For proof that one man can alter the course of history — and simultaneously drive Saturday Night Live's ratings — look no further than Manteca and Frank Aquila, president of the South San Joaquin Republicans.

Aquila was one of the earliest voices calling for the selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as John McCain's vice presidential running mate.

In late April, long before Palin became a household name and the target of late-night comedians, Aquila began sending e-mails to McCain's campaign, espousing her appeal to women and the party's disaffected socially conservative base.

Aquila says he spotted Palin's name on an early poll of veep possibilities and was impressed at her relatively high name ID given her lack of name recognition outside Alaska.

"I saw her as someone who could bring people who were not excited about John McCain, especially women," Aquila said. "Palin had a fresh face. She is someone who has the energy to bring out the younger voters and people who might not have had interest in the ticket otherwise."

It's unclear how much influence, if any, those e-mails had on McCain's decision.

But it's not outside the realm of possibility.

Aquila and McCain know each other — they served in the Navy together.

And a California McCain campaign official confirmed that Aquila's e-mails were forwarded to the GOP nominee's advisers.

Various accounts reported that the Arizona senator initially preferred a more conventional, male running mate until his advisers convinced him of Palin's merits.

"I'm not sure what impact the e-mails had on (McCain's) actual decision, but all of Frank's e-mails were forwarded on to the appropriate regional people in the state," said McCain campaign staffer Brian Forrest.