Could Sarah Palin run for AZ governor?

This article is from three years ago but worth repeating:

From Biz Journals.

Sarah Palin’s apparent purchase of a home in North Scottsdale has fueled plenty of speculation she will run for president in 2012 and base her campaign out of Arizona. Palin’s also going on bus tour that is almost certain to include a stop in New Hampshire (an early presidential primary battleground). There’s also talk that Palin could come to Arizona and run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Jon Kyl.

But Arizona political commentator Anna Johnson has come up with a third option: Palin running for Arizona governor in 2014.

Johnson’s idea has some merit save for the fact Palin would have to live in the state for five years before being able to run. But Palin may be looking for a way to stay relevant nationally while not running for the White House next year.

The main quandary for Palin is whether she’s willing to give up an estimated $20 million a year in pay she gets for books, Fox News analysis, speaking gigs and other appearances, and whether she can win a run for the White House this go around.

Palin has big negatives not only for Democrats, but also some in the Republican Party. There’s a crowded Republican primary field, and right now Obama has a decent enough chance at reelection as long as the economy doesn’t stumble again and voters remember the Pakistan raid that got Osama bin Laden.

Palin would be formidable in a Senate race here in Arizona, and it could show voters a more serious public policy side of her rather than the conservative celebrity side she showcases now.

Palin could want to keep her celebrity status, and set herself up for a 2016 presidential run if Obama wins in 2012 and is then term-limited.

Palin could use an Arizona base also take over from Gov. Jan Brewer as a chief conservative needler of Obama on immigration, Medicaid and mandates. That would keep her in the spotlight -- which is good for Sarah Palin “Inc.” and a 2016 White House run.

Of course, if she really wanted the highest-profile job in the state, she could ask Joe Arpaio if he’s running for sheriff again.

I don't think she will.  Too much baggage and it would give credence to the comment that she told John McCain she didn't want to return to Alaska.