Sarah Palin and Rep. Michele Bachmann have both publicly flirted with a 2012 run, but, as their fellow GOP hopefuls continue to sift in or out of the running, the two high-profile women have stayed mum on whether or not they are ready to commit.
Bachmann has proved an adept fundraiser already, particularly among small donors. And, in an apparent campaign move, she recorded robocalls for residents of Iowa and South Carolina, criticizing President Obama’s Middle East policy speech last week. The Tea Party favorite originally said she would announce her decision by June, but last week on Fox News, she suggested the outpouring of support she has seen on Facebook and through donations may spur her to move up that announcement. [Check out a roundup of political cartoons on the GOP 2012 primary candidates.]
Sarah Palin, another Tea Party darling, is also dangling hints of a potential run. She reportedly sent out 400,000 fundraising letters in early primary states, and may have even purchased a new home near Scottsdale, Ariz.—will this be her campaign headquarters? But Fox News and the Phoenix New Times suggested an Arizona headquarters may instead signal a Senate run to replace retiring Republican Sen. Jon Kyl.
The will-she-or-won’t-she games continue, but polls aren't especially friendly to either: In a Real Clear Politics average of polls, both would lose to Obama in the general election by nearly 20 points. [See a slide show of GOP 2012 contenders.]
What do you think? Will Palin or Bachmann run for the 2012 nomination? Take the poll and post your thoughts below.
Previously: Will Glenn Beck’s Israel rally hurt U.S. foreign policy?
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