Handwriting on the Wall: Palin's pen on an earmark

From the Washington Independent: Palin scribbles on a congressional earmark, griping that "This does not include our nearly one million dollars from the feds for our airport paving project." Can someone explain to me how someone campaigns for "shrinking the federal government" when they come from a state where they still receive billions in federal aid -- while enjoying a multi-billion dollar state budget surplus and mailing thousands to each citizen every year?



P.S.> I realize Alaska's booms are cyclical. But when they're enjoying windfall profits (and other states are struggling: see NJ, NM, etc.), shouldn't they take their hand out of the kitty?