Sarah Palin praised Republicans at a fundraising dinner in a liberal-leaning Oregon town for having the boldness to invite her to speak.
The former governor of Alaska and vice presidential candidate was the headliner in Eugene Friday night for the Lane County Republican Party's Lincoln Day dinner.
She spoke as about 150 demonstrators gathered peacefully outside the fundraiser.
Palin said she read a story by The Associated Press on Friday that described Eugene as a crunchy granola town that reliably votes Democratic and loves organic food.
Palin told the crowd that she loves granola and organic food, as well as her Nike running shoes. Nike's founder developed the famous running shoes in Eugene.
She also exhorted local Republicans to run for office to take the country back from Democrats.
Copyright 2010 AP News
