Palin Gives Conservatives A Little Something To Nibble On

Jillian Bandes | January 07, 2010 5:38 PM

She's announced her appearance at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, the second-most important get-together before the national convention in 2012. SRLC is shaping up to be a referendum on the 2012 GOP presidential field, just as things start heating up for the primary. From the

Governor's statement:

I’m looking forward to addressing conservative activists from across the south at the 2010 Southern Republican Leadership Conference. This is a great opportunity to listen and speak to those who are helping to set the direction of our party.

SRLC Director Charlie Davis said Palin "will be a huge draw for conservative activists from across the country." Ben Smith calls it "the first real chance to gauge the interest in her candidacy among the core of Republican activists and operatives." I call it an encouraging move from a leader who has real potential to change the direction of the Republican party.

Palin's appearance at SRLC comes right after her keynote address at the National Tea Party Convention Feb. 4-6. Palin is skipping the Conservative Political Action Conference.