Signs Mount That Palin Will Run

It's official. Sarah Palin has purchased a home in Arizona, the Wall Street Journal reports. And that's boosting expectations that she's inching closer to announcing a race for the presidency, notes AP. The conservative state—where daughter Bristol also bought a house—could serve as a strong base for a campaign, observers believe. The walled and gated 8,000-square foot North Scottsdale property on 4.4 acres features a home theater, billiard room, walk-in wine room, pool, several fireplaces, and a six-car garage. The $1.7 million purchase comes just as aides have announced a new film that will tout Palin's strengths to be released next month in Iowa.

Supporters there are already setting up a campaign-in-waiting for the Iowa caucuses in hopes Palin will announce plans to go after the nation's top job. The former vice-presidential candidate has recently hired two extra aides to help plan events, indicating that she may be preparing to travel extensively again. Palin hasn't yet given a clear indication of her plans, though she did mention recently on Fox News that she has the "fire in the belly" needed for a presidential run and that "no one's more qualified" to be president than a mom. "I don't know where Sarah's mind is, I don't think anyone knows that," said Meg Stapleton, who has served as Palin's spokeswoman. "I think at this point in time, it's only within her heart and her mind and she's keeping it that way." (More Sarah Palin stories.)