Sarah Palin is resigning as governor of Alaska. Palin made the surprise announcement Friday after first revealing she wouldn't be running for re-election.

Rather than be a lame duck governor, Palin said she chose to resign. In explaining her decision, she made an analogy to basketball -- saying she knows when to pass the ball so the team can win.

The former Republican vice-presidential candidate has now spurred talk she might focus on a run for president in the 2012 election. However, sources say Governor Palin may choose to leave politics entirely.

"I'm determined to take the right path for Alaska, even though it is
unconventional and it's not so comfortable. With this announcement that I'm not seeking re-election I've determined it's best to transfer the authority of Governor to Lt. Governor Parnell," Palin said Friday.

Parnell was elected lieutenant governor in 2006. He'll be sworn in on July 26.