BULLETIN:  SARAH RESIGNS!! - AT 4:56 P.M. ET:  From The New York Times:

Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska announced Friday that she would step down by the end of the month and not seek a second term as governor, fueling speculation that she is seriously weighing whether to seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012.

Ms. Palin, who was Senator John McCain’s vice presidential running mate last year and solidified the support of the party’s conservative base, explained her decision at a news conference at her home in Wasilla, Alaska, accompanied by her husband, Todd, and other family members.

“We know we can effect positive change outside of government,” she said in making the announcement.

COMMENT:  Please see our 8:30 a.m. post. Let me gather more information.  I'll comment later.  But first reaction:  The Palins aren't rich, and she'll have no salary.  She has signed a book deal, and the advance must have been substantial for her to do this.  Always follow the money.

Second reaction:  Why announce this on a holiday weekend?

July 3, 2009