Fortunately, should Begich not win the upcoming election against Stevens, Palin is prohibited by Alaskan law from naming herself to the office. The man she defeated for the spot as governor, Frank Murkoski ensured that. I wasn’t living here so don’t know all the details, but Murkoski started with a bit of an edge, he was already Senator, but ran and won election as Alaska’s governor. He then turned right around and appointed his daughter Lisa to the then vacant spot as Senator. A big furor arose and to cut to the end of the story, a law was enacted that basically says any such vacancy must now be filled by an election, no appointment. Of course, Alaskans being Alaskans, they returned Lisa to the spot as Senator when the next election rolled around. So, bottom line, Sarah can’t appoint herself as Senator.