme Court.