By:  Charles Benninghoff
Exclusive to Republican Majority Campaign

     Wasilla, Alaska - Will Sarah Palin's surprise announcement this past Friday, July 3, 2009, from her home that she would shortly resign as Governor of Alaska reap benefits or disaster? 

Depending on your point-of-view, of course, the answer seems obvious.  Yet, the numerous answers to this question from chiefly conservative politicians and pundits are even more diverse than from the socialist camp; indeed, aside from state-sponsored media such as CNN and MSNBC, there seems to be little comment from the far left despite the possibility that Palin's dramatic choice may severely impact their current power base.

     Former White House Chief of Staff under Bush II, Karl Rove, is perhaps the most opinionated conservative on this subject.  During a Fox News round table discussion, Rove opined that Palin's resignation was a "risky" strategy that may, or may not, pay off if her objective is to begin running for the presidency in 2011.  "[Palin] marches to the beat of her own drum, and it's going to be very interesting to see how she pulls this off," Rove stated.

     Commentator Warren Williams believes that Palin's tactic may backfire because the Left's attacks against her will not diminish and, in fact, will probably increase.  Thus, he reasoned, what did she accomplish by resigning except removing herself from a prominent power base as Governor, Williams posited.

     Speaking outside her home with Lake Lucille in the background, Palin derided the “superficial political blood sport” that has been aimed at her since rocketing to fame last summer.

     The website Politicoreported that in remarks that appeared to be off the cuff, Palin also recalled her days as a high school basketball point guard, arguing that she was advancing her state by stepping down.

     "I know when it’s time to pass the ball for victory,” Palin said.

     But Palin, herself, also hinted at her own national ambitions, referring to a quote of heroic World War II leader General Douglas MacArthur, who prosephied “We are not retreating; we are advancing in another direction.”

    Among all of the commentators, perhaps the most in-tune with what is happening is Bill Crystal of The Weekly Standard who stated that "... Palin is crazy like a fox..." and that her resignation would free her from defending herself form a barrage of unjust and groundless attacks from the far left that as governor she was required to defend - draining her of precious time, resources and money. 

     Crystal is closest to the truth.  Since receiving the VP nod, Palin is reported to have spent more than $500,000.00 defending herself from groundless charges brought by communists, America-haters and other far left loons.  These funds had to be spent due to the nature of the Alaska's laws on the subject.  Add these expenditures to those of the state itself in the Troopergatecase alone, and the total now exceeds $2,000,000.00.

     Thus, the communist-led strategy of leveling one personal attack after another against Ms. Palin may have the reverse effect than what was intended.  First, the new Governor is a staunch Republican and a supporter of Ms. Palin; and, second, Palin's fund-raising efforts can now be directed to objectives that are unassailable by the left, leaving her voice finally able to be heard in the raising clamor of American politics.