The announcement of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s resignation left many Republicans in shock on Friday, including those in Hall County.

"It’s a shock to everybody. Some seem to think she’s preparing for a bid in 2012, but that remains to be seen," said Jim Pilgrim, chairman of Hall County’s Republican Party. "Evidently she knows what she’s doing, and I wish the best for her."

Palin, the GOP’s vice presidential candidate in 2008, said she is resigning from office at the end of the month, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in 2012.

"It doesn’t look like she stepped aside for any particular reason, and I’m wishing her all the luck she can have," said Khris Yardley, chairman of the Hall County Young Republicans. "But if she’s looking to the national stage, we’ll certainly support her."

Palin, who was elected governor in 2006, called a news conference Friday morning at her home in her hometown of Wasilla, giving such short notice that few reporters made it to the announcement.

Spokesman Dave Murrow refused to give details about the governor’s future plans.

"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.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will be inaugurated at the governor’s picnic in Fairbanks at the end of the month, Murrow said.

Palin said she planned to make a "positive change outside government," without elaborating. She also expressed frustration with her current role as governor.

"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.