Contact: Peggy Birchfield, National Clergy Council, 202-546-8329, ext 103, 202-236-0953 mobile

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 /Christian Newswire/ --  Washington, DC-based National Clergy Council president, the Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK) met and talked with Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin and her husband Todd on the day she was announced as John McCain's running mate. The Evangelical minister has also been interviewed twice by tonight's vice-presidential debate moderator Gwen Ifill. The two experiences leave him concerned.

Mr. Schenck said, "Gwen Ifill is professional, measured and congenial, but she's also biased, and that likely includes against Sarah Palin. I expect she'll try whatever she can to avoid the charge of being unfair but it will leak out in the interview. Governor Palin must be ready for more than one surprise gotcha' question designed to throw her off or make her look ignorant. She'll throw some zingers at Senator Biden, too, but they'll be about things she knows he can likely handle well."

Mr. Schenck will travel from Washington to Western New York today to address a large pro-life fundraising dinner just before the scheduled debate.

"The pro-life event organizers have already warned me to end on time because everyone wants to watch this debate. Sarah Palin is the most pro-life candidate in the race. You can bet I'll be watching the clock."

Mr. Schenck will be available for comment throughout the day and immediately following the debate tonight and tomorrow morning.