 July 03, 2009
"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."  Photo courtesy Office of the Governor
"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.
In his prepared remarks, Lt. Governor Sean Parnell said, "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." Parnell said, "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." Parnell assured Alaskans of the good team in place to move Alaska forward and spoke 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," said Parnell. He said, "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." Parnell said his 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," said Parnell, "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." Parnell thanked 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," said Parnell. In a prepared statement House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) said, "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." Kerttula said, "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." Kerttula said, "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." Selected Accomplishments of the Palin Administration are: General
Ethics
Fiscal Notes
Education
Fish and Game
Legal
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