The Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin hailed today's presidential election as "an historical event - no matter which ticket prevails", as she cast her ballot this morning.

The Alaska Governor, who has become a darling of the American Right since being chosen as John McCain's running mate in August, voted before sun-up in her hometown of Wasilla.

Afterwards she told reporters that she was hoping to wake up tomorrow as vice-president elect so she can get to work preparing for a McCain administration.

“Tomorrow, I hope, I believe, that I will be able to wake up as vice-president elect and be able to get to work, transition mode, with the president-elect John McCain,” she said, wrapped up against the early morning chill.

She added: "We have an optimistic and confident view of what is going to happen today. I recognise that this is an historical event, no matter which ticket prevails. It bodes so well for the progress that our great country is making. Barriers, of course, being removed. Glass ceilings being shattered, as a representation of both tickets will show."

Mr McCain, trailing in the polls, cast his vote in Arizona accompanies by his wife Cindy, but managed to dodge questions from TV crews and wating reporters.

Dressed in a suit and tie, the veteran senator ignored a flood of questions including “How did you sleep?” as he left the polling station in Phoenix.

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