OK, I'm gonna weigh in on this. I'm amazed at all the people who assume that something is illegal, just because they think it's "wrong." And then there are those who spout false statements because they know that once in print, other clueless people will believe it even if it's false. Three points:
* The guy that did the "break-in" is an idiot, he should be fully prosecuted for breaking the law.
* Using a personal email account for state business is not automatically wrong or illegal.
* Palin is popular in Alaska, and very much trusted and loved by those who know her closely. While she will run you over if you stand in her way, she tries hard to do the right thing. That's what excites those with the same political leanings--she works hard for what she believes. Doesn't everyone want a politician who at least tries to act according to what they say?
Mind you, these opinions were not pulled out of thin air:
* I grew up in Wasilla, AK, and the Palins are family friends (20 years)
* I have known politicians and the political scene in Alaska for many years, and I am familiar with the laws and politics of the state I live in now
* I am now the systems and communications manager for the largest state agency in another state, including an email system with thousands of employees accounts
* I am very familiar with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as well as multiple states' archival laws
* A governor's email with his/her aides is not necessarily public record and subject to archival/discovery rules. There is a specific test as to what constitutes "official business."