Sarah Palin says she will not run for president

WASHINGTON – Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Wednesday she will not run for president, leaving little doubt that the eventual Republican nominee will come from the current field of contenders.

After months of leaving her supporters guessing, Palin said in a statement that she and her husband, Todd, “devote ourselves to God, family and country.” She said her decision maintains that order.

Palin sent the statement to supporters. She told conservative radio host Mark Levin that she would not consider a third-party candidacy because it would assure President Barack Obama’s re-election.

Palin’s announcement Wednesday was much anticipated, but not greatly surprising. Her popularity had plummeted in polls lately, even though she remained a darling to many hard core conservatives. Some Republicans felt she waited and teased too long about a presidential candidacy. Some remained perplexed by her decision to quit her job as governor with more than a year left in her single term.