Conservative Post-Election Planning Paints Palin With Central Role

Jonathan Martin at Politco reports that conservatives will meet after the election to plot strategy. There's the usual stuff about how it's Bush's fault that the GOP is suffering as he betrayed core principles, but there is nothing in there about conservatives reassessing their principles or even grappling with voters' reaction to them.

The juiciest tidbits are about Sarah Palin, though:

Either way, Sarah Palin will be a central part of discussion.

If the Arizona senator wins, the discussion will feature much talk of, "How do we work with this administration?" said the attendee, an acknowledgement that conservatives won't always have a reliable ally in the Oval Office.

Under this scenario, Palin would be seen as their conduit to power. “She would be the conservative in the White House,” is how the source put it.

Should McCain lose next Tuesday, the conversation will include who to groom as the next generation of conservative leaders – a list that will feature Palin at or near the top.