Palin's staff fights presidential run talk

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's team responded to speculation she will make a run for president, saying such comments mislead the American people.

Reports in recent days indicated the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee might announce her intentions for the 2012 race Sept. 3 during a Tea Party movement rally in Iowa, where she is a scheduled speaker, The Washington Post reported.

Political analyst Karl Rove, senior adviser to former President George W. Bush, also predicted Sunday on Fox News Palin will run. Palin is a commentator for the network.

A statement on the Web site for SarahPAC, Palin's political action committee, said such speculation was incorrect.

"Any professional pundit claiming to have 'inside information' regarding Governor Palin's personal decision is not only wrong but their comments are specifically intended to mislead the American public," the statement read. "These are the same tired establishment political games that fuel the 24-hour news cycle and that all Americans will hopefully reject in 2012, and this is more of the 'politics-as-usual' that Sarah Palin has fought against throughout her career."

While media haven't reported Palin has made up her mind or that a decision would be announced on Sept. 3, a series of teasers from SarahPAC, including a visit to Iowa before the Ames Straw Poll, fed increased discussions about her plans.

If she chooses to enter the Republican presidential sweepstakes, Palin would need a national finance committee, a focused message and experienced staff members in the early caucus and primary states, GOP strategist Scott Reed told the Post.

"Sarah Palin is zero for three," Reed said.