Palin absent from hot gubernatorial races

TRENTON, N.J., Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Two Republicans locked in competitive gubernatorial races so far haven't taken former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's offer to stump for them, their campaigns said.

With voters set to go to the polls next month, neither New Jersey's Chris Christie nor Virginia's Bob McDonnell penciled Palin in to appear on their behalf, Politico reported Friday.

Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee who both appealed to and polarized voters during the last election, "offered her assistance with both races," Palin adviser Meg Stapleton said. "The ball is in their court."

"With 26 days left until the election, we do not anticipate Governor Palin campaigning in Virginia at this point," McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin said Thursday. "She has donated to our campaign, and we appreciate her support of Bob McDonnell ... ."

"No," Christie spokeswoman Maria Comella said when Politico asked whether Palin was invited to speak. Comella said Christie said he wants to focus on New Jersey issues and Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine.

However, Texas Gov. Rick Perry's campaign told Politico Palin was scheduled to visit the Lone Star state next year during Perry's primary race for governor against Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.