27 Jul 2009

Palin steps down as governor

8:56 am on 27 July 2009

Former United States Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin steps down as governor of Alaska on Sunday, as dwindling popularity and ethics investigations cloud her future.

Mrs Palin, 45, announced her resignation on 3 July.

The announcement surprised supporters and opponents alike and raised questions about her next move and whether she would run for President.

She told a crowd of more than 1000 in her hometown of Wasilla on Friday, that she was grateful for the backing she has received from Alaskans since the announcement.

She told The Washington Post in a written statement she was not leaving because of any particular ethics complaint and was determined to fight government waste and get the country "back on the right track."