Palin speech set for evening

John McCain's Nevada staff is still working out the details for Gov. Sarah Palin's Saturday visit to Carson City, but a spokesman said calls for tickets are overwhelming the Web site set up to RSVP for the event.

Palin, tapped by McCain as his vice presidential nominee, will address Carson City residents at the Pony Express Pavilion on Saturday evening.

McCain Nevada Director Rick Gorka said she's coming to Nevada because it's one of the states both campaigns regard as key to victory.

"Quite simply, it's a battleground state," he said. "And her being a Western governor, a fiscal conservative, by any measure you want to use, I think she plays very well here."

"We're expecting a pretty good crowd," Gorka said.

He said the e-mail address for area residents to ask to attend "has been flooded with all the excitement around her." He said anyone who can't get through will just have to keep trying.

Roger Moellendorf of Carson City Parks and Recreation said depending on how it's set up, the Pavilion can hold anywhere from 2,000 to 3,500, "if it's standing-room only."

"It gets reduced by how many chairs you set up."

Gorka said Palin would speak sometime between 6-7 p.m. The exact start time is still being worked on and depends on her schedule when the plane lands at Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Gorka said the speech itself will probably last 20-30 minutes. Following a rally, Palin is scheduled to head off to her next destination.

Rep. Dean Heller, R-Nev., is also scheduled to speak at the rally. He is seeking his second term in office.

Palin became the first woman governor of Alaska in 2006. She is the first woman on a Republican presidential ticket.

To RSVP, e-mail PalinNevada@gmail.com or call (702) 425-2299.