WASHINGTON -- There’s little doubt now that the eventual Republican presidential nominee will come from the current field of contenders.
After months of leaving her fans guessing, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Wednesday she will not run in 2012.
He announcement came one day after New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he will not run. Republican insiders say the field is set, with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry the apparent frontrunners.
The former Alaska governor says she won't run for president in 2012, but will work for the election of like-minded Republican candidates.Palin said in a statement to her supporters that she and her husband Todd “devote ourselves to God, family and country.” She said her decision maintains that order.
She also thanked her supporters in the tea party movement, people she called “Americans who are independent and patriotic and know our republic is worth defending.”
Palin, who was plucked from relative obscurity in 2008 when Sen. John McCain named her as his running mate, said she plans to still play a role in national politics. She said she expects to be active in trying to defeat President Barack Obama and support like-minded candidates running for Congress and in races for governor across the country.
“I believe not being a candidate, you’re really unshackled and you’re allowed to be even more active,” Palin said.
Her decision raised the question of how intensely she plans to be involved in the race and whether she intends to endorse a candidate or simply be a commentator, cheerleader or critic.
She told conservative radio host Mark Levin that she would not consider a third-party candidacy because it would assure Obama’s re-election.
Palin’s announcement Wednesday was much anticipated but not greatly surprising. Her popularity had fallen in polls lately, even though she remained a darling to many hard-core conservatives. Some Republicans felt she waited and teased too long about a presidential candidacy. Some remained perplexed by her decision to quit as governor with more than a year left in her term.
Meanwhile, party insiders see Romney and Perry as the strongest contenders. Because of Perry’s stumbles in recent debates, Romney has vaulted back into a lead in some presidential preference polls. But the polls also show voters are still open-minded about a candidate.
Libertarian-leaning Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, a Pittsburgh native who graduated from Gettysburg College, continues to draw a devoted following. Former pizza company executive Herman Cain has gained in recent polls.
Others in the race are former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who was born in Harrisburg and grew up in Hummelstown, and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman.
Time is running out for someone new to make an impact. South Carolina plans to hold its first-in-the-South primary Jan. 21, meaning Iowa and New Hampshire are likely to hold their contests earlier in January.
Because Palin’s star had faded, it’s not clear that her decision will have a big impact on the Republican race.
Some analysts said Palin might have drawn significant conservative support, especially in Iowa. If so, she might have split that constituency with Perry, Cain, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and others, possibly giving Romney a chance to win the caucus with a relatively modest plurality.
Others felt Perry benefits from Palin’s decision because it helps him portray himself as the best-known conservative alternative to Romney.
Republican adviser Matt Mackowiak said Romney benefits from Christie’s decision, and Perry benefits from Palin’s, so it’s “a wash.”
Palin fans expressed frustration and disbelief on conservatives4palin.com, a supporter Web site.
Palin repeatedly stoked speculation about a presidential bid, in part by visiting Iowa, home of the leadoff nominating caucuses, seven times since leaving the governorship in 2009.
Last month, she gave a campaign-themed speech at a tea party rally that drew thousands to a town south of Des Moines.
“I’ve said all along she’s a force in her own right,” said Des Moines Republican Becky Beach, who became a friend and part of Palin’s small circle as her key planning contact in Iowa. “In this capacity, however it takes shape, she’ll be someone who has an impact on the 2012 election.”