Yep, that’s what she said. The Governor of the Great State of Alaska has said she has had enough. There is a lot of guessing as to the reasoning behind her decision. Some say it is to work toward a presidential run, others say it is to work on her book, and some think it is simply to hard to raise five kids and be the Governor. Could be any one, or a combination of all of those things. In the end, it doesn’t really matter what the reason is, what matters is that when Alaskans are working hard toward a gasline and our economy is battering our communities, the Governor quits. Are you serious? However, Palin quitting may just be the right thing for Alaskans. And she said so, herself. She’s worrying that ethics complaints are spending unnecessary dollars. I couldn’t agree more. If that many complaints are being filed, you probably should start second guessing yourself. She’s worried that being the lame duck and just taking a check isn’t fair to Alaskans. Right again. Those two reasons alone are good ones to step down. While Palin is still the sweetheart of the political scene in the lower 48, her support in Alaska has waned. I think Alaskans felt abandoned by Palin during the VP run. Her office stated that business was as usual, but many of us did not feel that to be true. Stepping in and up to be the Governor will be Sean Parnell, the current Lt. Governor. Parnell has worked in the Legislature, a place Palin had never been, so he has some relationships built already. He will also have the pleasure of understanding how that system works. Parnell was interested in having a run for Governor in the next election anyway. This gives him a leg up to run as an incumbent. It gives Alaskans a chance to see if he is “more of the Palin ways” or if he has his own style of leadership. I don’t think we’ll see the wink and hear the “You betcha” out of Parnell. What I do hope for is someone who comes to work in Juneau, where our state capitol is, rolls up his sleeves and works with our legislators, instead of against them. The bottom line is this – the constituents need Parnell to hit the streets. He needs to travel hard and listen to the people he serves. Particularly in SE Alaska, where Palin campaigned hard, but ignored once she got the vote. Of great importance is the business community. Small business owners are the answer to the economic drive in Alaska and across the nation. Parnell would be wise to take note of that and hold several forums outside of Anchorage and Fairbanks to learn what those folks need from his administration. The real answer to the future of Alaska is having the fortitude to stay the course. Quitters never win.