http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_palin_resigning

WASILLA, Alaska – Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Friday she is resigning from office at the end of the month, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in the 2012 race.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate made the surprise announcement from her home in suburban Wasilla on Friday morning. She said she would step down July 26 but didn't announce her plans.

"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," Palin said in a statement released by her office.

"It is my duty to always protect our great state. With that in mind, my family and I determined that it is best to make a difference this summer, and I am willing to change things, so that this administration, with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future, can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success," she said.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will be inaugurated at the governor's picnic in Fairbanks at the end of the month, Palin spokesman Dave Murrow said.

Palin was first elected in 2006 on a populist platform. But her popularity has waned as she waged in partisan politics following her return from the presidential campaign. Her term would have ended in 2010.

Is she the really unintelligent one? If so why would she get voted in? What does she have that other candidates cant offer? She seems to have too high hopes.

She has to spend more time preparing to get her ass kicked in 2012.

Also, that sound you hear is Mark Sanford sighing in relief.

This is another surprising move by Palin that is only going to exacerbate the perception that she is erratic.

Nothing says, "I'm responsible enough to be president" like backing out of your responsibilities.

This is good for Alaskans, since she has clearly lost any interest in governing for her constituents, but I don't see this as any kind of a genius campaign move for her next national run. Her decision not to run in the next state election was a smart move, though. Losing that election would torpedo her pesidential ambitions for good.

she found a job for a oil corporation, nobody is so stupid

That should end her political career once and for all...

Her approval rating has plummeted this year.

If even Alaska doesn't like her, I don't think she can get within spitting distance of the white house.

She's wont do good in 2012.