Sarah Palin Won't Run in 2012

And the speculation can, finally, be put to rest.

Sarah Palin announced Wednesday that she will not run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012.

In a letter to supporters obtained by ABC News, the former Alaska governor said that she made her decision based on "a review of what common sense Conservatives and Independents have accomplished, especially over the last year," and because she believes she can be more effective in her bid "to help elect other true public servants to office" by staying out of the White House race.

Politico notes that she also delivered the news to conservative radio talk show host Mark Levin on Wednesday evening. "Not being a candidate, you are unshackled and able to be even more active,” she said on Levin's show. "I look forward to using all the tools at my disposal to get the right people in there who have a servant’s heart."

She made a similar promise in her letter, vowing that she will "help coordinate strategies to assist in replacing the President, re-taking the Senate, and maintaining the House."

As the New York Times puts in, Palin's decision "ends the one remaining question about the 2012 Republican field of candidates."

Here's the full letter (via ABC News):

October 5, 2011
Wasilla, Alaska

After much prayer and serious consideration, I have decided that I will not be seeking the 2012 GOP nomination for President of the United States. As always, my family comes first and obviously Todd and I put great consideration into family life before making this decision. When we serve, we devote ourselves to God, family and country. My decision maintains this order.

My decision is based upon a review of what common sense Conservatives and Independents have accomplished, especially over the last year. I believe that at this time I can be more effective in a decisive role to help elect other true public servants to office – from the nation’s governors to Congressional seats and the Presidency. We need to continue to actively and aggressively help those who will stop the “fundamental transformation” of our nation and instead seek the restoration of our greatness, our goodness and our constitutional republic based on the rule of law.

From the bottom of my heart I thank those who have supported me and defended my record throughout the years, and encouraged me to run for President. Know that by working together we can bring this country back – and as I’ve always said, one doesn’t need a title to help do it. 

I will continue driving the discussion for freedom and free markets, including in the race for President where our candidates must embrace immediate action toward energy independence through domestic resource developments of conventional energy sources, along with renewables. We must reduce tax burdens and onerous regulations that kill American industry, and our candidates must always push to minimize government to strengthen the economy and allow the private sector to create jobs. 

Those will be our priorities so Americans can be confident that a smaller, smarter government that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people can better serve this most exceptional nation. 

In the coming weeks I will help coordinate strategies to assist in replacing the President, re-taking the Senate, and maintaining the House.

Thank you again for all your support. Let’s unite to restore this country! 

God bless America.

– Sarah Palin