From the ArcaMax Publishing, News & Features Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/newsheadlines/s-575356-326765
WASILLA, Alaska (UPI) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announced Friday she
will resign as governor by the end of July and will not seek a second
term in 2010.
Palin, Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain's vice presidential running
mate last year, said Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell would be sworn in as the
new governor July 25.
Speaking outside her home in Wasilla, Alaska, Palin said being a
"lame-duck" governor would have been the "easiest path" as she
approaches her final year in office.
"Once I decided not to run for re-election, I also felt that to
embrace the conventional 'lame-duck' status in this particular climate
would just be another dose of 'politics as usual,' something I
campaigned against and will always oppose," she said.
"People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more
important to me than our beloved Alaska," Palin said. "It is my duty
to always protect our great state."
She said she talked to her family and "determined that it is best to
make a difference this summer, and I am willing to change things."
Some considered Palin a possible front-runner for the Republican
nomination in 2012, and her resignation fueled speculation that she
might be planning a run for the presidency.
Palin did not take questions at Friday's news conference. She said the
new governor's administration would build on the accomplishments of
hers.
"I look forward to helping others -- to fight for our state and our
country and campaign for those who believe in smaller government, free
enterprise, strong national security, support for our troops and
energy independence," she said.