NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — Promising to “get this nation back on the right track,” Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin urged a raucous crowd of nearly 20,000 Hoosiers Friday to keep Indiana a Republican state.On a day when vendors were selling “Sarah the pitbull” buttons, Palin continued her role as attack dog, wasting no time in trying to tie Illinois Sen. Barack Obama to Acorn, a non-profit organization under scrutiny for possible voter registration fraud.Palin told the crowd the Association of Community Activists for Reform Now was being investigated in 13 states and alleged the Obama campaign gave a “front group” for the organization $800,000.She said not only had Obama represented the group as an attorney but also had been endorsed by Acorn and trained their staff in the past.“All of this would be a lot of baggage to drag into the Oval Office,” Palin said as the crowd booed Obama.She then called on Obama’s campaign to release all of its correspondence with Acorn.“These associations are important and they go to the heart of someone’s judgment and truthfulness,” Palin said. “Americans are entitled to answers before election day.”Jonathan Swain, Obama’s Indiana spokesman, said Palin’s references to Acorn were nothing more than a tactic trying to distract Hoosiers. Swain said allegations that the campaign had given money to a front group for Acorn were “baseless.”“We have not hired Acorn and to imply anything else is completely false,” Swain said.“She and John McCain are more interested in bringing up distractions and using this kind of innuendo than talking about what Hoosiers care about most — jobs, the economy, their retirement savings and moving this country in the right direction.”Palin’s first Indiana appearance came as McCain continued to trail in national polls and has been forced to defend traditionally Republican states in his run against Obama.Hoosiers have not voted Democratic in a presidential election since 1964. An Indianapolis Star poll in September showed Obama with a 3 percentage-point lead over McCain in Indiana.“This election is going to come down to the wire and it is going to be very close,” said Palin, wearing a bright purple jacket. “Here in Indiana, the home of the Indianapolis 500, you know something about close races and that’s why I’m here: To ask for your vote!”In making her case, Palin said McCain was more prepared to lead, would freeze Washington spending, deliver America true energy independence and improve the nation’s education system.Palin also stressed McCain would not raise taxes while Obama was out to do just the opposite while making government larger.“You have the choice between a politician who puts his faith in government and a leader who puts his faith in you,” she said.Each time Palin invoked Obama, the crowd erupted with a chorus of loud boos, but unlike at other rallies, no insults were shouted about the senator.When introducing Palin, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman did bring up controversial remarks Obama made earlier this year about rural Americans.“You know some say we cling to our religion and our guns,” Skillman said, “but we know it’s these very strong conservative values that have made Indiana and America great.”Despite two-hour long traffic snarls outside and lines just as long to get into the Noblesville venue, those who listened to Palin’s remarks said she did not disappoint.Judee Sweet, 72, Carmel, said Palin was “absolutely impressive” and would help ensure Indiana once again will vote Republican for president.“We Hoosiers know what we want, support what we want, vote for what we want, and we want Sarah Palin and John McCain,” said Sweet, wearing a home-made Moose hat in honor of the Alaska governor.“They’re saying we may be a purple state, but when all the wash water is thrown out, we’re a Republican state. Just look around!”The raucous crowd of Republicans was an unusual scene this time of year in a state that usually isn’t up for grabs in November.David Gross, 20, Lafayette, said Palin and McCain’s message will resonate with Hoosiers more than Obama’s — even though the Democrat has made 46 visits to the state compared to a combined three for Republican ticket.Gross, a student at Purdue, also said the concerns Palin raised about Acorn are crucial.“It’s really a very hazy subject right now,” he said. “It’s very important and we need some answers.”In the end, Palin spoke for 30 minutes on the Verizon stage, one usually reserved for rock stars. Afterward, she spent just as long shaking hands with supporters as country music played on the venue’s sound system.The last song to blare from the speakers as Palin walked off the stage: Shania Twain’s “She’s not just a pretty face.”