But the Peters Township mother had another reason to stand with her sister, Sharon Jacobs of Greer, S.C., and the dozens of others who waited overnight for a chance to see Palin. Gerwing wanted to thank Palin for the note she sent after Gerwing was diagnosed with breast cancer. The note said in part, "Todd and I want you to know our prayers are with you. We send you and all your family our love and encouragement. God bless."

With the note tucked inside the book, Gerwing showed it to Palin.

"She took a minute with me after seeing the card," Gerwing said. "I thanked her, and she asked how I was doing and how the baby was."

"It was quick, but she was very nice and sincere," said Gerwing, who gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Leah, in August. Gerwing said her most recent test results have also been positive.

"I am trying to educate myself and learn more about her," Jacobs said as she stood in line waiting to go inside the store.

But after the time Palin spent with her, Gerwing is convinced her sister is a Palin convert.

Palin's three-hour stop Saturday was part of a book-signing tour to promote "Going Rogue." She spent Friday in Ohio and was headed for Rochester, N.Y., after her South Strabane stop for another signing then to Roanoke, Va. The parking lot adjacent to the discount club was full, and other drivers jockeyed for spots in the other lots. Many of the vehicles had bumper stickers touting Palin.

Addie Witt of Seven Springs made the trek to Washington County after standing in line for four hours and missing out on a chance to be one of 500 to have her book autographed by Palin during a signing in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday. She got into Washington, where Palin was to sign books for 1,000 people, about 11 p.m. Friday.

"I am an extreme Palin fan," said the sophomore pharmacy major at Otterbein University. "She is a very classy woman in touch with the American lifestyle."

Witt, who is taking final exams next week, said she plans to read the book during her semester and Christmas break.

Katie Cuervo and Devan Gisoni, both students at Peters Township High School, like Palin's message.

"I like her views and think she has the best interest of the country," said Gisoni, a 17-year-old senior.

Betsy Popovich of McMurray, who was with the girls and several other Peters students, said she was disappointed that the girls could not go in for the signing since they were not 18 years old and not members.

"These girls are interested in current events and keep up with what is going on," Popovich said. "They are going to be voters someday. Their interest shouldn't be discouraged."

Lou Raymond of South Strabane Township had one of the shorter trips to Sam's Club, getting in line about 7:30 a.m. and getting a wristband with the number 729 on it.

"It will be interesting to see what is detailed in there," Raymond said.

Amber Pavlek of Canonsburg read a few pages of the book as she stood in line overnight, keeping warm with a blanket and a new set of hand warmers.

She said she wasn't looking so hot after a night outdoors, but seeing Palin would be enough.

Nora Kelley of Elizabeth lucked out, getting wristband No. 1,000, which guaranteed her a chance of getting the two books she had just purchased signed by Palin. Kelley said she got to the store a little before 10 a.m. Saturday, went inside and bought the books before getting into line.

Amy Akers of Denbo and Jessica Welsh of Vestaburg were among the first to get through the line.

"We got here about 8 p.m. Friday, and it was so worth it," Akers said.

Ron Kropf of Mt. Lebanon, who spent much of the night in line with Akers and Welsh, said they all enjoyed the time spent waiting together.

"We all exchanged e-mail addresses so we could keep in touch," Kropf said.

Township police reported no problems with the crowd, including those who spent the night.