Palin steps down as Alaska governor

Outspoken ex-Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin stepped down as Alaska governor today to write a book and build a right-of-centre coalition.

But she left her long-term political plans unclear and refused to address speculation that she would seek a 2012 US presidential bid.

Free speech was a theme of Mrs Palin’s farewell speech at a crowded picnic in Fairbanks, as the outgoing governor scolded “some seemingly hell bent on tearing down our nation” and warned Americans to “be wary of accepting government largess. It doesn’t come free”.

She also took aim at the media, saying her replacement, Lt Gov Sean Parnell, “has a very nice family too, so leave his kids alone”.

And she told television crews: “How about, in honour of the American soldier, you quit making things up?”

She did not elaborate, but said when she announced her resignation on July 3 that she was tired of the media focus on her family and felt she had been unfairly treated by reporters.

Friend and foe alike have speculated that Mrs Palin may host a radio or TV show, launch a lucrative speaking career or seek higher office in Washington.