From the Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner — Originally published Saturday, July 4

Gov. Sarah Palin’s decision to resign from office later this month is a good decision for the state of Alaska.

The governor seems to have lost interest in the job and is doing the state a favor by quitting now.

… The most telling evidence that she now cares more about herself than finishing out the job she was elected to came in her galling failure to explain exactly why she is resigning. She owes Alaskans a real explanation, not the offered “reason” that she doesn’t want to be a lame-duck governor and have to take lots of trips like lame-duck governors do. …

From the governor’s view, she must think she is getting out while the getting is reasonably good. By leaving, she is avoiding some potentially tough decisions as Alaska faces … difficult times in the years ahead.

… Whatever it is that she wants, it is best that she leave office if her list doesn’t include being a dedicated governor.

Alaska needs someone who can focus solely on Alaska. …