To pile on Dominic's earlier post on the subject, I think that any reasonable observer should concede that there is less to Palin's much-ballyhooed opposition to the Bridge to Nowhere than meets the eye. (Although noted earmark foe Tom Coburn gives her considerable credit) That said, I believe that the debate over her exact role misses the larger point, which is Palin's record on government spending.

To review:

* Palin placed a government-owned jet, purchased by her Republican predecessor, for sale on eBay. It was eventually sold by an aircraft broker for $2.1 million.

* Palin got rid of the chef at the governor's mansion, saving taxpayers approximately $45,000.

* Palin vetoed over a quarter-billion dollars in spending as governor this year. This was the second year in a row she vetoed various spending projects.

As Deroy Murdock notes:

Palin’s first budget requested a 6.8-percent expenditure reduction. Her second proposed a 7.8-percent cut. When legislators spent even more, she could have holstered her veto pen, as Bush did for six years. ...“She has proposed restraint in state spending, which is impressive given the huge, oil-fueled surpluses the state is currently enjoying,” says Cato Institute scholar Chris Edwards.

Is Palin perfect on spending? No. Is she better than Obama and Biden? Yes. Is she better than most politicians on such matters? Undoubtedly yes.