Quitting = Political Advancement?

Palin's decision to resign will, in my opinion, adversely affect her attempt to run in 2012. And it is quite possible she is planning to run - according to Chris Cillizza from the Washington Post's blog "The Fix", a Facebook message she posted shortly after her announcement sent a positive message which makes "clear she has plans and a vision for her future and the country's." I think that quitting one elected position is not a good way to start a national campaign. Even former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee called the move "risky".

If she really wanted the best interest of her home state over her personal desires, she would have stayed in the position. Instead of being a "Lame Duck," she could use her time wisely and finish projects she started, and spearhead new projects so they could gain momentum even after she leaves office. She decided to take the selfish way out though, and take the easy road out. Maria Shriver even spoke on the issue, reacting to Palin's resignation by saying that "You can be a lame duck..the entire time -- or you can be inspirational, empowering, focused."

The other possibility is that Palin is simply tired of being in the public spotlight. She has had many public conflicts on her finance and governance issues. There are rumors of more emails being released which further question her involvement in a few skecthy projects. To me, her resignation only signals her guilt. If she was innocent, she wouldn't be so afraid of what was going to happen. However, if she is guilty, she might have decided that stepping down before being found guilty will be less embarrassing.

Could both of these be the reasons she stepped down? I hope not. Sarah, if you think resigning before you are found committing improprities will keep it out of the spotlight, you're wrong. Though, I seriously doubt her ability to secure a nomination in 2012 anyway, so for her family's sake (and to save them any more embarrassment from her) I hope that is a wrong conclusion.

And my favorite part of this whole, vaugely comical situation? The nickname - Iquitarod. More genuis than we could ever hope from Sarah Palin herself.