We have an interesting race that has developed in the state of Georgia, where the Republican race for Governor is heading for a runoff, pitting Sarah Palin versus Newt Gingrich.

Of course, Palin and Gingrich aren't running against each other, but their candidates are.

Palin threw her sharp elbows into the Peach State by endorsing Karen Handel, who had the most votes in Tuesday's GOP primary for Governor.

In second place in the Georgia Republican primary was Gingrich's candidate, former Congressman Nathan Deal.  The runoff is just around the corner on August 10.

Rest assured, my colleagues in the political press corps in Washington, D.C. will be more than happy to make this into a battle that might be a preview of the 2012 Presidential race on the Republican side.

Palin v Gingrich.  Sarah versus Newt.  What more could you ask for than that?

Nothing against Handel or Deal, but the national press corps doesn't want to see them debate.

How about Gov. Palin against Speaker Gingrich?  Maybe at the 50 yard line in the Georgia Dome?  Or maybe at the stop light to get on Georgia 400?  Suggestions are welcome.

Palin did a robo-call for Handel before the primary.  Will the former Alaska Governor go down South before the August 10 runoff to do any events in person?  Or do you just stay off stage, and let Newt see if he can drag his candidate over the finish line?

Stay tuned on this one.  2012 is closer than you think.