Palin the Party's Powerbase?

Steve Kornacki over at the NY Observer put together a piece on Governor Palin and her future as a potential Presidential candidate in 2012. It's an interesting look at the "divide" amongst Republicans, (he quotes the lastest Rasmussen poll stating that Republicans prefer a conservative candidate, over a moderate one,) and that her popularity is still sky-high, (as demostrated by her recent attendance at the Alfalfa Dinner in DC).

I guess I would rather pose the question, is it about issues or is it because people like Palin? I like like her hometown, no-nonsense feel, don't others? Is it the Hockey Mom-turned-Alaska Governor's determination and star feel that draw folks to her? Or is it about more?