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Palin resignation ignites 2012 speculation
Rachel D'Oro - Associated Press Writer - 7/4/2009 6:50:00 AM

WASILLA, Alaska - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's surprise announcement on Friday that she's stepping down from the post at the end of this month has set off a storm of speculation about her next political move.

Supporters and critics alike say the former GOP vice presidential candidate's resignation as governor is an inexplicable move for a high profile Republican widely seen as a contender for a White House run in 2012.

Palin's abrupt announcement rattled the Republican Party but left open the possibility of a presidential run. She and her staff are keeping mum on her future plans.

Palin's spokesman, David Murrow, said the governor didn't say anything to him about this being her "political finale."

"She's looking forward to serving the public outside the governor's chair," he said.

And Pam Pryor, a spokeswoman for Palin's political action committee, said the group continues to accept donations on its Web site, which saw an uptick in contributions Friday afternoon.

The announcement caught even current and former Palin advisers by surprise. Former members of Sen. John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign team, now dispersed across the country, traded perplexed e-mails and phone calls about the vice presidential nominee's decision to step down.

In a hastily arranged news conference at her home in Wasilla, a suburb of Anchorage, Palin said she had decided against running for re-election as Alaska's governor, and believed it was best to leave office even though she had 1.5 years left to her term. Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will take her place.

"Many just accept that lame duck status, and they hit that road," Palin said. "They draw a paycheck. They kind of milk it. And I'm not going to put Alaskans through that."

Meghan Stapleton, Palin's personal spokeswoman, shot down speculation that ranged wildly from Palin dropping out of politics altogether to eyeing runs against fellow Alaska Republicans Rep. Don Young and Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Palin's comment about serving outside government refers to the present, she said.

Stapleton, however, said it's too early to say whether Palin would seek the presidency. In the meantime, the governor will continue to work to bring "positive change as a citizen without a title right now," she said.

"Her vision is what's best for Alaska, which translates into what's best for America," Stapleton said.

At the news conference, Palin alluded to how she could help change the country and help military members - an indication that she didn't think her time on the national stage was over.

Palin's decision not to seek re-election is a familiar one for those considering a presidential campaign. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney chose not to seek another term as he geared up for an unsuccessful 2008 presidential bid. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has announced he won't seek another term, giving him plenty of free time ahead of a potential 2012 bid. But Romney completed his term and Pawlenty plans to finish his.

Palin, 45, also has the potential to make far more money in the private sector than the $125,000 or so she has been making as governor. She already had a deal with publisher HarperCollins to produce her memoirs, with publication planned for next spring. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Six-figure book deals are common for high-profile political figures.

Pro-family leader, Gary Bauer, says he's not surprised that some liberal commentators are describing Palin's sudden resignation as political suicide. He says the liberals are gloating believing they have kocked off another conservative leader.

But Bauer says while the Left's attacks against Palin have been savage enough to drive almost anyone from office, he doesn't believe she is running from a fight. According to Bauer, the resignation frees Palin up to campaign in the lower 48 states, build a top notch political organization and improve her issue development work. " In six months," Bauer says, " we will know whether the gamble worked, but I for one am hoping it does."

Another possible GOP contender for the White House in 2012, Mitt Romney, issued a statement Friday wishing Palin and her family well. He said "I know she will continue to be a strong voice in the Republican Party."