STATEMENT BY SMART GIRL POLITICS ON THE RESIGNATION OF GOV. SARAH PALIN

[Teri (SGP)]

As you may know, Smart Girl Politics began as a blog (authored by Stacy Mott) and later morphed into a coalition of conservative women (and men!) organizing to take back our communities. The genesis of SGP is due in no small part to the presence of Sarah Palin on the 2008 Republican ticket. Many of us could readily identify with the traditional values she espoused and the struggles she faced as a wife and mother. Many more of us were horrified by the demeaning treatment she received at the hands of the mainstream media and many in the Democrat Party (including Barack "Lipstick on a Pig" Obama). Following the lead of Sarah Palin, no shrinking violet she, SGP began operations last Fall and now boasts more than 12,000 activist members.

Today, Gov. Palin announced her intention to step down as governor of Alaska, effective July 26th. The reasons for her decision will be sorted out over the coming weeks and months, but much speculation exists. Maybe she wants to spend more time with her family (a noble endeavor) or maybe she is taking time to regroup and rethink her political ambitions? Undoubtedly, her family needs some time away from the constant media scrutiny. Whatever the future may hold for Gov. Palin, Smart Girl Politics will continue to support her and look to her as a shining example of a strong, unapologetic conservative woman.

We want to hear what you think about Sarah Palin and today's announcement! Is this the end or just the beginning?

[Melissa Kaye Ortiz]

While it is sad, I totally get her rationale. I really think it is only the beginning...not the end.

[Kathy Booher]

It's hard to come up with a response to her announcement without knowing WHY. Will the family be relocating? Will she be seeking a Senate seat in 2010? Will she be grooming herself to run for the Big Job in 2012? Or will she be active behind the scenes, campaigning for other candidates, fundraising for the GOP, etc.? I hope, really hope, that if she does run for President, it won't be in 2012. As much promise as she definitely has, I just don't think she's ready and I'm not sure she could win, even after the Obama catastrophe. And I don't want to lose another election because we didn't put up a candidate that could win. I'm still hang-jawed at this. Not sure what to make of it!

[Dick Carlson]

Well, you could take her at her word that she wants to lead without being inside politics. Hard to believe, but it you think about it for a bit you might be able to come up with another example of a conservative that's been doing that for about 30 years, pretty successfully...

[Belinda Perez]

I think it's just the beginning. Yes, I do think there may be something going on that we'll learn about soon. The truth of the matter is that she is so constricted with anything she says, does, doesn't do. She was held back during the presidental campagin and she most certainly is being held back as governor. I don't know that a resignation was the best way to take this step, but like I said we'll find out why soon. Good luck to her.

[Patricia Smiley]

re: my thoughts are posted in a blog post earlier today here, on Smart Girl http://tinyurl.com/lalczc

[Jennifer Miller]

I don't know exactly why she did what she did, but the attacks on her family have been beyond disgusting and the ethics complaints ridiculous, so I think I will just take her at her word. I respect her. She is a class act, a truly authentic and down to earth woman who says what she means and means what she says and who can deliver her thoughts without depending on a teleprompter! One thing is for sure-the liberals absolutely FEAR her so she must be doing something right!

[Teri (SGP)]

Gayle, I think you're spot on. Sarah Palin taking a role in the media and influencing the national dialogue is very powerful, and positions her to do a lot of different things.

[Amy]

Oh I do NOT think this is a sad day...on the contrary! Sarah Palin is geared up and ready to fight for FREEDOM! She is a true conservative. Since she will not run as governor, she refuses to waste their money. She is playing the political game on HER terms! I like a woman who does not play by the rules. I think it is a brilliant move and I am so excited to see her next move. Be it a senate race in 2010, or President in 2012 she has my support! Run Sarah Run!

[Sara]

We have not seen the last of Sarah Palin. I agree with Gayle, and think she will emerge as a conservative voice in another capacity... but I think the heart of this decision is her family. More thoughts on that in my blog

[Pam Gibson]

She said she is leaving the Gov. job, not the people of Alaska and not the country. She spoke of her support of those running for office and those like ourselves, grassroots trying to save our way of life. I think she knows exactlly what she is doing. She accomplished the majority of her goals in 2.5yrs and the remaining will be completed by the Lt Gov whom she spoke of favorably. It also gives him 1.5 yrs or experience as Gov prior to next election so may keep a Rep in Gov role in Alaska. Smart move. She spoke of what the majority of lame duck politicians do. I respect her honesty and I agree. GWB didn't accomplish much in his final term and most gov. do not either. They just sort of float along. Well Sarah has other fish to fry. I fully expect her to be out there supporting the conservative movement and the principles and values of our country. She, as we, recognize the danger this country is facing from our current congress so so called president. I do believe their world is about to be rocked. This is only the beginning of our future. We have been begging for someone to step forward and lead this nation, I think one is on the horizen and has answered the call.