Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

5 Good Reasons Palin Quit

Scandal speculation gives way to new theories

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 6, 2009 4:29 PM CDT

(Newser) – When Sarah Palin made her sudden exit, many expected a scandal to break. But "in the days since, it has become clear that no other shoe is likely to drop," writes Jay Newton-Small of Time, who offers five likely reasons she resigned Alaska's top job:

  • For the good of the state: Palin was lauded for resigning in protest from Alaska’s oil and gas commission. She painted her gubernatorial resignation “in the same way: a selfless act that should earn her kudos for saving taxpayers' money.”

  • Lack of support: Palin saw her once-strong Democratic support in Alaska fade as she grew more partisan during the presidential campaign.
  • To escape criticism: Since the election, she’s developed a “do-nothing” image, introducing hardly any legislation but finding plenty of time to say “no.”
  • To spend less time in Alaska: She’s struggled to balance her day job and maintaining a presence in the lower 48.
  • For the money: Now she has time to make a bundle on speaking engagements—income she may need after running up bills as she responded to ethics complaints.


Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announces that she is stepping down from her position as governor in Wasilla, Alaska on Friday, July 3, 2009.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announces that she is stepping down from her position as governor in Wasilla, Alaska on Friday, July 3, 2009.   (AP Photo/The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Robert DeBerry)
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin hugs Alaska Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell after she announced she would be stepping down as governor in Wasilla, Alaska on Friday, July 3, 2009.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin hugs Alaska Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell after she announced she would be stepping down as governor in Wasilla, Alaska on Friday, July 3, 2009.   (AP Photo/The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Robert DeBerry)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Without resigning, she might have been looking at more than $1 million in legal fees over her remaining 16 months in office. Now she's looking at an unlimited, and very green, horizon. - Jay Newton-Small

I don't think Sarah Palin is a politician. I don't think she wants to be a politician. I think she wants to be an inspirational leader.
- Rep. Mike Doogan, Anchorage Democrat

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 21 comments
justme
Jul 7, 2009 12:50 PM CDT
Palin is out of office. She can now devote herself full time to the kinds of high profile stuff (lecture circuit, Talk shows) that will really continue to rattle the left. She is bright and unafraid . Now she is also unencumbered by any professional obligations.
brawne
Jul 7, 2009 12:44 PM CDT
Right wing, left wing--sickening. The house is falling apart because the wings forget they're all in the same frame.
jaguarj
Jul 7, 2009 12:38 PM CDT
Save your breath!!

More Newser Stories

Palin's Not Job-Hunting, Lawyer Says

McNamara, Palin Share Lousy Exit Strategies

Palin: Politically, 'If I Die, I Die'

After Harsh Words, GOP Warms to Palin

Emails Reveal Todd Palin's Power


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne