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6 Oct 2011

Sarah Palin will not run for US president

Sarah Palin will not seek the Republican US presidential nomination in 2012, ending months of speculation and leaving the Republican field largely settled.

Sarah Palin will not seek the Republican US presidential nomination in 2012, ending months of speculation and leaving the Republican field largely settled (Reuters)

Sarah Palin has been one of the most familiar and controversial figures of American politics since 2008 when she was the vice-presidential candidate for the Republican Party.

Now the 47-year old has ruled herself out of the presidential race after months of uncertainty: “After much prayer and serious consideration, I have decided that I will not be seeking the 2012 GOP nomination for president of the United States,” she said in a letter.

Her decision leaves Republican voters to choose from a field that is led by former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, Texas Governor Rick Perry, and businessman Herman Cain, and includes a host of others.

Her announcement came a day after New Jersey Governor Chris Christie opted against running.

Cinderella’s not going to the ball, so Republican voters are going to have to settle for one of her ugly sisters. Mark McKinnon, campaign adviser

“Cinderella’s not going to the ball, so Republican voters are going to have to settle for one of her ugly sisters,” said Mark McKinnon, a former campaign adviser to Republicans George W. Bush and John McCain.

While most Republicans opposed a presidential bid by Palin, she still has a passionate core following of conservatives and her endorsement would be beneficial.

Perry, a top conservative candidate, quickly issued a statement that could be construed as a bid for her support.

Read more: Will age of civility in American politics change the Presidential campaign?

“Sarah Palin is a good friend, a great American and a true patriot. I respect her decision and know she will continue to be a strong voice for conservative values and needed change in Washington,” Perry said.

Experts did not believe Palin’s supporters would necessarily gravitate toward any one candidate.

“In most polls she was down to single digits. My experience is when you’re down to single digits, you split off a per cent to this one and 1 or 2 per cent to that one. It just doesn’t transform the race at all,” said Larry Sabato, a University of Virginia political science professor.

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