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Exposure Gives Palin A Lift Toward Higher Office

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The Washington Post

Published: November 5, 2008

WASHINGTON - Even in losing his presidential bid, John McCain bequeathed an invaluable gift to his running mate, Sarah Palin: the national prominence that could allow her to compete for the GOP's nomination in 2012.

While the Alaska governor has avoided speculating on a future presidential bid in recent interviews, she has made it clear that she intends to remain an important player within the party. And the national following she has developed among the conservative faithful in the past few months provides her with the sort of political and fundraising base that could support a run.

If Palin does seek the White House, her campaign would be far different from McCain's. The senator from Arizona launched his presidential bid in 2007 with the aim of establishing a more inclusive, enduring Republican majority for the 21st century that would include Latinos, conservative Democrats and independents. Palin, by contrast, has sketched out a far more conservative vision for the GOP, one of American exceptionalism in which free-market capitalism and traditional social values remain paramount.

The contest to become the GOP presidential nominee will begin almost immediately, but it starts without anything resembling a clear front-runner. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who spent vast sums of his own money on this year's primary contest, appears poised to run again. And Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty may be eyeing bids.

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