Palin rejects "quitter" accusations
Former governor of Alaska Sarah Palin defends her decision to step down on Friday
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Tuesday, 07, Jul 2009 09:50
The former governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, has defended herself following criticism over her decision to step down on Friday, a year and a half before her term in office was due to expire.
Speaking to the US media on Monday during a family fishing trip, Mrs Palin said she had resigned due to the tremendous pressure, time and financial burden of a number of ethics complaints during the last few months.
The former governor said the accusations were without merit and had distracted from the work she wanted to do for the people of Alaska.
Speaking to CNN, Mrs Palin described herself as a "fighter, not a quitter".
Of her future, she said she wanted to continue to work in public service but did not rule out potentially running for the Republican candidacy in the 2012 presidential elections.
The 45-year-old was picked her out of relative obscurity to be John McCain's running mate in last year's election.
Initially seen as a masterstroke, her appointment soon drew considerable criticism due to a series of disastrous TV interviews and the revelation her 18-year-old daughter was pregnant.
There have also been a number of inquiries in the firing of Alaska's public safety director during her time in office.
Mrs Palin's lawyer recently rejected any suggestion there was a legal "bombshell" or personal scandal behind her decision to resign last week.