The answer isn't as simple as you might think. Many factors are in play, apparently. Because if you're a one term senator (and nothing else) and have pretty hair and a D after your name, it's not that important.
Michael's point in spot on. The Democrats didn't seem to mind when fluffy pony boy was running for the #2 position. I don't remember there being a ton of arguments from the Lenin left-side of the isle back in 2004. Hell, I'm willing to bet a lot of the same people crying that Palin doesn't have any experience (since you can ignore being governor of Alaska - it's a shit hole anyway) probably still have Kerry / Edwards sticker residue on their cars.