DES MOINES, Iowa Social conservatives in Iowa and New Hampshire already were reeling from scandals surrounding two Republicans thought to be considering White House runs when Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin shocked the party by announcing her resignation.

WASHINGTON One of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's potential presidential rivals said Sunday that her abrupt resignation won't help her dodge scrutiny. President George W. Bush's chief political adviser said her strategy is, at best, unclear.

WASHINGTON The official in line to be Alaska governor when Sarah Palin resigns this month says she talked to him about the toll that ethics investigations has taken on her.

WASHINGTON Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's abrupt and unscripted holiday resignation is an odd way to launch a potential presidential bid and no help for a party battered by scandal and fighting for relevancy.

WASHINGTON Sorry, Kobe.

WASHINGTON A potential White House contender in 2012 staked a claim Sunday to rehabilitating the Republican Party in the wake of extramarital affairs by two leading Republicans that have damaged the GOP's family-values image.

WASHINGTON Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour says he would be "very surprised" if he ended up running for president.