Why do SOME people want someone who resembles their own experience to be in power?

I know that it's not always an either/or proposition, but we've got folks who're taking a liking to Palin, and ergo McCain by ociation, JUST BECAUSE she is "small town." I myself am smarter than most people, but I'm not the smartest guy in the world, and I'd rather have a smarter person who DOES NOT resemble me in power than a dunderhead who "resembles" me.