Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin shocked the political word Friday by announcing
that she will step down at the end of the month and transfer power to
Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell.

Palin made the announcement from her home in Wasilla, flanked by her
husband, Todd, and family and state commissioners.

The announcement came on the same week that one of her top public health
officials says she was forced out of office because Palin felt she
wasn't in step on social issues.

Palin's decision now allows her to avoid the difficult task of running
for president while serving as governor.

Todd Palin told FOX News that his wife will concentrate on "doing the
things for Alaska and the country" that she is passionate about and can
not do as governor with the limitation and constant opposition she deals
with within the state.

Palin, who defeated incumbent Gov. Murkowski in a primary in
2006,.gained national prominence when GOP presidential candidate John
McCain picked her as his running mate last year. But her approval
ratings in the state have skidded in recent months.

Palin has been dogged in recent months by ethics inquiries. Her office
last month announced the 15th dismissal of an ethics complaint against
her or one of her staff.

- - -

snerk Is this a late April Fool's Day joke?