Republicans divided on Palin's future

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- While some conservatives say Sarah Palin has harmed John McCain's shot at being U.S. president others say the vice presidential nominee has a future in the GOP.

CNN reported Wednesday that if McCain loses the presidential election next week and Democrats gain seats in Congress, Palin will be in the middle of a post-election party squabble.

"A civil war that is simmering will break out into the open if McCain loses, and the party will have to decide what they want to be in the post-Reagan world," said Gloria Borger, a senior political analyst for CNN.

Still, others say Palin could already be on her way to running for president in 2012.

Richard Viguerie, a prominent cultural conservative and chairman of conservativehq.com, said he hopes Palin remains on the national stage.

"I hope and expect that she stays involved nationally, and she can play pretty much whatever role she wants to. She's got momentum now, and I'd be surprised if she didn't play a leadership role in the party," he said.

David Frum, a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, told CNN Palin's chances in a general election matchup could be slim.

"She has a very intense following among core Republicans, but at the same time, non-core Republicans have reached a very negative verdict," he said.