Speculation has swirled for weeks, perhaps months that Palin would not seek re-election in 2010 as she pursues a political career on the national stage. The former vice presidential candidate has long been rumored to be considering a run at the Republican presidential nomination in 2012…

She implied that her real decision was not to seek re-election, and that the resignation was a natural step after that in order to avoid a lame-duck final 18 months of her term.

“With this announcement that I’m not seeking re-election, I’ve determined it’s best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor (Sean) Parnell,” Palin said. “I’m determined to take the right path for Alaska, even though it is unconventional and is not so comfortable.

“And I am willing to do this so this administration, with its positive agenda and its accomplishments and its successful road to an incredible future for Alaska, so that it can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success.”…

“I thought about, well, how much fun some governors have as lame ducks,” she said. “They travel around their state, travel to other states, maybe take their overseas, international trade missions — so many politicians do that.

“And then I thought that’s what’s wrong. My choice is to take a stand and affect change and not just hit our head against the wall and watch valuable state time, money — millions of your dollars — go down the drain in this new political environment.”

Local pollster Ivan Moore, who typically consults for Democrats, did not think much of Palin’s decision.

“(She) effectively ended her political career,” he said.

While Palin did not talk of any higher political aspirations, she did touch on her desire to wield her influence in other arenas.

“We know we can affect positive change outside government at this moment in time on another scale and actually make a difference for our priorities, so we will for Alaskans and for Americans,” she said.

The former point guard for Wasilla High School then launched into a somewhat labored sports analogy.

“I use (sports) because you are naive if you don’t see a full-court press from the national level picking away right now,” Palin said. “A good point guard, here’s what she does: she drives through a full-court press, protecting the ball, keeping her head up because she needs to keep her eye on the basket, and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can win.