Sarah Palin announces Resignation as Alaska Governor!

Palin resigns as Governor of Alaska just hours before the 4th of July weekend in a fast press conference Friday. Here is the breaking details coming into LALATE.

Roughly 2 hours ago, LALATE ran for you reports that Palin has issued a national press release that she will be holding a press conference today, July 3, 2009, at 11 am. Insiders called the means in which Palin called the press conference rare. LALATE ran the announcement for you, assuming perhaps Palin would be responding to those Vanity Fair emails uncovered this week, or something nominal.

And then this - Palin announces a resignation!

Sarah Palin is stepping down in just a few weeks. She made the announcement from her home. No video is yet available from Wasilla. Even NBC and its local affiliate KTUU don’t have video yet.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will be inaugurated later this month. Reports KTUU:

“There was no immediate word as to why she will resign, though speculation has been rampant that the former vice presidential candidate is gearing up for a run at the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.”

Still no reason why the resignation, why so abruptly, and why announced in the manner it was.

On Thursday, LALATE covered the unearthed Palin campaign emails, 2008 campaign emails revealed by  Vanity Fair. But while the Palin emails showed the Governor’s frustration, they didn’t show much more about her interaction with McCain aides over treatment of her 2008 campaign.

One such Palin email read:

“Pls get in front of that ridiculous issue that’s cropped up all day today - two reporters, a protestor’s sign, and many shout-outs all claiming Todd’s involvement in an anti-American political party. It’s bull, and I don’t want to have to keep reacting to it …

“Pls have statement given on this so it’s put to bed.”

Jason Recher told CBS that the emails did not prove Palin didn’t follow strategists hired by the McCain camp.

No explanation for Palin’s resignation, yet. Still developing …