Oil's Plunge Trouble for Palin

(NEWSER) - As she prepares to exit Alaska's governor's mansion Sunday, Sarah Palin's nationwide support is lower than it has been at any time since she became John McCain's running mate, according to the latest Washington Post/ABC News poll. Some 53% of Americans now view Palin negatively, the poll finds, while just 40% see her in a positive light. GOP voters are still fans, with 70% positive, although the number holding "strongly favorable" views of her is down sharply. More»

Republicans split on whether quitting mid-term is bold or boneheaded

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin's surprise resignation has left Republicans as divided as ever over the woman from Wasilla, Politico reports. Critics within the party charge that leaving the governorship mid-term—and announcing the decision via an odd, rambling press conference—has destroyed her chances for 2012. "There is just no good way to say quitting has made her more qualified to run for higher office,” says one GOP pollster. More»

(NEWSER) - Sources close to Sarah Palin say the Alaska governor intends to leave politics entirely—and not focus on a 2012 presidential bid—when her resignation becomes official later this month, Andrea Mitchell reported today on MSNBC. The Republican, under fire at home over ethics complaints and from various media outlets nationally, reportedly said, “I’ve had it, I can’t take it anymore, I’m out of politics.” More»

Conservatives see move as highly erratic

(NEWSER) - If Sarah Palin truly does intend to run for president, her decision to resign as Alaska governor could give her more freedom to pursue the nomination, writes Jonathan Martin for Politico. But Palin’s move is risky: In her announcement, she said she didn’t want the continued ethics investigations to cost any more taxpayer money. But is resigning amid such questions the best move to take before running for president? More»

After campaign whirlwind, guv left 'feeling beaten up'

(NEWSER) - After the 2008 campaign clock struck midnight, Sarah Palin returned to Alaska with a mixed bag of name recognition and unwanted scrutiny, the Washington Post reports. Supporters and opponents alike parse her every move for signs of a 2012 presidential run, and her role as conservative attack dog is coloring her ability to govern. “The governor has been feeling beaten up,” says a fellow Republican. More»