Gotta admit – didn’t see this coming. Not sure exactly what is happening but stay tuned!

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Gov. Sarah Palin will resign her office in a few weeks, she said during a news conference at her Wasilla home Friday morning.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will be inaugurated at the Governor’s Picnic at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks on Saturday, July 25, Palin said.

There was no immediate word as to why she will resign, though speculation has been rampant that the former vice presidential candidate is gearing up for a run at the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.

Palin made the announcement flanked by Parnell and most, if not all, of her cabinet.

Parnell ran unsuccessfully against Rep. Don Young in the Republican primary last year.

The stunning announcement by Palin opens the floodgates for the 2010 gubernatorial race. Speculation that Palin might not seek re-election had fueled further conjecture of who might run.

Right now speculation is leaning toward she wanted to free herself for a national run…

Gotta admit – At this point I cannot see how this is a good idea. I have thought that for a while that reelection of a few years in the Senate was the best idea. I would have counseled patience. Sarah obviously has other thoughts.

Update: Sarah’s brother says she has been spending 80% of her time defending herself against myriad of complaints. Could not effectively govern anymore. This is the right thing to do.

Update: Sarah Palin just tweeted “We’ll soon attach info on decision to not seek re-election… this is in Alaska’s best interest, my family’s happy… it is good, stay tuned”

By the way, Huckabee is the happiest person on the planet today. Just sayin’.
Developing…

Pundette sums up my feelings rather well on some of the commentary being made belittling Sarah’s polling of her family.