Palin May Eye Senate Stop on Road to 2012

Republicans split on whether quitting mid-term is bold or boneheaded

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin's surprise resignation has left Republicans as divided as ever over the woman from Wasilla, Politico reports. Critics within the party charge that leaving the governorship mid-term—and announcing the decision via an odd, rambling press conference—has destroyed her chances for 2012. "There is just no good way to say quitting has made her more qualified to run for higher office,” says one GOP pollster. More»

Kind comments follow critical Vanity Fair piece

(NEWSER) - Following a particularly stinging piece about her in Vanity Fair, the pendulum has swung again, and Sarah Palin seems to be winning back GOP support after months of ridicule. The feeling within the party is that “enough is enough,” writes Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post. “Sarah Palin will be a leader in this party," said RNC chair Michael Steele. "She has the ability to galvanize the base, and even folks outside the base.” More»

Dis-organization costs former frontrunner GOP's respect: Parker

(NEWSER) - The Republican base still goes wild for Sarah Palin, but within the GOP, "the air is a little nippy," writes Kathleen Parker in the Washington Post. The back-and-forth over this week's DC fundraiser was only the latest example of bad organization and dysfunctional behavior within the Alaska governor's office. "The tease is a risky business," Parker writes, and it's becoming clear that "seven months after the election, Palin still can't shoot straight." More»

GOP candidate aims for more conciliatory role in national politics

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin hopes to become a less divisive figure in national politics, assuming she’s not headed to Washington with John McCain, the vice-presidential nominee said after voting today in Alaska, CNN reports. “If there is a role in national politics, it won’t be so much partisan,” Palin said. “It would certainly be a uniter type of role.” More»

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin vows to battle political boys' clubs, but her mayoral record shows that girls' clubs can be useful too, the AP reports. While mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Palin accepted gifts from merchants—even thanking one for an "awesome" facial—and argued for rulings that favored her family. Other examples abound: A waiver eased the sale of her house, and tax breaks helped a snow machine shop she co-owned with her husband. More»