How exactly? Reagan didn't quit his job as governor early on. Just about anyone could support Republican candidates. Does that make anyone that supports Republican candidates(like McCain) "studied" in "Reagan's rise", and worthy of the presidency?
She is supporting Republicans as did Reagan. She is speaking everywhere and getting her own media time as did Reagan. In Alaska she got bogged down in defending endless frivolous lawsuits and it was becoming quite negative for her and for Alaska and would have bankrupted her finally (which makes the case for Loser Pays tort reform).