From Sean Cockerham in Anchorage –
Sarah Palin announced she’s not running for president today on the Mark Levin show.
The conservative radio host read a letter from Palin and spoke to her about the decision.
Palin told Levin “the consideration of what a candidacy does to or for a family” weighed in her decision.
“I believe not being a candidate you’re really ur unshackled and you’re allow to be even more active,” Palin said, saying she expected to be active in trying to defeat President Obama and in Congressional and gubernatorial races.
Palin's letter said she wouldn't seek the 2012 Republican nomination, prompting Levin to asked if she'd consider running as a third party candidate.
Palin said she wouldn't do that.
"I would assume a third party would just guarantee Obama's re-election," Palin said.
Levin started off his interview by reading the letter from Palin:
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
Meanwhile, Palin's political action committee, SarahPAC, posted this video to YouTube, saying "“You don’t need an office or a title to make a difference."
Important warning about e-mails purporting to be from the adn.com staff.
