Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has announced from her Wasilla home that she will be stepping down from office by the end of the month, transferring authority Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell.

Palin had been considered as one of the top runners for the GOP nomination in 2012. She, however, does not plan on running for a second term this coming 2010.

Sources say that Palin’s decision comes from “careful consideration”, referring to some issues that are causing duress in her home state. A Republican source also added that he believes that Palin is readying herself for 2012.

Lisa Murkowski, Alaska’s senior senator, has also expressed disappointment with Palin’s decision. “I am deeply disappointed that the governor has decided to abandon the state and her constituents before her term has concluded,” Murkowski was quoted as saying.

Palin was elected governor in 2006, and was chosen as Arizona Senator John McCain‘s running mate for the US presidency last year.

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