Palin's Not Running

Just tweeted by Mark Levin: “BREAKING: GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN TELLS MARK LEVIN SHE IS NOT RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IN 2012.”

Concurrently, ABC prints the letter that Palin sent to her supporters:

October 5, 2011
Wasilla, Alaska
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.

More as it comes in. Or in this case, doesn’t.

Even before Palin’s announcement, Jonathan S. Tobin wrote at Commentary that it’s “Romney’s Race to Lose.” What do you think?

On Twitter, a few people have noted that in the above excerpt, Palin wrote that she’s not seeking the Republican nomination, leaving the door open to a third party run — but Allahpundit writes, “Apparently she told Levin that she’s ruled out a third-party bid as well.”

(Cross-posted at Ed Driscoll.com)