Palin fuels White House bid rumours

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has hired a long-time Republican political strategist as chief of staff of her political action committee, fuelling fresh speculation about her possible intent to run for president in 2012.

The hiring of Michael Glassner was confirmed by Palin aide Rebecca Mansour and SarahPAC Treasurer Tim Crawford.

Mrs Palin has only said she is considering a presidential run.

Mr Glassner managed Republican vice presidential operations in 2008, when Mrs Palin was Senator John McCain’s running mate.

Mr Glassner also served as the long-time senior adviser to former US Senator Bob Dole, the 1996 Republican presidential candidate.