Sarah Palin, the former Alaska Governor and 2008 running mate of John McCain, is now considering running for president herself in 2012.

Palin, 46, told the press this week that she was having a discussion about running with her family and her decision would rest, she said, on what qualities she would bring to the race.

As am unofficial leader of the Tea Party movement Palin endorsed more than 80 candidates in the 2010 elections and 50 of them won. Palin also raised more than $10 million for Republican candidates and the party.

Her political action committee reportedly raised $2.5 million between January 1 and September 30 and contributed $190,500 to candidates and Republican political committees.