Organ donation supporter Sarah Palin resigns as Alaska's governor

Alaska governor Sarah Palin announces her resignation*

Alaska's governor Sarah Palin, who has become well-known as a strong supporter of the cause of organ donation, has announced her resignation. The former vice-presidential candidate will be handing over her position to her deputy, lieutenant governor Sean Parnell in three weeks, as the next election for Alaska governor will not occur until 2010.

Palin stated in a speech that she decided to step down because she can contribute more away from politics."We know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time on another scale and actually make a difference for our priorities," she said.

However, others speculate that Palin is positioning herself for a 2012 presidential bid or seeking another office.

Regardless of her political intentions or lack thereof, her influence has been felt by the organ and tissue donation community. In April of last year, Palin applauded Alaskans for their willingness to join the organ donor registry, making theirs the first state with a registry to enroll more than half of its state’s population - that's 335,033 people who have signed up to be organ and tissue donors in Palin's home state.

“I am proud that so many residents recognize the life-giving benefits of organ and tissue donation,” Palin said. “Their willingness to donate demonstrates the selfless and generous nature of Alaskans.“

Palin, herself, is a registered organ and tissue donor, as is her husband and their two oldest children.

For more info: Life Alaska Donor Services, Alaska Donor Registry,  Be an Organ and Tissue Donor

*AP Photo/The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Robert DeBerry