These are all the press releases with reaction I was able to gather from sources in the state of Alaska throughout the day, before I finally had to wrap things up *yawn*.  Pundit-free text reax from politicians and more.  Video of the announcement is near the bottom of the page.

ALASKA REPUBLICAN PARTY PRESS RELEASE:

Republicans across Alaska and the nation were surprised to learn today our Governor, Sarah Palin will be stepping down and not seeking re-election.

The party shares mixed feelings as we lose a valued public servant who raised Alaskan issues and concerns in the national consciousness in a way no Alaska leader had previously been able.
While sadden to see Gov. Palin leave we are excited to see a conservative of Lt. Gov. Parnell’s character enter the Governor’s office.

Gov. Palin’s decision not to run for re-election means there will be a vigorous race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2010.

Alaska has an impressive cadre of conservative candidates we are confident will vie for the office of governor and the party stands ready to fully support which ever conservative candidate our members choose to represent them in the general election.

The Alaska Republican Party has not been informed whether Gov. Palin plans another run for national office and as such cannot comment on that possibility. The party does feel, however, there needs to be a strong challenge to President Obama’s attack on Alaskan values waged by his administration since taking office six months ago. If that challenge comes from Gov. Palin the party ready to support her as all Alaskans should.

RESPONSE FROM AK SEN. MARK BEGICH (D):
“I’m as surprised as all Alaskans by Governor Palin’s decision to step down with nearly two years left in her term. There was speculation she would not seek re-election, but she gave no indication of a resignation when I met with her for 45 minutes in her Anchorage office two days ago.

“Alaska has a busy agenda ahead, and I look forward to working with Sean Parnell to accomplish the business of our state. Sean and I have a long working relationship that goes back more than 20 years. He and his wife, Sandy, were the co-chairs of my 1988 campaign for the Anchorage Assembly and we have known each other and worked together on a variety of issues ever since.

“I look forward to working with Sean as governor and the rest of the administration on the gas line, growing our economy, creating jobs for Alaskans and many other pressing issues facing our state.”

Sen. Begich said he hopes to meet with Parnell in August during the Senate recess.

UPDATE FROM ALASKA HOUSE MINORITY LEADER BETH KERTTULA (6:00 p.m. ET):
“I, as I suspect most Alaskans, was stunned this morning by the Governor’s shocking announcement that she was not only not running for a second term, but that she was actually leaving her elected office.  On the one hand, it is almost a relief.  But on another, deeper level, it is disturbing that she is leaving her post.  On the eve of the 4th of July, in Alaska’s 50th year of statehood, to have the Governor stand down is a terrible statement about commitment to public service and our state.”

“This is a critical time in Alaska. As we face a struggling national economy and a global shift in attitudes about energy, we are also still early in our quest for a pipeline to bring Alaska’s valuable natural gas to market. Though ExxonMobile has now partnered with TransCanada, we still know none of the critical details of that deal. This next legislative session will be one of the most important in the history of the state.  While we wrestle not only with the terms and possibly the very structure of a pipeline deal, we are also facing rising energy costs, critical health care decisions and high unemployment. This next session could decide whether AGIA actually becomes a pipeline project, or remains just a pipe dream. The governor has decided to walk away from us at the very moment Alaskans need her most.”

“Ultimately, as a public servant, you ask your fellow citizens for their confidence and their votes. In exchange you must make certain promises – promises to honor that confidence by placing the voters’ interests at the top of your own priorities list and to live within the restrictions of public life. The governor has left many Alaskans stunned and disappointed today by failing to fulfill that promise. I wish Sean Parnell the best of luck as he steps in to fill the vacancy left by Governor Palin.”

UPDATE:

Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell’s Prepared Text in Response to Governor Palin’s Announcement

(July 3, 2009 Anchorage, Alaska) – Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell has released his prepared remarks in response to Governor Palin’s announcement.

Thank you, governor. It is with a heavy heart that I hear these words.  I so appreciate what you have done for our state and your sacrificial service.  You have been a strong leader for our state, you’ve inspired a nation, and you’ve ignited the fire of real hope around the world.

I profoundly respect your decision for I know the depth of character and integrity from which it springs. Rare, indeed, are such selfless acts seen in the public arena.

Governor Palin has recounted well the achievements of the last two and a half years and I want to take a moment to assure Alaskans of the good team in place to move Alaska forward and to speak briefly about what Alaskans can expect.

