Republican candidate for President of the United States, Sen. John McCain unveiled Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate during a rally at Wright State University.

During Friday's rally at the Nutter Center, McCain said of Palin "She’s not from these parts and she’s not from Washington, but when you get to know her you're going to be as impressed as I am." In his introduction McCain went on to say that Palin "stands up for what’s right and she doesn’t let anyone tell her to sit down. She’s exactly who I need, she’s exactly who this country needs to help me fight the same old Washington politics of 'me first and country second."

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Palin is a first-term governor who unseated incumbent Gov. Frank Murkowski in the Republican primary in 2006 and went on to defeat former Gov. Tony Knowles, a Democrat, in the general election.

Sarah Palin Profile

Palin, 44, told the crowd, "To have been chosen brings a great challenge. I know that it will demand the best that I have to give and I promise nothing less."

She will be the first woman to be nominated for vice president as a Republican and only the second to run for vice president on a major party ticket, after Democrat Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.

Reacting to the choice of Palin, Ferraro said, "I believe that people will look back and assess how Hillary was treated by the media during the campaign primaries. And it remains to be seen whether or not the ugly head of sexism -- in the media -- will raise its head again."

Palin was announced as the Republican V.P. candidate on her 20th wedding anniversary. She is married to high school sweetheart Todd Palin, a union member and oil production operator on Alaska's North Slope. They have five children, including a son who is in the Army.

A lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Palin takes part in two of the state's popular pastimes -- fishing and hunting, according to her biography on the governor's Web site.

Palin has focused on energy and natural resources policy during her short stint in office, and she is known for her support of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a position McCain opposes but many grass-roots Republicans support.

Why Did Sen. McCain Pick Gov. Palin?

In an earlier statement, McCain's campaign said Palin "has the record of reform and bipartisanship that others can only speak of." The statement went on to say, "Her experience in shaking up the status quo is exactly what is needed in Washington today." Palin was chosen over several more prominent prospects including Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge. She is in her first term as Governor of Alaska.

with assistance from CNN