What were Alaskans to expect when their fresh-faced governor with record approval ratings was presented as the next possible Vice President of the United States?

Probably not what one congressman had to say in September.

Late last month, Florida Democratic Congressman Alcee Hastings addressed a panel discussion put on by the National Jewish Democratic Council in Washington, DC . According to ABC News' Teddy David, Hastings said the following:

 "If Sarah Palin isnt enough of a reason for you to get over whatever your problem is with Barack Obama, then you damn well had better pay attention. Anybody toting guns and stripping moose dont care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks. So, you just think this through."

Reportedly, the room burst into applause.

"I am not a Palin supporter," says Leah, 22, of Fairbanks. "It does, however, make me a little sad to see someone in congress use a phrase like, 'Anybody toting guns and stripping moose dont care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks.' I mean, come on... he has no credentials to back him up."

"Toting guns" and "stripping moose" is a part of life for many Alaskans, regardless of party, as this is a state that relies heavily on subsistence and hunting for the purpose of feeding families in all areas of the state, especially in rural areas.  Why are normal Alaskans getting caught up in the mess of criticism, while most people say stereotyping is a very negative thing to do?

"His gross ignorance is ironic, considering he's judging a whole group of people based on what evidence?" says Kortnie, 22, of Fairbanks. "Is being discriminatory towards rural people from an urban perspective any better than being discriminatory on a racial or nationality basis?"

Mary, 28, is a former UAF Residence Hall Director who now lives in Phoenix . "I think his comments simply don't make sense and borderline ludicrous," she said. "I mean, after all, I am Black and like to hunt, strip, and eat moose--does that make me racist? I'd say no, it just says that I like moose."

Hastings was given a chance to clarify his statements later on. 

"I regret the comments I made... that were not smart and certainly not relevant to hunters or sportsmen," Hastings said in his statement.  "I regret that I was not clearer and apologize to Governor Palin, my host where I was speaking, and those who my comments may have offended. I had a lot of other things to say that were important but which were not reported. The point I made, and will continue to make, is that the policies and priorities of a McCain-Palin administration would be anathema to most African Americans and Jews."
 

Even Alaska Democrats are scratching their heads.  "The guy was stupid to say what he said it made no sense, especially after explanation," said David Valentine, who serves as the chair of Interior Democrats in Alaska .

"Way to perpetuate racism, that way he'll always have a job," says Sarah, 28, of Fairbanks , who, like Leah, does not support Sarah Palin in her bid for the vice presidency.