Experts are divided on whether Alaska Governor Sarah Palin resigned because she wants out of politics, or because the self-described maverick wants to take a run at the highest political post in the United States.

Palin announced her resignation Friday during a news conference at her home in Wasilla, saying her last day on the job will be July 26.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will take over as governor. Parnell announced Saturday he will seek a full term in office in 2010.

Palin, who was elected in 2006, did not outline her exact reason for stepping down before her first term is complete, nor did she offer details about her future plans.

But in a Twitter message posted later in the day, Palin said: "We'll soon attach info on decision to not seek re-election ... this is in Alaska's best interest, my family's happy ... it is good. Stay tuned."

University of Toronto political science professor Arnd Jurgensen said Palin may indeed be preparing for run for the White House in 2012.

"Some have suggested that the governorship in Alaska is a detraction from being able to run an effective campaign for the 2012 election," Jurgensen said Saturday on CTV News Channel. "She's far removed from sources of funding, she's far removed from the lower 48 states where she could potentially be preparing a presidential bid."

Charlie Cook, publisher of The Cook Political Report, told Politico.com that running for high office is difficult for any busy governor, but much tougher for someone in a remote state.

"While Bill Clinton ran while being governor of Arkansas and George W. Bush as governor of Texas, Little Rock and Austin are not that far by Cessna Citation or Gulfstream from New Hampshire or Florida or California," Cook said.

Carleton University professor Melissa Haussman said Palin could be considering a run for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Or, Palin may also have been offered a plum lobbying job or a position with the Republican National Committee to help corral the party's socially conservative base.

However, the timing of Palin's announcement -- the Friday of the Fourth of July long weekend, and when media attention is focused on the death of Michael Jackson -- "also does not signal somebody that wants to use this resignation as a platform from which to propel herself into a national campaign," Jurgensen said.

"It seems more the opposite, it seems more that she's trying to hide this away, which again to some extent suggests that there may be more to this story than we have been told so far. That there may be skeletons in the closet that have yet to be revealed, or will be revealed shortly, that she's trying to avoid."

Troubled ticket the first time

Since joining Sen. John McCain as his running mate on the Republican ticket for last year's presidential election, Palin has been criticized for her foibles, including an apparent lack of knowledge of international affairs and a folksy speaking style.

Her brief time in the national spotlight also led to a backlash, as 15 ethics complaints were filed against her with Alaska's state personnel board. All but two were dismissed without finding of wrongdoing.

However, in one case, Palin agreed to return $8,100 to the state for costs incurred during trips with her children.

The state of Alaska has spent about $300,000 investigating the complaints and Palin said she has run up a $500,000 legal bill fighting them.

"I cannot stand here as your governor and allow the millions of dollars and all that time go to waste just so I can hold the title of governor," Palin said, seemingly alluding to her legal woes.

Indeed, Palin's resignation could merely signal a need to step way from public service to beef up her earnings on speaking engagements. Palin also recently signed a book deal, likely for a six-figure advance.

"She could make more in two weeks on just speaking fees than in the rest of her time as governor," Democratic strategist Bob Shrum told The Associated Press.

While speculation will run rampant until Palin announces her future plans, it is likely that the world has not heard the last of the so-called Hockey Mom.

"She has the ability to mobilize the base of the party largely on the basis of her reputation as a social conservative," Jurgensen said. "And to a certain extent that certainly gives her a good platform from which to run for the Republican Party."