JUNEAU, Alaska - As surprised fans and critics of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin traded guesses behind her decision to resign more than a year before her term ends, the former vice presidential candidate offered few hints at her political future, except to say she'd gone fishing.
Palin has stayed out of the public eye since she made the announcement Friday, but said in a Twitter update Sunday she was looking forward to joining her family as they commercially fish in Bristol Bay. But to many Alaskans, Palin has been off the job for awhile already, acting as a disengaged presence around the state Capitol since she returned from the presidential campaign trail last year.
"She had a surprising amount of disinterest in state government after November," said state Rep. Les Gara, a Democrat from Anchorage. "This state has a lot of problems, and she showed a complete lack of interest in solving them."
Polarizing figure
In Alaska, Palin has become a polarizing figure and the focus of multiple ethics complaints filed against her with the state personnel board. She has taken a beating from Senate Democrats over many of her recent appointments, including an attorney general candidate who became the first Cabinet appointment ever rejected by the Alaska Legislature.
But with all the thorny issues enveloping her in Alaska, Palin's quitting may be more about something simpler: cutting her losses.
Things weren't likely to improve, if she stayed in office. She faces a potential veto override of nearly $29 million in federal stimulus funds for energy efficiency programs, money she had rejected in fear that it could bind the state to federal building mandates.
"The drumbeat of adverse news coverage from Alaska would likely have continued and intensified had she remained governor," said Juneau economist and longtime Alaska political watcher Gregg Erickson. "It would have become an increasing liability to her national campaign."
A day after abruptly announcing she would soon give up her job as governor, Palin indicated on a social networking site that she would take on a larger, national role, citing a "higher calling" to unite the country along conservative lines. In the last few months, Palin had laid the groundwork for a possible presidential run, establishing a political action committee.
Erickson said that while Palin has received an adulatory reception from social conservatives in the Lower 48 states, in Alaska she's become a lightning rod for criticism and controversy.
It's easier to govern in Alaska when oil prices are high, but they are down from last year's historic highs and the budget is much tighter. this year, Palin's signature project, getting a natural gas pipeline, moves into a critical phase:And whether North Slope leaseholders will commit to shipping gas in the pipeline, which is still at least a decade away.
Heart not in the job?
Alaskans: Palin had gone fishing on job - More politics- msnbc.com
discuss:
once a quitter always a quitter....she is walking out on ther "signature project" and the people of alaska when they are facing touch times and you would consider this women for your next candidate...do republicans not have a clue that this women played a major factor in mccain losing the election? the selection of palin drove away the middle..which mccain needed to win. many people who were leaning towards maccain changed their minds with the nomination of palin...many women. why, because he did not pick the most qualified republican woman out there. He picked beauty queen gone to mayor and then gov...a rocket in his pocket so the thought. if you want to keep the democratis in office...run palin...
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