JUNEAU -- Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she doesn't think Sarah Palin has the leadership qualities to be president, nor the "intellectual curiosity" needed to make good policy.

Murkowski also told Katie Couric of the "CBS Evening News" that she doesn't think Palin enjoyed governing.

An e-mail sent Monday from The Associated Press to Palin's media team wasn't immediately returned.

Palin, a former vice presidential nominee, resigned midway through her first term as Alaska's governor last year. She's seen as a potential 2012 presidential contender, though Murkowski has said she wouldn't support a Palin run.

Despite their differences, Murkowski she says she's still Palin's senator and will "work hard to represent her, too."

Murkowski is seeking to defeat Palin-backed candidate Joe Miller in the still-undecided Alaska Senate race. Murkowski ran as a write-in candidate after losing the primary to Miller.