WASILLA, ALASKA (BNO NEWS) -- Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on Wednesday evening announced she will not run for the White House during the upcoming presidential elections. It ends years of speculation.
Palin, who was U.S. Senator John McCain's vice presidential nominee during the 2008 presidential elections, announced her decision in a letter sent to supporters. "After much prayer and serious consideration, I have decided that I will not be seeking the 2012 GOP (Republican) nomination for President of the United States," she said.
The former governor said she believes she can be more effective in a 'decisive role' to help elect others into office, including the White House. "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," she said.
She added: "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."
Palin said she will continue to drive discussion for freedom and free markets, including in the race for the presidency. "In the coming weeks I will help coordinate strategies to assist in replacing the President, re-taking the Senate, and maintaining the House," she said.
The former governor had been the focus of intense rumors for years about whether or not she would participate in the 2012 presidential elections. Late last year, Palin told the New York Times that she was seriously considering a run for the presidency.
She said: "I'm engaged in the internal deliberations candidly, and having that discussion with my family, because my family is the most important consideration here." Asked by ABC's Barbara Walters, Palin said she believed she would be able to beat incumbent president Barack Obama.
In the most recent Gallup polls about the 2012 Republican presidential candidate, Palin saw significant declines in the Positive Intensity Scores since late August. On Tuesday she had a score of 13, compared to Herman Cain's 30.
The U.S. presidential elections are scheduled to be held on November 6, 2012. Obama is running for re-election and is expected to face strong opposition from the Republican party, which has numerous major candidates including Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, U.S. Representative Ron Paul of Texas, and others.