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August 19, 2009
E-mail a friendYOUNG VOICES
Did Sarah Palin Just Kill Her Career?
If you watch Gov. Sarah Palin's press conference announcing her resignation as Alaska's governor about 18 months shy of the end of her first term, you will find that a) she rambles, b) her reasons for leaving are typical occurences for the latter half of a governor's term (even a governor who might eventually run for president) and c) she really rambles.
Here's what she said.
Reason 1: Ongoing ethics complaints "Political operatives descended on Alaska last August, digging for dirt. The ethics law I championed became their weapon of choice. Over the past nine months I've been accused of all sorts of frivolous ethics violations - such as holding a fish in a photograph, wearing a jacket with a logo on it, and answering reporters' questions.
Every one - all 15 of the ethics complaints have been dismissed. We've won! But it hasn't been cheap - the State has wasted THOUSANDS of hours of YOUR time and shelled out some two million of YOUR dollars to respond to "opposition research" - that's money NOT going to fund teachers or troopers - or safer roads."
Reason 2: Lame duck status "I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks... travel around the state, to the Lower 48 (maybe), overseas on international trade - as so many politicians do. And then I thought - that's what's wrong - many just accept that lame duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck, and "milk it". I'm not putting Alaska through that - I promised efficiencies and effectiveness! That's not how I am wired. I am not wired to operate under the same old "politics as usual." I promised that four years ago - and I meant it."
What do you think? Are these good enough reasons for a governor to resign her post? Was this a wise political move? Did Gov. Palin just kill her chances for a possible presidential bid? Share your thoughts with us below.