Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin said Saturday that a brokered Republican convention would not hurt Republicans in the long, arguing that the ongoing debate over the 2012 nominee would leave the party in a better position, overall.
Speaking at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, the former Alaska governor echoed her similar sentiment, noting that Republicans should let the process play out before deciding on the Republican presidential nominee.
“People who start screaming that a brokered convention is the worst thing that could happen to the G.O.P., they have an agenda,” said Ms. Palin. “They have their own personal or political reasons, their own candidate who they would like to see protected away from a brokered convention.”
“That’s part of competition, part of the process and it may happen,” Ms. Palin added.
The former Republican vice presidential nominee has repeatedly called on Republican to focus on supporting a candidate with conservative credentials. Ms. Palin has not offered her official endorsement of any one candidate, however, her husband, Todd Palin, has endorsed former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Asked Saturday whether she will eventually endorse a candidate, Ms. Palin offered little hint.
“Not today,” Ms. Palin said.
Ms. Palin’s comment comes as Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, has sought to increase his lead in the Republican presidential contest. The Massachusetts Republican is widely seen as the front-runner for the Republican nomination, however, a string of recent victories by former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Rick Santorum have left some questioning whether Mr. Romney will capture the necessary support ahead of the 2012 convention.
