KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Friday’s sudden announcement by Governor Sarah Palin that she will be stepping down in three weeks caught Alaskans and Alaskan lawmakers by surprise. Senate President Gary Stevens of Kodiak says he didn’t hear a word from the governor’s office before her news conference.
Kodiak House Representative Alan Austerman didn’t foresee the resignation either, but says it is not out of character for her.
Austerman speculated that Palin resigned to make preparations for a presidential run in 2012.
Stevens says he believes something is going on behind the scenes, but would not speculate other than to say that he doesn’t think the governor is resigning due to the intense scrutiny or criticism that she’s received since rising to the national stage 10 months ago.
Stevens added that the state will have to move on, and he thinks Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell will do a good job as governor, but Austerman suggested Parnell m
Palin will hand over the reigns of state government to Parnell at the annual Governor’s Picnic in Fairbanks on July 26.