We’ve got an extremely talented team of commissioners and I intend to keep them working hard for our state.  I will work with the governor to coordinate with the cabinet and staffs on a seamless, stable transition.  And, I will work closely with legislators, community leaders, and individual Alaskans to accomplish these ends.

I came into office believing and still strongly believe that the power, rights, and responsibilities of our government belong to the people.  Alaskans can expect me to focus on positioning Alaska for economic growth by creating legacy opportunities for our people and future generations.

My top priority is to get a gasline.   I will continue the course set by the governor that has produced such forward progress these past two years. I will continue to support and promote responsible resource development and energy development of all kinds for Alaskans.

State government will live within its means and we will provide a stable investment climate for job creation.  We remain committed to education, safe homes, and transportation.  We proudly and resolutely support our military, veterans, and their families, and we will protect second amendment rights. Perhaps most importantly, we cherish life and liberty.

I thank Governor Palin for holding fast to these principles during her service.  Personally, I thank her for the confidence she’s placed in me, for her trust, and for her friendship.  As Alaska celebrates her 50th year of statehood, I believe history will look back on Sarah Palin as one of Alaska’s great gifts to all peoples.  You have served honorably, Governor.  God bless you.

FIRST AP STORY TO HIT THE WIRES:

WASILLA, Alaska (AP) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she will resign from office July 26.
Her spokesman wouldn’t say why Palin decided to step down, but the announcement stirred speculation that she would focus on a bid for the 2012 Republican nomination for president.
Spokesman Dave Murrow says Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will be inaugurated at the governor’s picnic in Fairbanks at the end of the month.

Video:

UPDATED - PRESS RELEASE FROM PALIN’S OFFICE:

July 3, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin announced today that she will not seek a second term as Governor of the State of Alaska and will relegate the power of governor to Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell in order to serve Alaska’s best interests.  Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will move into Parnell’s current role.

“People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing’s more important to me than our beloved Alaska,” said Governor Palin.  “Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine.”

Standing outside her home in Wasilla, Alaska, Governor Palin reflected upon some of the administration’s accomplishments for Alaska as she approaches her final year in office.

“I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is not the easiest path,” said Governor Palin after the announcement.  “Once I decided not to run for re-election, I also felt that to embrace the conventional ‘Lame Duck’ status in this particular climate would just be another dose of ‘politics as usual,’ something I campaigned against and will always oppose.  It is my duty to always protect our great state.  With that in mind, my family and I determined that it is best to make a difference this summer, and I am willing to change things, so that this administration, with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future, can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success.  I look forward to helping others – to fight for our state and our country, and campaign for those who believe in smaller government, free enterprise, strong national security, support for our troops, and energy independence.”

The transfer of power will occur following the Governor’s picnic in Fairbanks on July 26.  At that point in time, Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell will be sworn in and Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume his role as Lieutenant Governor.

Governor Palin will spend July 4th in Juneau.

###

Selected Accomplishments of the Palin Administration

General

·         Transferred more control of public issues to the local level

Natural Resources

·         Created the Petroleum Systems Integrity Office to oversee responsible development

·         Held the line for Alaskans on Point Thomson that encouraged drilling

·         Restructured the state’s oil taxes to create a clear and equitable valuation formula for our oil and gas

·         Initiated and implemented the largest energy project in the world through the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act

·         Removed government from the dairy business and put it back into private-sector hands

Ethics

·         Ushered in ethics reform

·         Cleaned up previously accepted unethical actions affecting development

Fiscal Notes

·         Slowed the rate of government growth

·         Worked with the Legislature to place billions of dollars in savings

·         Vetoed hundreds of millions of dollars in capital budget line items

·         Reduced Alaska’s dependence on federal earmarks by nearly 85%

·         Eliminated state-funded personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, and junkets

·         Refused a pay raise, along with the Lieutenant Governor

Education

·         Provided unprecedented support for education initiatives

Public Safety

·         Filled long-vacant public safety positions over the last year

Corrections

·         Broke ground on the new state prison

Fish and Game

·         Maintained biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance

Environment

·         Established first sub-Cabinet on climate change

Legal

·         State’s rights protected in two recent victories handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court

Technorati Tags: Palin Resignation, Palin resigns as Governor, Sarah Palin

Tags: Palin Resignation, Palin resigns as Governor, Sarah Palin

This entry was posted on Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at 11:58 am and is filed under Broadcast Journalism. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.