Former governor endorses Palin

ANCHORAGE - Former Alaska Gov. Wally Hickel said Thursday he is endorsing Gov. Sarah Palin as the running mate of Republican presidential hopeful John McCain.

Hickel said McCain's decision to choose Palin puts the state on "center stage nationally, and our governor is using this opportunity to present the reality of Alaska with all its benefits to the nation."

Hickel said that any time Palin needs help, he'll be there.