The Contrarian

Tiny starbursts! Breaking news: Sarah Palin to resign Governorship! The New York Times:

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

Known as Sarah Barracuda when she played basketball in high school, Ms. Palin used point guard analogy in explaining her decision, saying she knows “exactly when to pass the ball so the team can win.”

She said that she planned to hand over the reins of the state government to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, who would be sworn in at the governor’s picnic in Fairbanks later this month.

“This decision came after much consideration,” Ms. Palin told reporters gathered at her home, and added, “I really don’t want to disappoint anyone with this announcement.”

There had been wide speculation that she would seek to be the Republican Party’s presidential candidate in 2012. Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, who is also considered to be a leading Republican candidate for president in 2012, announced last month that he would not seek re-election.

By leaving office early, Ms. Palin, a 45-year-old mother of five, will be able to travel around the country more freely and not be constrained by the duties and responsibilities of being a governor.

“Some are going to question the timing of this, and let me say this decision has been in the works for quite a while,” she said.

The good news is that she’s no longer charged with leading — in her words — “the largest state in the Union.” (That would be the largest in size, not population, but Putin does occasionally rear his head.) The bad news should be obvious: more Sarah in the Lower 48.

Want some more Palin fun?

• “Palin E-mails Show Infighting With Staff” (CBS News)
• The “SarahPAC” video:
  
• Sarah Palin: “I’m a Runner“
• Recently-published, already infamous Vanity Fair article

To those of you who criticize our Palin coverage, know this: the minute that woman gives a speech in either Iowa or New Hampshire, it’s open season. Adjust your bookmarks accordingly. . .