(Reuters) – Tea Party champion Sarah Palin, who has already ruled out a 2012 presidential run, on Monday attempted to dangle her name anew as a possible Republican candidate, although it’s probably too late.
In an interview to air on Fox Business Network’s “Follow the Money” program, the 2008 Republican nominee for vice president was asked whether she would still consider a run for the White House.
“It’s not too late for folks to jump in,” Palin said. “Who knows what will happen in the future.”
Palin, the former Alaskan governor, ended months of speculation when she said in October that she would not seek to unseat President Barack Obama.
John McCain’s vice presidential nominee and favorite of the conservative grassroots Tea Party movement has repeatedly toyed with the idea of running for president. She has even held bus tours and campaign-style rallies attended by a passionate group of supporters who have begged her to run.
The first nominating contest in the 2012 elections will be held on January 3 in Iowa.