Palin: Alaska tour is thanks, not goodbye

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Mixed emotions remain
"We don't give a damn how they do it outside," she said, quoting a popular state bumper sticker. "We do it a different way up here. The pioneer spirit runs strong."

Agnes Baptiste, who posed with Palin and other family members Friday, said she was grateful the governor took the time to come to Unalakleet.

"It's remarkable we can have the opportunity to see her in this community," Baptiste said. Palin "has brought a lot to our state," Baptiste said. "Whatever endeavor she pursues, I know she'll have Alaska in mind."

Davida Hanson, co-owner of Peace on Earth Pizzeria, said she sees a little of herself in Palin: a working mother trying to do what's best for her job and family.

"She wants to be a mom and a family person. It's not a bad thing," Hanson said, recalling that Palin won her heart immediately after taking office, when Palin followed through on a campaign pledge to sell a state jet bought by former Republican Gov. Frank Murkowski. "I love her!" Hanson said.

Not everyone is so impressed. Karen Erickson, owner of the Kuupiaq coffee house, said she thinks Palin has "gone Hollywood" since her selection last year as John McCain's running mate.

"She likes her attention with the media," Erickson said, then adds: "She's done a lot for the state. You have to give her that."

The Rev. Pat McCoy, pastor of the Lighthouse Baptist Church, said he understands why Palin is stepping down.

"If I was her, I'd quit," he said. "Everybody just wants her all the time."

Palin said Alaskans appreciate her desire to help the state avoid a prolonged lame-duck status.
Paul Ivanoff III, community development coordinator for the Norton Sound Economic Development Corp., said there are two Palins — one before she was picked as McCain's running mate, and the current, rock-star version.

"Anybody thrust into the limelight like that will change for good, especially someone as photogenic and popular with the conservative base as Sarah," he said.

Ivanoff said he was saddened and angered by her sudden resignation because it would cost the state significant money and rob it of one of its most valuable resources — Palin.

"In the same breath you have to respect her position," he added. "No matter what elected position you are in, you have to do what's best for you and your family. I respect that."