Palin to Speak to at Long Island Association in February

In this July 2, 2010 file photo provided by the Discovery Communications, Sarah Palin sitting next her husband Todd's boat in Dillingham, Alaska as part of a documentary for the TLC channel. "Sarah Palin's Alaska" concluded Sunday with the final episode of the eight-part documentary series showing the former governor and her family having assorted adventures in their home state. (AP Photo/Discovery Communications, Gilles Mingasson, file)

Former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will speak at a gathering of a New York business group next month and has agreed to answer questions during a one-hour interview with the head of the organization.

The Long Island Association has previously welcomed former presidents and other national leaders to speak at its meetings, which are usually attended by about 1,000 business leaders.

“Nobody can deny that she has had an impact on the debate over public policy,” Kevin Law, the group’s president, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “Let’s see what she has to say.”

Bill Clinton was the most recent speaker at an association event last fall. Former President George W. Bush and his father made a joint appearance before the group, as well. Other speakers have included Rudy Giuliani, Colin Powell, Newt Gingrich and Alan Greenspan.

Law said Palin has agreed to a one-hour interview with him onstage at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, N.Y. Law said he did not believe there were any restrictions on what questions he can ask.

“I expect numerous people won’t be pleased, but I am never going to make all the people happy,” said Law, an attorney who previously headed the Long Island Power Authority.

A Palin aide confirmed that the former Alaska governor will appear at the event.

Law declined to say how much Palin would be paid for her appearance.

This will be the former Alaska governor’s second trip to Long Island since running with John McCain in 2008.

She spoke at a fundraiser for an organization that assists people with developmental disabilities at an appearance in June 2009. Her son Trig has Down syndrome.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.