A Palin loses an election

Jim Palin, father of Todd, father-in-law of former Alaska Gov. Sarah, has lost his seat on the board of the Iditarod Trail Committee. The elder Palin was one of two sitting board members ousted in June. A former manager of the Matanuska Electric Association, the elder Palin became active in trying to preserve the Iditarod National Historic Trail from Seward to Nome early in the decade and was later voted to the board of the organization that oversees the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

He rose to the position of secretary as his daughter-in-law's popularity peaked in the 49th state on her run for governor. That has since changed with the state -- like the nation -- now divided in opinions on Sarah. Jim, meanwhile, had become active in helping the Palin team campaign nationally not only for Sarah in her failed bid for Republican vice-president along with Republican Presidential contender John McCain, but also in her support of other Republican candidates seeking Congressional offices in Lower 48 states.

The new-found political activism was not, however, thought to be a major factor in Jim losing his board seat. It appears more likely, according to Iditarod insiders, that he fell victim to the race organization's own little Tea Party. The Iditarod has been struggling through tough times financially and is suffering a bit of an identity crisis. There appeared a strong desire on the part of some of the race committee's members to bring in some new blood.

Both board members facing contested elections, Jim Palin and Sam Maxwell, another long-serving member of the board, were ousted. Danny Seybert, the chief operating officer for regional airline PenAir, took Jim Palin's seat. Mike Jonrowe, a commercial salmon fisherman and the husband of Iditarod veteran musher and fan favorite DeeDee, replaced Maxwell. The two were joined by Andy Baker, an Anchorage businessman involved in the development of solar and other clean-energy.

Full vote tallies were not immediately available. The board after being seated elected a new chairman, Anchorage attorney Mark Moderow, to oversee the 2011 race. It has begun accepting entries, and more than 50 mushers have already signed up for next March's 1,000-mile challenge.

Contact Craig Medred at craig(at)alaskadispatch.com