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In a surprise move, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin seen as a potential 2012 Republican presidential candidate said Friday she was stepping down and would not seek re-election.
Palin, who was John McCain's running mate in his failed 2008 White House bid, said she would step aside as governor in "another few weeks" and be replaced by Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell. Local media said the move would come on July 25.
Palin told a surprise press conference at her lakefront Wasilla, Alaska home that she wanted to "take a stand and effect change, not just hit our head against the wall and watch valuable state time and money."
"I promised effectiveness. I am not wired to operate under the same old politics as usual. I promised that four years ago and I meant it," Palin said.
"That's not what is best for Alaska at this time."
Palin, a former sports journalist, said it was "time to pass the ball for victory."
"I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is unconventional and it is not so comfortable. With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election, I have determined it is best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell."
She said that she would rather "effect positive change outside government at this moment in time on another scale and actually make a differences for our priorities."
