WASILLA -- Over the last few weeks, Alaskan voters couldn't help but notice former Wasilla mayor Sarah Palin's visible role in U.S. Sen. Frank Murkowski's successful campaign for governor. She appeared in print ads, on television, and in person on behalf of Murkowski. At times it seemed Palin was more visible than Murkowski's running mate, Loren Leman.

Throughout the campaign, Murkowski refused to tell voters who he would appoint to the U.S. Senate once he became governor. Last spring, the Republican-led state Legislature changed state law to ensure that appointment couldn't be made during the administration of current governor Tony Knowles. Murkowski has repeatedly said he doesn't have a list of potential senators, leaving people on the sidelines to make up their own lists. Palin is inevitably mentioned.

Palin said Wednesday she believes Murkowski when he says he has not spent time thinking about the senatorial appointment, or any other of the appointments he will inevitably make as he organizes his administration. "I believe [Murkowski] when he says he has been focused on just this campaign," Palin said.

Although she was at Murkowski's campaign headquarters in Anchorage Wednesday, Palin said she hadn't yet been to any meetings at which Murkowski or his campaign staff talked about the business of appointing department commissioners or Alaska's next junior senator.

Murkowski aides have, however, asked Palin about herself, she said.

"The questions have been more of the 'what are you interested in' type of questions," she said.

So what is she interested in?

"Everything is up in the air still. I know that I don't necessarily want to retire, and with Todd's flexible schedule it allows me to serve in a couple of different capacities if they want me to," Palin said.

Palin's husband Todd works as a production operator for BP at the company's North Slope oil fields.

"That's the best thing that I have going for me is Todd's support, and his way of supporting me is to say 'Anything that's good for Alaska' -- Anyplace that I can serve that's good for Alaska he'll support me in that."

Murkowski said on television Tuesday night that Palin would be a welcome part of his administration. It would seem that Palin is waiting for a call and an interview. And although she won't say specifically what role she is interested in, she does seem to be considering the possibilities.

"Those appointments in the state administration are much more specific and focused than the multi-tasked responsibilities you have as mayor," she said.