A major figure in the Republican Party has resigned.

No, it’s not embattled US Sen. John Ensign (R-NV). And it’s also not beleaguered Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC). It’s Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK).

Yes, Sarah Palin. Of all the people to resign… why her? Sure, she has faced a growing number of ethical questions, most of which she has been cleared of. And, she only has 18 months left on her term. So again, why Palin?

I frankly can’t answer that question. Palin attempted to give an answer during her rambling 18 minute news conference. But even it didn’t make a lot of sense.

The political commentators have been throwing out reason after reason. She needed to make real money (which she couldn’t do as governor). She needed more time with her family (an insulting, sexist proposition to any working mother). She was tired of the political mudslinging and constant jokes at the expense of her family (see David Letterman). She is readying for a run for the White House (a prospect that would be virtually impossible to do as a sitting governor of Alaska… the logistics are daunting).

Palin said she has become too much of a lightening rod and that the distraction was hurting the people of Alaska. Further, she said she didn’t want to be a lame duck for the final 18 months of her only term as governor. Maybe.

Again, I don’t want to speculate as to the reason for her decision. It’s likely only Sarah Palin and her closest family members and advisors really know why. But, her decision does send some strong messages.

1) The hastily held news conference with its bomb shell announcement seemed erratic. Her speech was very unprepared. Her reasoning wasn’t presented in a coherent, logical way.

2) I’m not sure the decision to resign helps her fill in two of the biggest gaps on her political resume: experience and judgment. Does being the governor of one of the smallest states in the union for only 30 months qualify one to be president? Does abruptly resigning from her first term in office show the kind of judgment we’re looking for in a president?

3) We aren’t done hearing from Palin. In fact, this decision will free her up to travel more outside of Alaska. She’s likely to be a constant figure on the talk shows, may be up for a radio or TV talk show contract, and will be in high demand for paid speeches. In other words, we will likely be seeing a lot more of her in the coming months and years.

4) Sarah Palin is always full of surprises.

What do you think?