Virginia and NJ Republicans non-committal on Palin
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/07/04/art.palincampaigning0704.gi.jpg caption="Will closely-watched GOP campaigns in Virginia and New Jersey welcome Sarah Palin?"](CNN) - When Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announced Friday that she was resigning from office, Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele issued a statement saying that she "will be very helpful to the Party this year as we wage critical campaigns in Virginia and New Jersey."
But the Republican candidates for governor in those two states are being cagey on whether or not the polarizing Alaskan will be welcome on the campaign trail.
In Virginia, where Bob McDonnell is running in a tight race against Democrat Creigh Deeds, a spokeswoman for McDonnell's campaign would say only: "We have not held or announced any events with governor Palin." The campaign would not say if the 2008 vice presidential nominee had been invited.
But in February, McDonnell campaign manger Phil Cox told CNN that Palin had been offered an invitation to campaign for McDonnell. While Cox said nothing had been finalized, he added in that February conversation that Palin staffers "have indicated the governor wants to help."
Republican presidential nominee John McCain and Palin visited Virginia multiple times during last year's presidential race, but Democrat Barack Obama won the state by six points.
In New Jersey, a state Palin never visited during the 2008 campaign, Republican Chris Christie is hoping to unseat Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine. The Christie campaign issued a one-line statement on Monday when asked if Palin might stop by to help.
"There are no plans for Governor Palin to visit New Jersey at this time," said Christie campaign manager Bill Stepien.
Steele also said in his statement last week that he planned to speak with Palin "very soon." As of Monday afternoon, the two had not yet connected, according to an RNC official.
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She's a hypocritical, hot-air filled, attention-hungry, negligent governor who failed at even her current job. Let her fall into obscurity! She's campaign poison!
They all know she is completely nuts! What person in their right mind quits the one job that gives them the slightest credibility after 2 years!?! The woman is delusional!
things change.why would anyone want Palin to speak for them.
she cannot finish her first term of govenor and resign because she has a higher calling.why did she run for govenor in the first place.
If Palin comes here to NJ to stump for Christie, that'll pretty much ensure that he loses. NJ is not a very conservative state - Christie needs to get moderate support to win. By associating himself with Palin, he'll lose all moderates and probably many conservatives as well (NJ Republicans are nowhere near as socially conservative as Palin).
Christie's not going to invite Palin to New Joisey? What a surprise!
Palin only attracts the small right wing extremist groups to the party. Which alienates the normal thinking real republicans from the 21st century.
So it's either make alot of noise through the media with Palin, or get actual votes for a viable candidate.
Either way, it's going to be a waste of money since the concepts of the very conflicted and confused GOP, are no way in line with the 21st century American people. Putting lipstick on a pig never works.
this going to be better than watching the election.
There is an insurance company somewhere in Alaska that could use Sarah Palin's talents. I hope they find each other.
Go away. Pleeeeeeeze go away!!!
Were I a republican running for office, I'd dodge her like the swine flu. Republicans are going to have a hard enough time winning.
Repubs are living in a different ether than the majority of us. I mean their stream of consciousness is just sort of arrested. Simpleton is maybe too harsh a description, but its not far off.
With them substance seems to take a backseat to packaging. They don't seem to care how one thinks as long as the brand is Republican.
I actually hope Palin campaigns in Virginia for McDonnell. I think it would help to ensure a democratic victory for Deeds, given her performance during the presidential race and her polarizing politics.
The GOP will still be out of the loop and out of touch in 2010, and BO will manipulate/buy a second term in 2012. If he doesn't manage to change the rules and go for 3, or 4 or more, Palin will sweep the field in 2016!
BO is a sham but people like the arrogant, naive, narcissistic American idol.
Where are the republican stragists? New Jersey is a very blue state, bringing Palin there to campaign is the same as bringing George W Bush, whose approval ratings r near single digits. This stunt Palin just pulled on the people of Alaska won't play very well for her. I suggest u republicans think b4 u act or speak. Ur about to put The Quitter, Sarah Palin, next to your republican candidates to help them win or lose? I suggest u run some polls on Mrs Palin B4 u give an advantage 2 the opposing party.
Nomore sarah parlin we need obama for 2o12 agains