ANCHORAGE, Alaska, (Reuters) – Alaska Governor Sarah  Palin, the Republican Party’s vice presidential candidate in  2008, said yesterday she will resign this month, an unexpected  move that could signal a run for higher office.
Palin took no questions after a brief news conference in  her hometown of Wasilla, Alaska, members of her state Cabinet  by her side. She gave no indication of her future plans.

“I’m not seeking re-election” in 2010, Palin said, adding  she would transfer authority to Lieutenant Governor Sean  Parnell on July 26.

Palin, Arizona Sen. John McCain’s surprise pick as his  running-mate in the 2008 presidential race, rallied the party’s  conservative base but alienated others who believed she did not  have the experience to be vice president.

She has been mentioned as one of the top three Republicans  who could vie for the party’s presidential nomination in 2012.  Those mentioned most often include Mississippi Governor Haley  Barbour and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

“We are not retreating, we are advancing in a different  direction,” Palin said. “We know we can effect positive change  outside government at this moment in time.”

Palin, 45, said her decision came after much “prayer and  consideration.” She said she did not want to waste time on  “political blood sport” and cited public criticism of her  actions and her family since the 2008 campaign.