Sarah Palin Announces That She Won't Be Running For President

She won't admit it publicly, but I'm sure that enough people in her inner circle told her that wouldn't stand a chance against Barack Obama. Funny too how she waited till the day after Chris Christie announced he wasn't running either to announce this:

Sarah Palin will not run for president in the next election cycle, according to multiple reports.


"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," said Palin in a statement on her decision." As always, my family comes first and obviously Todd and I put great consideration into family life before making this decision. When we serve, we devote ourselves to God, family and country. My decision maintains this order."


During a radio interview on the "Mark Levin Show" after the news broke, Palin was asked if she's considering running for president as an independent candidate. In response to the question she said, "I would assume that a third party would just guarantee Obama's reelection, and that's the last thing the Republican party can afford. So the consideration for a third party is not there, no."


News of Palin's decision comes after months of speculation swirling around Palin's political ambitions. The former governor made headlines by embarking on a bus tour of the eastern United States in May. More recently, she captured attention with an appearance in Iowa that coincided with the Ames Straw Poll -- a table-setter for next year's Iowa caucuses.


"My decision is based upon a review of what common sense conservatives and independents have accomplished, especially over the last year," Palin explained. "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."


The former governor added, "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." On the "Mark Levin Show" she elaborated, "Not being a candidate really you're unshackled and you're allowed to be even more active."


The announcement from Palin comes just days after New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signaled that he will not pursue the Republican presidential nomination in 2012. Despite recent buzz on the possibility a contender could make a late entry into the race, the GOP primary field appears to be solidifying.