Thaindian News

Washington, Dec 7(ANI): Former U.S. Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s visit to Iowa, where she was greeted by hundreds of admirers, has fuelled speculation about a possible Presidential run against Barack Obama in 2012.

Iowa’s caucuses traditionally kick off the presidential nominating season, and Republican strategists see the stop in Palin’s national book-signing tour as a signal not to be missed.

“No politician comes to Iowa by accident. Every politician knows the implications when they set foot here,’ The Telegraph quoted Tim Albrecht, a Republican strategist, as saying.

Several supporters also described Palin as a down to earth person and someone they thought might lead the country in future.

“She’s a down to earth person who will fight against the Government. I can see her out there fishing with the guys. Plus, she’s hot,” said Stan Millage, a supporter from Sioux City.

While, another supporter, Grant Buldhaupt, said: “I think she’s one of the few individuals who can whip Congress into shape.”

Recent polls and political analysis had also suggested that Palin is still a political heavyweight.

According to the Des Moines Register’s Iowa poll, as many as 68 percent of Iowa Republicans view Palin favorably. She also ranked higher than former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who won 66 percent of Iowa Republicans’ approval.

Palin also beat out former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who is viewed favorably by 58 percent of the state’s GOP voters.

Her popularity numbers have also edged up in the national polls in recent months, to the point where they were nearly equal to Obama’s. It is believed that her recent book tour may have boosted her popularity. (ANI)