ANCHORAGE (AP)  Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin 's political action committee raised nearly $733,000 in its first five months, according to a report filed Monday with the Federal Election Commission. Receipts totaled $732,867.70 in the period between Jan. 1 and June 30, including contributions as high as $5,000 from some individuals. An estimated $200,000 more has poured into the SarahPAC committee since the former Republican vice presidential candidate announced July 3 that she will step down as governor July 26, said Meghan Stapleton, her personal spokeswoman. Stapleton said about $1.2 million has been raised between SarahPAC and a fund set up to help Palin pay more than $500,000 in legal debts stemming from multiple ethics complaints filed against her. "What this tells me is that there is an overwhelming level of grass-roots support for the governor, and that Americans see her as a powerful figure for promoting conservative values," Stapleton said. A flurry of contributions in the last two days of the reporting period followed an e-mailed plea to supporters. "It worked, and it's still working," SarahPAC treasurer Tim Crawford said. Palin, who is believed to be eyeing a 2012 run for the presidency, launched SarahPAC in late January, saying the goal was to help support candidates for federal and state office. Aides at the time said the committee would help political activities going forward for Palin, who gained instant fame when she was named as John McCain's running mate last year. SarahPAC reported spending more than $276,000 and said it had nearly $457,000 cash on hand. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more