Palin lookalike porn star milks Republican convention

This is Sarah Palin like you've never seen her before. Or not. Lisa Ann is a porn star, and has made it big impersonating America's would-be vice president since 2008.

From adult films to faux press conferences at strip clubs, her career has soared thanks to the Tea Party favorite, a notable absentee from the 2012 convention line-up set to crown Mitt Romney the Republican presidential nominee in Tampa, Florida.

"I don't think she's as thrilled with me as I am with her," Lisa Ann told AFP at The Dollhouse club, which is hoping for a big week as tens of thousands of Republicans descend on Tampa for the convention that runs through Thursday.

Lisa Ann, a 40-year-old certified dental assistant who alternates between residences in Los Angeles and New York, was included in CNBC's "Dirty Dozen," a 2011 list of the 12 most popular pornography stars.

"We live in a pretty recession-proof business," the chatty porn star told AFP. "I mean, it did definitely change things for a lot of people. But for myself, having the gift to play Sarah Palin during the crunch has been just incredible."

Thanks to the boost in business from the Republican convention, Tampa clubs say dancers can expect to double their take. Many will take home $1,000 a night and some will earn much, much more, depending on their clientele.

"Take a look in here. This is what we call our presidential suite. This one rents out for like $500 an hour," Skin strip club manager Eric "Ice" Terrell told AFP.

"As a Republican, we figured that's really not a problem with them because they're normally known to have a big cash flow."

Romney, a former Massachusetts and multi-millionaire businessman, will be formally anointed on Thursday as the Republican nominee to take on President Barack Obama in the November 6 election.

Palin was the unlikely star of the 2008 Republican convention. The then-Alaska governor, who h! ad served only two years, was plucked from relative obscurity and catapulted onto the national stage as John McCain's surprise running-mate.

After wowing delegates by introducing herself as just "an average hockey mom" in a well-received convention speech, she came unstuck on policy later in the campaign and was seen as contributing to McCain's election shellacking.

A divisive figure within the Republican Party, Palin retains a loyal and committed following, especially among the Tea Party conservative fringe, and can act as an important kingmaker in key congressional races.

Lisa Ann, who was well-spoken, poised and outspoken on politics -- she leans Democrat -- said she may even pursue a career in the footsteps of her alter ego.

"I wouldn't rule it out, but I don't know if I could play it as shady as some politicians do."