Cillizza Reports Palin Resigning to Build Team for 2012 Presidential Run

Chris Cillizza at The Fix has sources that counter what NBC's Andrea Mitchell is reporting about the reason for Gov. Sarah Palin's decision to resign her office. Cillizza reports that a source close to Gov. Sarah Palin says Palin is resigning as Alaska Governor in order to build a team for a 2012 run for the GOP Presidential nomination. Andrea Mitchell is reporting sources who say Palin is quitting politics for good:

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will resign her office later this month, according to several sources familiar with her decision, freeing her to build a national political team and travel the country in support of an expected 2012 presidential bid.

The first term governor is stepping down "so that she can take the fight for her issues elsewhere," according to a Palin aide.

Palin's decision comes amid polling that showed her losing altitude from the stratospheric heights to which she ascended following her election in 2006 but remained a strong favorite to win reelection.

Some Republican strategists expressed skepticism about Palin's decision.

"I'm not smart enough to see the strategy in this," said John Weaver, a senior party strategist. "Good point guards don't quit and walk off the court."

Ron Bonjean, a Republican consultant, said, "Governor Palin can now run for President
without playing the balancing act of keep Alaskan voters happy. While she has a core following, many Republicans are getting tired of the constant drama that surrounds her
family."

National Democrats also were quick to criticize the move.

"Her decision to abandon her post and the people of Alaska who elected her continues a pattern of bizarre behavior that more than anything else may explain the decision she made today," said Hari Sevugan, a spokesman for the Democratic National Committee.

Palin is the second potential 2012 candidate to decide against reelection. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty chose not to run for a third term last month.