She’s got ties to Rove from way back, and I’m convinced she was bribed by the GOPe to get in as a way to try to keep Palin out. (Until her entry they were publicly complaining that Palin would have too much of an advantage simply by being the only woman in the primary.)
She was looking for national recognition from her supposed presidential bid—never expecting to really compete for the nomination.
Incorrect. She got in the race to thwart Pawlenty. Remember, it was her victory at the Iowa straw poll that sent moderate-Tim packing. Palin had zero interest getting involved; that was confirmed when she stepped down from being governor.
That's the sad reality of 2008 - if McCain had not picked her as his V.P. candidate, Palin could have quietly grown for another 4 years. She could have come into the GOP primary with 6 years as governor with superior credentials on energy and reform issues, and would have been able to bludgeon Obama about ObamaCare. Would have had President Palin. Sigh . . .