Palin denies new Ariz. home is for Senate run

PHOENIX - Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin said her new $1.7 million house in Scottsdale, Ariz., is just a getaway property and that she does not intend to make it a full-time residence.

Her recent purchase of the 8,000-sq.-ft., six-bedroom house prompted speculation that the 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate - who has been considering a run for the White House - might establish residency in Arizona to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Jon Kyl.

After arriving in Arizona on a flight from Philadelphia with daughter Piper, Palin was asked by CBS Affiliate KPHO if her intentions for the 4.4-acre property included a run for the Senate.

"That is not what my plan is here, no. I have not really considered that at all, but thanks for asking," said Palin. "You have great senators here, though."

Kyl's fellow Senator from Arizona is Palin's 2008 running-mate, John McCain.

CBS Affiliate KPHO correspondent Amanda Hernandez reports that Palin did not answer questions about a possible presidential bid, but did talk about her new house.

"We are very glad to be able to invest in some property here - not full-time residents, but it is nice to come thaw out here. It is wonderful," she said.

The Wall Street Journal reported the house was purchased through a limited-liability company that bought it for nearly $1.75 million from real estate investor Ian Whitmore, who had bought it from J.P. Morgan Chase Bank last year for about $800,000.

According to Palin, the walled and gated house (which also sports a pool, billiard room, home theater, wine cellar and "resort-style backyard," as described in the sales listing) will also be a getaway spot as she continues her "One Nation" bus tour.

"It is nice to take a break here and kind of regroup, and get back out on the trail and show people America's great historical sites," said Palin.