Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the vice presidential nominee in 2008, said Wednesday she won't be running for the Republican presidential nomination this time around.
She made the announcement Wednesday on the Mark Levin radio show, telling the conservative talk show host that her family's wishes were the main factor in her decision.
"I am very thankful that included in a list of supporters in my life are my family members," Palin told Levin. "They do support this decision. They came first, the consideration of what a candidacy does to or for a family. That weighed heavily."
Her announcement comes a day after Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he, too, would resist the call to run for the GOP nomination. With the two potential late-entrants into the race officially out and filing deadlines approaching in early primary states, the Republican field is now set.
Palin thanked her supporters in the Tea Party movement, people she described to Levin as "Americans who are independent and patriotic and know our republic is worth defending."
She also said she felt she could have the most impact on the national debate by supporting like-minded candidates.
"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," she said in a letter sent to supporters of her political action committee, SarahPAC. "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."
Her former running mate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said on Twitter that he is "confident she'll continue to play an important role in our party and for our nation."
Palin ruled out any third-party bid, telling Levin she believes it would "guarantee Obama's nomination," something she said "the nation cannot afford."
Comments