one week to go

I don't usually go all political in this blog, because I find political blogs annoying. But as many of you have heard, Sarah Palin is resigning as my governor on July 25. I have been asked what I think about it, since living here for 7 months make me local, I thought I would comment.

I am sad about it. You see many Alaskans thought she was an excellent governor. I thought she did a good job on the state level in the months that I have been here. I was glad she went over the bail-out package offered to Alaska with a fine tooth comb and did not accept money that would lead our state to become dependent on federal dollars for programs the state can do better. I thought Governor Palin was a fresh break from any "good ole boys" or "blue blood" family that often become elected officials around the country.

But the vice presidential campaign left its mark. Alaskans became disgruntled with all the ridiculous and even frivolous press about the Governor. Paparazzi stalked her daughter and new baby outside their home. Rumors were spread and accusations were made. It cluttered the gubernatorial desk and gave Palin opponents more fuel to fight her in legislation. Through the course of events, and the price of fame, whether it was sought after or not, Alaska's objectives got lost.

I watched Governor Palin grow almost gaunt on TV as she seemed to be losing a fair amount of weight. I saw the tabloids have a hay day with feuds between her and national TV personalities. Her family's faces became bounties for photogs to sell. Ethics charges were trumped up and exaggerated.

Her job was eating her life.

I know she accepted the nomination for VP and "brought this on herself" or "sought after the attention" she is now getting. But I don;t think for a minute if Sarah saw what that acceptance would have brought on her or her family she would have. As someone born and raised in rural Wasilla Alaska, I don't think she had a clue what sharks would begin circling her once her name was thrown in the pool.

She was thought to be the one to save the Republican party. But that was never her intention. She was a mom who first wanted to better her school for her children. Then a woman who saw a need for her town. And finally she had an agenda for her state which could only have benefited from a local in the White House.

So yes, Sarah Palin is stepping down as governor. And while we don't know the concrete reason for her resignation, we do know the Leutenant Governor to step in has said he will carry on the Palin agenda without any of the outside distractions.

I hope Sarah goes home and watches that one year old of her run in the grass. And holds that new grandbaby of hers on her lap. I hope she is there when her young daughters come home from school this fall ready to hear how their day went. I hope she gets care packages together for her son in Iraq and goes fishing with her husband when he is not up working on the North Slope.

Because that is where her roots are. And that is what matter.