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LATROBE (KDKA) ― An early morning crowd gathered in a chilly Latrobe hangar to greet Governor Sarah Palin and her family -- but not before a fellow Rpublican and conservative from Aliquippa -- Coach Mike Ditka -- endorsed her publicly.

"Sarah Palin epitomizes all the good things -- all the good values -- of this country," Ditka said.

During an exclusive one-on-one interview, KDKA Political Editor Jon Delano asked Palin what the Ditka endorsement meant.

"I was so honored -- da coach. Those of us who have grown up watching him throughout his career -- and he being such an inspiring character, a man of good character, it means a lot to me. I love it," Palin told Jon.

The 44-year-old Alaskan has campaigned a lot in this region -- Washington, PA, Beaver, Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and now Latrobe.

"Can you compare western Pennsylvania to Alaska?," Jon asked Palin.

'Absolutely and Mike Ditka and I were talking about this -- and I was talking about this with Tom Ridge on the bus, too -- how unpretentious and this representation that is here of just hard-working American families, not asking much from government, except for government being on their side -- cherishing constitutional rights, being out there huntin' and fishin' and lovin' the great outdoors, being inspired by the clean environment they live in here just like in Alaska, so many similarities. I love it."

During her speech, Palin made a direct pitch to Pennsylvania Democrats, invoking the name of the late Governor Bob Casey.

"With your help and the help of the good Casey Democrats here in Pennsylvania, too, that's the spirit that John McCain and I will be able to bring to Washington," Palin told the crowd.

Afterwards, Jon Delano talked to her about the Casey family.

"His son -- Senator Bob Casey -- was the first statewide official to endorse Barack Obama," Delano reminded her.

"And that's okay, too, that's okay," she responded.

"What do you mean by Casey Democrats?"

"Democrats who are not going to put obsessive partisanship in the way of just progressing this country and electing someone who will do what is right for this country," she noted.

Palin sees these Democrats as willing to support Republicans on the issues -- especially abortion.

"Respecting innocent life -- that's one thing Governor Casey and I would have had in common."

For better or worse, Palin knows she's become an iconic political figure. Jon Delano asked her about people dressing up on Halloween as Sarah Palin.

"How does that make you feel?"

"That's kinda bizarre, kinda bizarre. . . and you know what I am for Halloween? Tina Fey," she told Jon.

Despite the good humor, Palin turns serious when I asked her what she wants voters here to keep in mind as they vote on Tuesday.

"John McCain and I, what we represent is that maverick independent spirit that will not let the self-dealing and excessive partisanship get in the way of what's right for the people of Pennsylvania."

With some controversy about her role in the campaign, she deflected the chance to criticize others.

"Are there things as you look back that you wish had been done differently in terms of your own role in the campaign?" Jon Delano asked her.

"Not necessarily," Palin replied. "I just wish there were more hours in every day so that we could get out to more great communities like Latrobe."

Time is running out in this presidential race -- so Palin made her closing argument.

"We're the only candidates with a track record that proves reform. We've not just been talking the talk. John mccain and I have both walked the walk. We're committed to putting government back on the side of the people of Pennsylvania."

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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