BREAKING: Palin Steps Down As AK Governor
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In an at-times rambling statement that lacked a clear explanation for her decision, AK Gov. Sarah Palin (R) announced this afternoon that she will step down from her job in three weeks.
Speaking from her lakefront home in Wasilla, Palin said she doesn't want to be a lame duck governor and that she can be more effective in another role. She also said the move has been "in the works" for some time and came after "much prayer and consideration."
"We know we can affect positive change outside government at this moment in time on another scale and actually make a difference," she said, emphasizing her distaste for the "bloodsport" of politics.
Palin, the GOP's vice presidential nominee in '08, was not expected to run for re-election at the end of her term, to turn her attention, many speculate, to the '12 presidential contest. But after just two-and-a-half years in office, with serious questions still percolating -- especially following the Vanity Fair article out this week -- about her knowledge of the issues and savvy, the wisdom of this decision will be hotly debated in political circles.
Is this a smart move, an effort to break free from the shackles of her state responsibilities to instead deepen her understanding of national issues and plant the seeds of a presidential bid? Or is this an inexplicable -- irresponsible even -- abdication of her duties to the people of Alaska?
"I know when it's time to pass the ball for victory," she said. " ... It is no more politics as usual."
She added, "It hurts to make this choice."
For the Republican base, Palin remains an exceedingly popular figure. But her increasing tabloid presence -- the battles with the young father of her grandson -- and her disjointed relationship with national GOP officials have kept her on the outside looking in to the party establishment. That might be a fine place from which to launch a WH bid, but parachuting into the final stages of an already functioning campaign, as she did last year, is quite different than building a bid from scratch, as she would have to do next cycle. So perhaps she's hoping to get less coverage in the shorterm if she steps down.
Think again.
And let's not forget the timing of the announcement, the eve of the nation's birthday.
Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell (R) will take over 7/26. The NBC affliate in AK is reporting that he said he'll serve out Palin's term and run for re-election.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
What the heck is JENNIFER SKALKA talking about? I'll accept a bit of "rambling"... but how could Palin be more clear.. definitely another liberal slant from Skalka. What else would anyone expect from MSNBC?
I quit.
I love Alaska.
I quit.
I prayed.
I quit.
Support the troops.
I quit.
F*** David Letterman
I quit.
Why'd I quit? I just told you why I quit.
We can not tell what the whole story is from reading this article.