Meet the woman who beat Sarah Palin in a beauty pageant

Washington, Sept 18 : Former Miss Alaska Maryline Blackburn has revealed she knows what it's like to run against Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

In 1984, Palin was in the running for a different title - Miss Alaska. Palin competed under her maiden name, Sarah Heath.

However, Blackburn beat her for the title in a pageant she remembers as being very competitive.

"My first impression was, 'Oh my God, she's gorgeous, she'll probably be the one who wins,' " People quoted Blackburn, as saying.

"She had this look about her, this look in her eyes that tells you she's calculating, figuring out, 'how am I going to win this competition? There was a determination there," she added.

Palin later wrote Blackburn a warm note on the back of a group photograph: "I do love you. You're more admired than even you know. And please keep God Number One. He's got great things for you, baby. Love, Sarah Heath," she stated.

Blackburn hasn't spoken to Palin in the years since.

As for the forthcoming election, "I am in the Obama camp," she said.

ANI