Palin's Hometown
Church Damaged by Arson

Alaska governor and former vice-presidential contender Sarah Palin's hometown church in Wasilla, Alaska, was badly burned in a case of arson on Friday night. No one was injured in the incident, but damage to the church was estimated at $1 million, the Associated Press reports.

The local fire chief told the AP that he was unaware of any recent threats to Wasilla Bible Church and refused to speculate on whether Palin's connection to the church was significant in any way. "It's hard to say at this point," the chief, James Steele, said. "Everything is just speculation. We have no information on intent or motive."

However, according to the AP, a spokesman said that Palin apologized for any role played in the crime by the "undeserved negative attention" the church has received since she rocketed into the national spotlight.

The evangelical church garnered attention from many quarters as a way to learn more about the then-Republican vice-presidential nominee. One source of concern was a Focus on the Family-sponsored "ex-gay" conference in Anchorage that the church promoted in a bulletin. (Advocate.com)