It's not often that Alaska's elections become big national stories, but with Gov. Sarah Palin up for re-election in 2010, a lot of eyes are likely to be on the state. That is, assuming the star of the show even decides to show up.
Politico's Andy Barr reports that "Republicans and Democrats across Alaska are quietly lining up to run for governor amid growing speculation that Palin will not seek reelection in 2010." None of them have yet filed the necessary paperwork, but Palin hasn't either, and Barr's sources believe that's a sign she will ultimately decide not to run again.
If Palin does decide to forego another term, it almost certainly wouldn't be a sign she's getting out of politics. Actually, it's the opposite -- as Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty recently demonstrated, if you're up for reelection in 2010 but thinking about running for president in 2012, it's smart politics to give up on 2010 and focus all your energy on the biggest prize of all.
Shares