About the Book Sarah takes on Big Oil: The compelling story of Governor Sarah Palin’s battle with Alaska’s ‘Big 3’ oil companies, as told by longtime Alaska oil and gas writers, Kay Cashman and Kristen Nelson. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s nomination as the vice presidential running mate of John McCain launched Palin and her family into worldwide renown. As people seek to learn more about Palin, a recurring question emerges: What is Palin’s record as an administrator, and more particularly, how did she meet the challenge of balancing the interests of the people of Alaska against those of Alaska’s three major oil and gas producing companies? “Sarah takes on Big Oil” by Kay Cashman and Kristen Nelson delivers the story of Palin’s record in dealing with BP, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil as governor of Alaska. This book is a must read for those who seek to understand Palin’s qualifications for national leadership. “Sarah takes on Big Oil” illuminates Palin’s rise to power in Alaska, along with her concrete successes and failures in dealing with the industry that is the lifeblood of the state’s economy. A stunning eight-page color insert with photos of Alaska's oil industry by noted Alaska photographer Judy Patrick graces the center eight pages of the book. Patrick, a personal friend of Palin, was a Wasilla city councilwoman when Palin was mayor. More Patrick photos appear inside the book. Also included in the book is a map of Alaska showing major points of interest, such as the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. Unlike many articles that have appeared in the news since Palin became McCain’s running mate, “Sarah takes on Big Oil” is a factual account from the editors of Alaska’s only standalone oil and gas publication. Neither author is a Republican. Neither author has a private agenda to discredit or promote Palin. About the Authors Kay Cashman and Kristen Nelson are uniquely qualified to tell the story of Sarah Palin and her dealings with the oil and gas industry in Alaska. With years of experience providing journalistically balanced and fair coverage of industry in Alaska, Cashman and Nelson have a rare grasp of the nuances of the state’s oil and gas issues. Cashman is the publisher and executive editor of Petroleum News—an independent news-driven weekly. She knows the people in Palin’s story. Nelson, editor-in-chief of Petroleum News, has maintained a long-time eye on Alaska government and its interactions with the state’s most lucrative industry. Cashman and Nelson bring a perspective rarely available to general news reporters. As a result, “Sarah takes on Big Oil” is a good read, full of interesting personalities and verifiable facts—facts which back up the compelling story of Alaska’s first female governor.
About the Author Authors
Kay Cashman and Kristen Nelson are uniquely qualified to tell the story of Sarah Palin's dealings with Alaska's 'Big 3' oil companies because of their years of independent reporting on the state's oil and gas industry, and their rare grasp of the nuances involved in Palin's relationship with the Alaska's three largest oil producers BP, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil.
Cashman is the publisher and executive editor of Petroleum News an independent news-driven weekly. Cashman is also a novelist and a people person. She knows the people in Palin's story, and people know Cashman as a journalist who can be trusted with sensitive information, on and off the record.
Nelson, editor-in-chief of Petroleum News, has maintained a long-time eye on Alaska government and its interactions with the state's most lucrative industry.
Cashman and Nelson are the ideal team to deliver a three-dimensional portrait of Palin, the people around her, and the unusual circumstances that have bracketed Palin's leadership. The authors bring a perspective rarely available to general news reporters.
As a result, Sarah takes on Big Oil is a good read, full of lively personalities and verifiable facts facts which back up the compelling story of Alaska's first female governor.