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Fans of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin began lining up early Tuesday, hoping to score a ticket to Thursday’s campaign rally at Elon University.

The line stretched out the door and into the parking lot at McCain/Palin headquarters on Tinsley Road.

The Alaska governor will appear with country music star Hank Williams Jr. at Latham Park, Elon’s baseball stadium.

“All tickets are first-come, first-served,” said David Ruden, chairman of the High Point Republican Party. “I’ve had candidates call and ask if there was a separate line for them and I had to tell them, no — they get them when everybody else does!”

The line started early and cars lined the surrounding streets, clogging nearby parking lots. Ruden called the turnout a testament to Palin’s popularity — and a good sign for Republicans in North Carolina. While he wasn’t sure how many tickets would be available, he said everyone should be able to get one.

Perry Scott said he lined up early because Palin had excited him about the GOP ticket.

“She’s the only real conservative on the ticket,” said Scott, 49, of High Point. “She’s just what we need — she’s a fiscal conservative and pro-life in a way she is profoundly in her personal life.”

Ginger Canovai said that as a working mother she identifies with Palin.

“She’s a woman, a working mom and a real person,” said Canovai, 38, of Burlington. “I think that she knows what it’s like, and she represents me and my values.”

Clarsie Price, 66, said she’s considering coming to the rally from her home in West Jefferson because she’s impressed with Palin’s record and the strength she’s shown so far in the campaign.

“I think she’s shown us that she stands for what she believes in, and she’ll continue to do that,” Price said. “She has the strength to be a leader.”

Some in the crowd said they are surprised Palin will appear with Williams, who has built a reputation for drinking, drugs and wild behavior. He has been campaigning with McCain and Palin in Virginia and North Carolina.

“I thought it sounded strange, but I think it’s a good idea,” said Lee Richards, 60. “I think this is the South, and we love them both down here.”

Contact Joe Killian at 883-4422, ext. 228, or joe.killian@news-record.com