Palin appears to have worn out GOP patience, but does she care?

After spending the better part of three years in the center of the national political spotlight, the former vice presidential candidate appears to have worn out the patience of the GOP.

Even as Republicans continue to cast about for new options, only a distinct minority are gazing longingly toward Wasilla - or wherever else Palin is in her secretive, largely apolitical travel schedule.

"She stirs up a lot of conservatives in the base, but I don't think conservatives are looking to her as a presidential nominee who can save the conservative movement," said Chuck Muth, the Nevada-based conservative activist. "What niche in the conservative movement does Sarah Palin fill that's not already filled by one of the other candidates?"

Writing at Frum Forum, Mytheos Holt wonders whether Palin's long-running tease has put her in an uncomfortable corner: She might be FORCED to run.

Palin's potential run for the presidency has been such a constant fixture of conservative media that it's hard to imagine what she could possibly do to silence the rumors that wouldn't come off as anticlimactic. A Chris Christie-style categorical denial would only anger Palin's fans and damage her brand among conservative talkers, who have long seen her as the anti-Obama figure who can sweep in from Alaska and bring back populist America-and-apple pie values.

Given the massive expectations that have been built up for Palin, just out and out declaring she won't run is sure to trigger some blowback, and deprive her of the one remaining weapon she has that allows her to stay relevant.

How much longer can Palin wait to announce? Until Oct. 28, say GOP legal types. That's the deadline for the filing fee in the New Hampshire primary. Politico reports a law firm linked to Palin has been making inquiries in various states about absolute final deadlines.

What about a third-party candidacy? It might be the kind of spectacle Palin would enjoy -- and it might keep her at the center of attention better than a traditional campaign would, reports Christian Heinze of GOP12.com and The Hill.

If she doesn't run, her voice will suddenly become marginalized as the media turn their focus toward the Republicans candidates who are running, and not Palin's Facebook notes. Yet there's one thing we know about Palin: She loves attention and isn't willing to relinquish it easily. ...

Palin doesn't claim loyalty to the GOP, and in fact loathes the party establishment. There'd be no greater blow she could strike to the GOP elite than to run as an independent and siphon off votes from the Republican nominee. Party bigwigs would either fawn over her, trying to coax her out of the race, or attack her mercilessly as they try to discredit her among conservative-minded voters. Either way, Palin would once again be the center of attention.