It’s Alaska Day — for political wonks

I grew up in Alaska and follow politics Way Up North with some fascination. Today, a state with fewer people than Newark, New Jersey, has pushed its way into America’s consciousness.

Exhibit A, of course, is Gov. Sarah Palin — the small-town mayor from Wasilla whose meteoric rise will either prove one of the great success stories in political history…or it’ll prove a catastrophic flame-out.

Tonight, she faces off in a debate against Joe Biden, the veteran Senator from Delaware. Bring your popcorn and your caribou jerky.

Exhibit B is Alaska Senator Ted Stevens. Two weeks ago, the Republican looked downright terminal, as he defended himself against federal charges that he failed to disclose gifts from a big oil-field services company.

Stevens — whose long career as U.S. Senator has made him into an Alaska institution — was looking old, doddery, and politically vulnerable.

But now the prosecution’s case seems to be falling apart, on charges that government attorneys failed to disclose evidence that weakens their case.

The most recent poll – taken in mid-September – put Democratic challenger Mark Begich ahead of Stevens by six points (50-44%).

But if Stevens prevails in court, look for an October surge.