As usual, Ake oversimplifies.   As I've indicated, the problem is the issues raised had nothing to do directly with governing Wasilla, but deep pockets from outside the area were willing to support her campaign since she was pushing their point of view.

That's different from the narrowly cynical view "that's politics".

She made statewide--or even nationalized--a political process which up to that time had dealt with more parochial issues--issues which were the legitimate concern of Wasilla citizens as being essential to governing the town. Your stand on abortion and homosexuality is not--or should not be-- a determining factor in whether you will be effective as a mayor.