Via ThinkProgress, it seems that Sarah Palin doesn't recognize the importance of some forms of research.

Richard Feynman's The Meaning of It All: Thoughts of a Citizen-Scientist springs to mind in an odd sort of way; while Feynman spoke of the need for scientists to be guided by the conscience of a larger society it seems that politicians should also be implicitly doing the same while being better informed. The quick dismissal of research on the fruit fly demonstrates a distinct lack of knowledge when it comes to science: fruit flies are one of the cornerstones of biological research.

There is epic danger when people in the public eye belittle research without being knowledgeable on the topic. Funding pulled from projects on the say so of the ignorant public can work to the detriment of society... and in the realm of politics, one has to wonder how much social responsibility is sacrificed for votes.