Updated: 4:09 p.m.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R), Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) presidential running mate in 2008, announced Friday that she will not run for re-election in 2010 and that she will resign as governor in a few weeks.

Palin, who is viewed as a potential 2012 presidential candidate, made the announcement at a hastily called news conference at her home in Wasilla, Alaska. Palin did not give any indication about what her future political plans might be.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell (R) will be sworn in as governor on July 26. Parnell challenged Rep. Don Young (Alaska) in the 2008 primary but fell short of beating the longtime legislator.

“Once I decided not to run for re-election, I also felt that to embrace the conventional Lame Duck’ status in this particular climate would just be another dose of politics as usual,’ something I campaigned against and will always oppose,— Palin said in a statement released by her office. “It is my duty to always protect our great state. With that in mind, my family and I determined that it is best to make a difference this summer, and I am willing to change things, so that this administration, with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future, can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success.—