By admin 
The bedroom community made famous during former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s 2008 vice presidential run took center stage on Monday in the national fight for control of Congress.
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President Donald Trump came to Wasilla to campaign for U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Republican facing a stiff challenge from former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat. The outcome could determine which party controls the U.S. Senate.
The venue for Trump’s campaign rally, which followed a similar rally last week in Fairbanks that was headlined by Vice President JD Vance, was the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center. The facility can hold up to 3,500 people.
For Wasilla, a city of 10,000 people located about 40 miles north of Anchorage, the presidential visit was a major event that spurred coordinated preparations.
The Wasilla Police Department and Alaska State Troopers cautioned residents and motorists about road closures and limited pedestrian access around the Menard Center, likely traffic delays around the city, heightened law-enforcement presence and other possible inconveniences.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe event,” the troopers said in a statement.
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As of midafternoon Monday, traffic was moving normally in Wasilla, despite the presidential visit.
Ticketed attendees were directed to park at the Church on the Rock, a large house of worship north of the Menard Center on the George Parks Highway, the main thoroughfare through Wasilla. The church served as a shuttle stop for attendees, though many wound up parking along the roads near the sports arena and walking to the rally.
Particularly happy with Trump’s visit was Republican gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson, who won the president’s endorsement on Tuesday.
“Thank you President President Donald J. Trump! I am incredibly honored to have your support and look forward to partnering with your Administration to bring lasting prosperity to Alaska! Alaska conservatives are united to win this race!” she said on her Facebook page.
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