Well then President Bush waived that for then Senator Obama, because he got Secret Service protection LONG before he was the Democratic nominee for president. Look it up!
NBC News May 3, 2007 - WASHINGTON — The Secret Service said Thursday that Sen. Barack Obama was being placed under their protection, the earliest ever for a presidential candidate.
Secret Service spokesman Eric Zahren said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff authorized Obama’s protection after consultations with the congressional advisory committee.
If and when Palin actually announces her candidacy, she’ll be offered protection. Not like she can’t afford a bodyguard...