by Heather Skold
h.skold@krdo.com
http://twitter.com/HeatherSkold13
COLORADO SPRINGS - Whether you love her or hate her, Sarah Palin's making a big splash this week with the release of her new book, "Going Rogue".
But long before it hit bookshelves, a local man was leading the way to "part the waters" for an even bigger return in 2012. Colorado Springs resident David Kelly has been at the fore-front since its genesis, one week after the 2008 election - all of it starting with a phone call from a friend.
"He said, 'Dave, let's start a draft Sarah campaign,' and I'm like, 'okay!'" recounts Kelly, the now co-founder and treasurer for the Sarah Palin Draft Committee 2012.
The grassroots group - registered with the federal elections committee - now boasts 5,000 newsletter subscribers. Its pins, bumper stickers, and posters are all funded by contributions: nearly $10,000 to date.
"We're strictly volunteers. No one gets a paycheck, and we want to keep it that way."
Volunteers cover nearly every state in the union. Kelly attributes it to Sarah's uncensored spirit.
"She's real, she's tangible, I think on camera, off camera she's the same person. And I think it scares the heck outta those who oppose her."
But, there's one catch: Palin hasn't made her intentions clear about a presidential bid.
"That certainly isn't on my radar screen right now, but when you consider some of the ordinary turning into extraordinary events that have happened in my life I am not one to predict what will happen in a few years," said Palin in an exclusive interview with ABC's Barbara Walters.
So can you find any hints in the memoir? Near the book's close, Palin urges people to "stand now. Stand together. Stand for what is right." Later on writing, "I don't know if this chapter is ending or just beginning."
It leaves a lot of wiggle room.
Still, Kelly's confident.
"I would have to say, if I was a gambling man - which I am - she will announce. I think her focus now, as she has said, she needs to focus on 2010 and the elections."
And then what? If Palin doesn't make a move by early 2011, the committee would itself have to do a status check.
"Even if she does step down, I would never feel it was a waste."
A recent ABC News, Washington Post poll shows 61-percent of Republicans believe she's qualified to be president. Of the general population, though, only 38-percent believe she is qualified.
Kelly admits, she needs an edge.
"I believe that which she truly needs to work on would be some of her international experience."
"Going Rogue" certainly takes aim at the aides of former running-mate John Mccain, accusing them of silencing her - to which she was compliant.
So what makes this supporter confident Palin would stand against other nations - Iran, North Korea - on matters of national defense?
"Sarah would be the kind of president that would always be nation first, and give 'em hell."
Sarah Palin will be in Colorado Springs for a book signing December 8th at the Borders Bookstore inside the Chapel Hills Mall.
