Sarah Palin jumped right in and took sides in the intraparty squabble going on in NY23, bucking the GOP establishment and endorsing conservative candidate Doug Hoffman. This fits with what we know about Palin's style, the brand image she wants to promote, and her willingness to take political risks.

Meanwhile, Tim Pawlenty was also asked whether he would make an endorsement in the race. He responded:

"I haven't been following that," Pawlenty said of the contest. "I haven't studied the race at all. It's not that I would or wouldn't [endorse Scozzafava], I just don't know anything about it."

Can't get much more cautious and non-committal than that. If that is any indication of Pawlenty's style and the kind of approach he takes to the 2012 GOP primary, I'm not sure how inspiring he'll be to the base of the Republican party, especially in a crowded field that will probably include Palin, Huckabee, and Romney, among others.