A group of prominent conservatives plan to meet for discussing the way forward – irrespective of whether the Republican presidential ticket wins or loses the election – and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will be high on the agenda. The group will meet next Wednesday in rural Virginia to weigh social, foreign policy and economic issues, as well as the political landscape and the next presidential election.

To many conservatives Palin’s future remains bright whatever the outcome on November 4. If McCain wins, she will give the social conservative movement a seat inside the White House. If he loses, she could emerge as a potential presidential candidate in 2012, though needing to address her considerable political damage.

Veteran Congress watcher and a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, Norman Ornstein, said Palin’s star could rise within the GOP even if she returned to Alaska to resume her duties as governor. Ornstein added: “Give her three years to bone up on the issues with a steady stream of experts trekking up to Alaska, and three years of giving speeches all over the country and she might well emerge as the frontrunner.”

The presidential campaign has allowed Palin to develop as a candidate, and to make many useful connections. On the campaign, she has become close to people with extensive experience in Republican politics, including the two foreign policy conservatives, Steve Biegun and Randy Scheunemann.

She has received extensive policy tutorials and been briefed on foreign policy. Aides say that Palin is well aware of the political job in front of her. One aide said she had “gotten on the offensive,” pushing to include more policy in her speeches. “It’s important for her personally, for how she’s perceived, to ensure that she gets to show her depth.”