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Palin announcement an early start to weekend fireworks

by Andrew Hinkelman, Lori Tipton, Jason Lamb and Ted Land
Friday, July 3, 2009

WASILLA, Alaska -- In a stunning announcement whose shockwaves will likely reverberate from Alaska's state capitol to the Beltway politics of Washington, D.C., Gov. Sarah Palin said Friday morning that she will resign her office July 26.

"I really don't want to disappoint anyone with this announcement," Palin said during the press conference at her home. "Not with the decision that I have made. All I can ask is that you trust me with this decision and know that it is no more politics as usual."

Speculation has swirled for weeks, perhaps months that Palin would not seek re-election in 2010 as she pursues a political career on the national stage. The former vice presidential candidate has long been rumored to be considering a run at the Republican presidential nomination in 2012.

Palin did not address those rumors, nor did she take questions from reporters. After making her announcement she traveled with her family to Juneau, according to a spokesperson.

"I have no idea why the governor did what she did," Rep. John Harris, R-Anchorage said. "You can only speculate, but you know, that might be a reasonable speculation."

Harris declared his intention to run for governor Friday afternoon, the first of what is almost sure to be a cavalcade of candidates for Alaska's chief executive.

Palin implied that her real decision was not to seek re-election, and that the resignation was a natural step after that in order to avoid a lame-duck final 18 months of her term.

"With this announcement that I'm not seeking re-election, I've determined it's best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor (Sean) Parnell," Palin said. "I'm determined to take the right path for Alaska, even though it is unconventional and is not so comfortable.

"And I am willing to do this so this administration, with its positive agenda and its accomplishments and its successful road to an incredible future for Alaska, so that it can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success."

Palin said that as she percolated over her decision whether to seek re-election, she thought about how her final months would play out as a lame duck.

"I thought about, well, how much fun some governors have as lame ducks," she said. "They travel around their state, travel to other states, maybe take their overseas, international trade missions -- so many politicians do that.

"And then I thought that's what's wrong. My choice is to take a stand and affect change and not just hit our head against the wall and watch valuable state time, money -- millions of your dollars -- go down the drain in this new political environment."

POLITICAL REACTION

Sen. Lisa Murkowski blasted Palin's decision in a statement issued Friday evening.

"I am deeply disappointed that the Governor has decided to abandon the State and her constituents before her term has concluded," she said.

One of her most outspoken political opponents -- and someone who declared his intention to run before Palin said she would resign -- was also critical.

"It's something I think most Alaskans won't approve of," Sen. Hollis French, D-Anchorage said. "It's not something we love. We love the musher who drives on through the storm to the finish, not the musher who quits halfway."

Local pollster Ivan Moore, who typically consults for Democrats, did not think much of Palin's decision, either.

"They're going to look at the fact that she quit being governor of Alaska, and have real doubts as to whether she should be elected president," he said. "I don't see any way how that can help you get re-elected to a higher office, so I think what she's done today has effectively ended her political career."

While Palin did not talk of any possible higher political aspirations, she did touch on her desire to wield her influence in other arenas.

"We know we can affect positive change outside government at this moment in time on another scale and actually make a difference for our priorities, so we will for Alaskans and for Americans," she said.

The former point guard for Wasilla High School then launched into a somewhat labored sports analogy.

"I use (sports) because you are naive if you don't see a full-court press from the national level picking away right now," Palin said. "A good point guard, here's what she does: she drives through a full-court press, protecting the ball, keeping her head up because she needs to keep her eye on the basket, and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can win.

"And that is what I'm doing. Keeping our eye on the ball. It represents sound priorities -- remember, they include energy independences, our government and national security, freedom, and I know when it is time to pass the ball for victory."

The rest of Alaska's congressional delegation expressed shock at Palin's decision to quit with about 17 months left in her term.

"I'm as surprised as anyone by this announcement, but I support her decision and wish her well," Rep. Don Young said.

"I'm as surprised as all Alaskans by Governor Palin's decision to step down with nearly two years left in her term," Sen. Mark Begich said. "There was speculation she would not seek re-election, but she gave no indication of a resignation when I met with her for 45 minutes in her Anchorage office two days ago."

THE NEXT GOVERNOR

Parnell will be inaugurated as Palin's successor at the Governor's Picnic at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks on Sunday, July 26. Parnell said he will seek election to the governor's office in 2010. He ran for Congress unsuccessfully against Young in the Republican primary last year.

"It's with a heavy heart that I hear those words," Parnell said of Palin's resignation announcement. "I profoundly respect your decision for I know the depth of character and integrity that brought you to that. Rare indeed are such selfless acts, in a public arena.

"You've been a strong leader for our state. You've inspired a nation and youth. You've ignited the fire of real hope around the world."

Former state representative and failed congressional candidate Ethan Berkowitz -- who has said if were to run for any office in 2010 it would be governor -- issued a statement taking a shot at Parnell.

"Alaska is the greatest state in the nation, but we are also a state in need of a new vision and new ideas," he said in a written statement. "I'm not alone in questioning whether Sean Parnell can provide that strong leadership."

Palin's impending resignation has effectively thrown the 2010 gubernatorial race wide open.

Already among the Democrats Bob Poe has announced he will run with French and Berkowitz now seemingly likely candidates. On the Republican side Harris announced his intentions hours after Palin did the same.

"With so many fronts that have been left in a state of stagnation while Governor Palin has been pursuing her national goals, I think that it's a good statement on the governor's part that she's recognizing we do need a fulltime governor," Poe said. "She's stepping aside from that, I think that the campaign is obviously going to get much more interesting very quickly and I look forward to the debate and discussing with the future candidates how we can move Alaska forward."

THE VOTERS HAVE THEIR SAY

Palin's constituents also offered their thoughts on her sudden resignation.

"I was shocked and kind of disappointing because Alaska has had to stand behind her through all of the publicity and the scandals and everything, and I can't believe it," Lisa Tidwell said.

"Well I hate to see her go. I thought she was doing a good job and I like her and I'm just wondering what she's got planned," Steve Loff said.

"I was very happy. I think it's a long time coming and I can't wait to see the reasons that she's doing it. I think something big is about to break and happen," Patti Lenhart said.

"I think it's immature. I think she should be finishing up what she started," Dawn Munoz said.

POSTSCRIPT

A statement released by Palin's office said that Lt. Gen. Craig Campbell, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs commissioner, would be elevated to lieutenant governor upon Parnell's inauguration as governor.

But Department of Corrections Commissioner Joe Schmidt had been appointed by Palin as the second in line after her former choice, then-Attorney General Talis Colberg, resigned.

It was not immediately clear why Campbell is now the choice, and whether or not Palin needs the approval of the Legislature to make the change.

Andrew Hinkelman, Jason Lamb and Ted Land reported from Anchorage. Contact the Channel 2 News room at news_desk@ktuu.com