I think it’s the President who decides if candidates get early protection (I think it’s automatic when it’s obvious they’re the nominee) so I wouldn’t be surprised if she doesn’t.
Yes, I believe that is true, but I also think that a Member of Congress or some such can request it. Would be quite a story if he denied it to her!
I’ll bet a lot of Secret Service members are chomping at the bit to be on Palin’s detail.