"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 came one day 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.
Until recently, the Republican race appeared to be shaping up as primarily a contest between former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and Texas Governor Rick Perry. The latest polls out on the primary; however, show former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain finding a surge in support and the Perry's numbers on the decline.
Perry released a statement on Palin's decision on Wednesday. He said, "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."
As for what's next for Palin, the former governor said on Wednesday, "In the coming weeks I will help coordinate strategies to assist in replacing the president, re-taking the Senate, and maintaining the House."
Below, full text of the statement released by Palin on her decision.
October 5, 2011
Wasilla, Alaska
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. 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.
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. We need to continue to actively and aggressively help those who will stop the “fundamental transformation” of our nation and instead seek the restoration of our greatness, our goodness and our constitutional republic based on the rule of law.
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.
I will continue driving the discussion for freedom and free markets, including in the race for President where our candidates must embrace immediate action toward energy independence through domestic resource developments of conventional energy sources, along with renewables. We must reduce tax burdens and onerous regulations that kill American industry, and our candidates must always push to minimize government to strengthen the economy and allow the private sector to create jobs.
Those will be our priorities so Americans can be confident that a smaller, smarter government that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people can better serve this most exceptional nation.
In the coming weeks I will help coordinate strategies to assist in replacing the President, re-taking the Senate, and maintaining the House.
Thank you again for all your support. Let’s unite to restore this country!
God bless America.
– Sarah Palin
