Palin defends oil tax structure she championed

JUNEAU, Alaska — Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is defending the oil tax structure she championed in office, which has since been dismantled by lawmakers and her successor, Sean Parnell.

Palin took a swipe at Parnell on Anchorage radio station KWHL, when asked about Parnell’s change of heart. Parnell, who was Palin’s lieutenant governor, supported the system she championed but began leading efforts to overhaul it several years ago.

Those efforts proved successful last year, though the system Parnell helped put in place is the subject of a referendum that voters will decide in August.

Palin, on the Bob and Mark show Wednesday, said Parnell “came from the oil industry,” referencing his past work with ConocoPhillips.

She had supportive words for one of his rivals in this year’s gubernatorial race, independent Bill Walker.

BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press