Sarah Palin resigns, to step down July 26

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announced Saturday she is resigning from office by the end of the month, after deciding not to seek re-election in 2010.

The Republican governor, who was Sen. John McCain's vice presidential pick in the last Presidential election said she would step down by July 26. She will relegate power to Lietuenant Gov. Sean Parnell in order to serve Alaska's best interests.

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, she said in a released statement.

Palin said she consulted with her family and said the decision was in the best interests of the state.

Liutenant General Craig Campbell will move into Parnell's role, the governor said.

The following is her full statement, as issued in a press release today:

People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska ... Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine.

I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is not the easiest path ... 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. 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.

I look forward to helping others - to fight for our state and our country, and campaign for those who believe in smaller government, free enterprise, strong national security, support for our troops, and energy independence.