Sarah Palin makes it official, no presidential run in 2012

Sarah Palin announced on Wednesday that she will not seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential nominee made the announcement on conservative talk show host, Mark Levin's radio program. She also sent a letter to her supporters.

In her letter Palin writes, "My decision is based upon a review of what common sense conservatives and independents have accomplished, especially over the last year. I believe that at this time I can be more effective in a decisive role to help elect other true public servants to office - from the nation's governors to congressional seats and the presidency." 

Months of speculation have followed Sarah Palin as she traveled by bus on a speaking tour of the Northeast. She also gave speeches in Iowa.

Experts say they are not surprised by the decision. She did not assemble a national campaign organization, or a fundraising organization. She has often been a commentator on Fox News, and both Palin and Fox appear comfortable with the relationship.

Sarah Palin had several looming deadlines to make sure her name would be on early state ballots. In addition to the shrinking deadline, several states added to the pressure by moving their primaries up. This left Sarah Palin with very little choice. However, in retrospect, it is clear that she never intended to run.

In addition to running out of time, recent polls revealed that Republicans did not favor Sarah Palin as a presidential candidate. Those conservatives who might have supported Palin, have already started to turn towards other candidates such as Romney, Perry, and Cain.

Palin's announcement comes one day after New Jersey Governor Chris Christie also announced that he would not seek the Republican presidential nomination.

Palin also said during her interview, that she would not stage a third-party bid, as some of her supporters have suggested. She said that a third-party candidate would all but assure Obama's reelection.

It appears clear that the Republican field of primary candidates is now officially set. However, prominent and popular Republicans such as Palin and Christie may not be entirely out of the equation. After the primaries, the Republican nominee will have to choose a vice presidential running mate. There is a strong possibility that any of the prominent Republican personalities such as Palin and Christie could be tapped for that nomination.

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