Palin's political career

Sarah Palin in May 2011, at fundraiser at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colo — AP Photo/Ed Andrieski

Speculation over whether or not former Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin will seek the 2012 GOP presidential nomination has been swirling practically since the end of the 2008 campaign. And while Palin has repeatedly declined to make public her intentions, recent signs suggest she's seriously considering a bid: the former Alaska governor recently announced an East Coast bus tour; authorized a feature-length film about her rise; has added staff to her team, and said she has "that fire in the belly" for a run.

As Palin readies for a possible campaign, CBSNews.com takes a look back at her political career.

Palin speaks at a Tea Party rally held by Americans for Prosperity at the Wisconsin State Capitol on April 16, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Palin also supported Wis. Gov. Scott Walker's controversial anti-union bill, which would scale back most public workers' collective bargaining rights.

Palin at the Western Wall tunnels on March 20, 2011 in Jerusalem, Israel. During her private visit to Israel, Palin met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and toured holy sites.

Palin is seen on a screen while speaking at the Long Island Association's annual meeting February 17, 2011 in Woodbury, New York. Palin discussed issues including the economy, health care, oil drilling and her possible presidential aspirations.

Palin arrives to speak during the Reagan 100 Opening Reception and Dinner in honor of what would have been the 40th president's 100th birthday hosted by the Young Americans Foundation at the Reagan Ranch Center on February 4, 2011 in Santa Barbara, California.

Musician Ted Nugent (left) laughs with Palin and her husband Todd (right) during a rally for Republican Senate candidate John Raese on October 30, 2010 in Charleston, West Virginia. Raese lost the race to Democrat Joe Manchin, who was then West Virginia's governor.

Palin stumped for Joe Miller, left, who lost the closely contested Senate seat in Alaska to incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who mounted a successful write-in campaign after losing to Miller in the Republican primary. Palin spoke at the rally held in downtown Anchorage Alaska at the Dena'ina Center on Oct. 28, 2010.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio (left) and Palin, with her son Trig, listen to the National Anthem during a rally for the Tea Party Express national tour October 22, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Palin, flanked by former RNC chairman Michael Steele, waves at the Republican National Committee Final 2010 Victory fundraising rally October 23, 2010 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Palin at Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally in Washington, Aug. 28, 2010. CBS News estimated that the rally drew crowds of about 90,000 people.

Palin, left, speaks as Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer looks on at a news conference about border security in Phoenix on Saturday, May 15, 2010. Brewer and Palin blamed President Barack Obama for the state law cracking down on illegal immigration, saying the measure is Arizona's attempt to enforce immigration laws because the federal government won't do it.

Michele Bachmann, Sarah Palin — AP Photo/Jim Mone, File

Palin, left, waves to a rally crowd in Minneapolis with Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, right, on April 7, 2010. Bachmann is also considering a presidential bid.

McCain is joined on stage by Palin at his re-election campaign rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, Ariz., March 26, 2010.

John McCain holds the hand of Palin, his vice presidential running mate, after hugging her as he concedes defeat during his election night rally on November 4, 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Palin enjoys a dance with her daughter Piper at the end of a presidential campaign rally on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008 in Tampa, Fla.

Palin speaks to CBS News' Katie Couric in a now-infamous interview on Sept. 29, 2008.

Palin is joined by McCain at the end of her speech at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Sept. 3, 2008.

Former Republican presidential candidate Arizona Sen. John McCain gives the thumbs up before leaving the stage with Palin and her family, left to right, her daughter Piper, Levi Johnston, daughter Bristol, son Track, husband Todd carrying baby Trig and daughter Willow, after Palin's speech at the Republican National Convention in St Paul, Minn., on Sept. 3, 2008.

Palin and her husband Todd wave as the former Alaska governor is introduced as the vice presidential running mate for presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, Aug. 29, 2008, in Dayton, Ohio.