Sarah Palin arrived home for the last time on a McCain campaign airplane but refused to respond to supporters' calls that she make her own bid for the presidency in four years' time.

The defeated Republican vice-presidential nominee arrived back with her husband Todd in chilly Alaska after John McCain's victory party that never was in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dozens of supporters were on hand to cheer her home and encourage the self-described "pitbull in lipstick" to run for the top job next time around. "Two thousand twelve," they chanted as she descended from her aircraft at Anchorage airport. "We are so proud of you," one sign read.

Asked by supporters if she might indeed consider a tilt at the White House in 2012, Ms Palin said: "We'll see what happens then."

The picture could become much clearer in the next few days, however, as the final votes are counted in one of two still undecided contests for the US Senate. The result could force Ms Palin to reveal her hand earlier than she might otherwise have chosen.

Ted Stevens, the Alaska Senator, is clinging to a lead of around 3,300 votes in his battle against Mark Begich, the Democratic mayor Anchorage. There are 50,000 votes still to be counted, mostly absentee and postal ballots, and it could take ten days to get a result if it goes down to the wire.

Mr Stevens, 84, is the longest-serving Republican senator in history and officially the highest-ranking senator. But he was found guilty barely a week ago on seven federal felony charges for failing to properly report gifts worth more than $250,000.

Curiously, the senator's poll ratings climbed after that conviction, which he is challenging on grounds of "prosecutorial misconduct". If he sees off Mr Begich, he would then become the first convicted felon to win election to the Senate.

His future in the Senate would then depend on the success of his appeal, and although there is little precedent, few expect him to remain a senator if his felony conviction is upheld.

That's where Sarah Palin comes back in. Although she conspicuously cut him loose after his court case, appealing to him to withdraw his candidacy, Ms Palin could be the beneficiary if Stevens either resigns his Senate seat or is expelled.

Under Alaska law, Ms Palin, as Governor, would have to call a special election to choose his successor- and the pundits say she could well decide to stand herself. After all, she already has the wardrobe, and the lipstick. And, as Barack Obama can attest, what better place is there from which to mount a presidential bid than the Senate?

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