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Sarah Palin to step down formally Sarah Palin to step down formally
(20 minutes later)
Former US vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin is due to formally step down as Alaska governor, 18 months before the end of her term in office.Former US vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin is due to formally step down as Alaska governor, 18 months before the end of her term in office.
She announced her resignation abruptly on 3 July, leading to speculation of a bid for the presidency in 2012.She announced her resignation abruptly on 3 July, leading to speculation of a bid for the presidency in 2012.
She is due to hand over to Alaska's Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell at a picnic ceremony in Fairbanks, Alaska.She is due to hand over to Alaska's Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell at a picnic ceremony in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Mrs Palin, who is dogged by ethics probes and legal bills, has given few clues about her political future.Mrs Palin, who is dogged by ethics probes and legal bills, has given few clues about her political future.
"I cannot express enough there is no plan after July 26 Meghan StapletonPalin spokeswoman In pictures: Palin's highs and lows"I cannot express enough there is no plan after July 26 Meghan StapletonPalin spokeswoman In pictures: Palin's highs and lows
She has signed a book deal and reports say she could host a television chat show.She has signed a book deal and reports say she could host a television chat show.
'No plan''No plan'
But a spokeswoman for the Palin family has dismissed the claims.But a spokeswoman for the Palin family has dismissed the claims.
"I cannot express enough there is no plan after July 26. There is absolutely no plan," Meghan Stapleton told The Associated Press news agency."I cannot express enough there is no plan after July 26. There is absolutely no plan," Meghan Stapleton told The Associated Press news agency.
"[On Monday] we'll sit down and say, 'OK, here are your options. How do you now want to effect that positive change for Alaska from outside the role as governor?'," Ms Stapleton added."[On Monday] we'll sit down and say, 'OK, here are your options. How do you now want to effect that positive change for Alaska from outside the role as governor?'," Ms Stapleton added.
Mrs Palin, 45, shot to fame as John McCain's Republican running mate in the election of November 2008, becoming a lightning rod for praise and criticism alike.Mrs Palin, 45, shot to fame as John McCain's Republican running mate in the election of November 2008, becoming a lightning rod for praise and criticism alike.
She said a major factor in her decision to quit as Alaska's governor was the mounting legal cost she and the state faced in fighting nearly 20 ethics charges.She said a major factor in her decision to quit as Alaska's governor was the mounting legal cost she and the state faced in fighting nearly 20 ethics charges.
But she has insisted her opponents would not "find any dirt".But she has insisted her opponents would not "find any dirt".
However, an independent state investigator says her legal-defence fund - formed to help pay more than $500,000 ($304,000) in lawyers' fees - is itself an ethics violation because it uses her government job for personal financial benefit. However, an independent state investigator says her legal-defence fund - formed to help pay more than $500,000 (£304,000) in lawyers' fees - is itself an ethics violation because it uses her government job for personal financial benefit.
Her popularity rating has fallen to 40% in the wake of her resignation, a Washington Post-ABC poll showed.Her popularity rating has fallen to 40% in the wake of her resignation, a Washington Post-ABC poll showed.
But her supporters defend her as an outstanding leader with a strong Christian faith and unwavering support for her family.But her supporters defend her as an outstanding leader with a strong Christian faith and unwavering support for her family.