Former US vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin officially steps down as Alaska's governor, a year-and-a-half before the end of her term in office. Palin arrived at Pioneer Park in downtown Fairbanks, where thousands gathered for a picnic and her resignation speech on Sunday. Alaska's Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell assumed office at the picnic ceremony.
In a dazzling move, Palin announced on July 3 that she was stepping down as governor. The announcement raised speculation of her possible bid for presidency in 2012. Surrounded by ethics probes, mounting legal bills and a dwindling popularity, Palin is expected to shed light on her political future in a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California on August 8. Speculations about the former vice-presidential candidate suggest that she plans to write a book, campaign for political candidates, establish a right-of-center coalition and even host a television talk show.
However, Meghan Stapleton, a Spokeswoman for Palin has denied that the former governor has made plans for her future. "I cannot express enough there is no plan after July 26. There is absolutely no plan," she was quoted by The Associated Press as saying "[On Monday] we'll sit down and say, 'OK, here are your options. How do you now want to effect that positive change for Alaska from outside the role as governor?'." Stapleton said.
Palin arrived on the political scene in Alaska in 2006, a self-described 'hockey mom' and small-town mayor who ousted the incumbent governor to become the youngest person and first woman to hold the post. Two years later, Senator McCain drafted her as his running mate. During the fall campaign, she was by far the most polarizing figure on the trail, drawing huge, devoted Republican crowds, but deeply negative reactions from Democrats and many independents.