Last Friday, Sarah Palin announced that she would not seek reelection for a second term as Alaska’s Governor.  In addition to that, she stated that she would be resigning as of July 26, 2009, and turning over her gubernatorial duties to Lt. Governor Sean Parnell. 

And then the speculation began. 

Is she bailing on her responsibilities as Governor?  Maybe.  But then again Obama bailed on his Senatorial duties to become President.  Did he not have a duty to finish his term before accepting a new position?  What about former Governors Kathleen Sebelius and Janet A. Napolitano?  They bailed on their states to serve on Obama’s cabinet.  What about Biden and Emmanuel?  Where’s the public outrage over those (and many other) people bailing on their responsibilities as elected officials in order to pursue other interests?

Is she abandoning her constituents?  Absolutely not.  If anything, she’s protecting them.  The numerous nonsense ethics suits that have been against her have cost Alaska millions of dollars, not to mention the drain on her time and personal resources.  By stepping down, she will probably save Alaskan tax payers many more millions of dollars.  How many teachers and troopers and wild life preserves could have been funded with the money already wasted on investigations as to whether her jacket met certain ethical guidelines? 

What’s next?  My favorite speculation came from a hardcore MSNBC watching liberal friend of mine who wondered if she was considering a run for the Presidency in 2012, or “if she was going to become of fox news anchor.”  Because I’m sure the next best thing to being President is hanging out at the Fox News Studio and reading a teleprompter into a camera.  Actually, change the location to the White House Press Room, and that pretty much defines Obama’s Presidency, doesn’t it?

I don’t know what’s next for Mrs. Palin, but in a few weeks, she’ll no longer be tied down by her gubernatorial ropes, and the sky will be the limit.  I hope she soars.