In this Feb. 4, 2011 file photo, former Republican vice Presidential candidate and Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin speaks at the Reagan Ranch Center in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has formally announced that she will not run for the 2012 GOP nomination for President of the United States.
In a statement to her supporters first read on the Mark Levin Show Palin explains, “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.”
Palin stated that she will continue to help stop the “fundamental transformation” of the nation and push for energy independence, free markets and the reduction of taxes and government regulations.
“From the bottom of my heart I thank those who have supported me and defended my record throughout the years, and encouraged me to run for President. Know that by working together we can bring this country back – and as I’ve always said, one doesn’t need a title to help do it,” she added.
When Palin visited Long Island in February, she told Long Island Association President Kevin Law, “I am still thinking about it. I certainly haven’t made up my mind,” in regards to a presidential run. She also said that “the economy is going to be top of the ticket in terms of issues to campaign on.”
“No one can deny the enormous impact that you have had on national politics and policies in just the last two years,” Law told her and attendees at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
Palin’s announcement comes one day after New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced that he would not run, stating that “now is not my time.”
A favorite among Tea Party Supporters, Palin first burst onto the national stage as Senator John McCain’s running mate for the 2008 Presidential election. After the election, she took on reality television with “Sarah Palin’s Alaska” on TLC and wrote a bestselling book “Going Rogue: An American Life.”
