It may be tempting for Democrats to dismiss Sarah Palin, the gun-toting former beauty queen who is John McCain's surprise pick for vice-president, as a political lightweight unprepared for the national stage.

But while some Alaskan political veterans have questioned whether the popular first-term Alaska governor is qualified for the VP slot, they also say it could be dangerous for opponents to underestimate Ms Palin. So far she has proved to be a tenacious and sometimes ruthless adversary, capable of overcoming charges of inexperience and fundraising disadvantages to vanquish foes and win elections.