Following her as closely as I have, I cannot imagine any better handling of a situation (her Governor's position) that left her, the state of Alaska, and the public in general intact.

The constant badgering by taxpayer funded and repeated lawsuits aimed at making her executive position ineffective was beginning to take its toll on her job as well as her personal life.  The fact that she did a fine job as governor prior to becoming the focal point of leftist target practice, ought not be lost because of the decision to protect the state from her [then] new found notoriety.

Two birds with one stone.

Then there were legal fees to pay as a result of that badgering. So speaking fees should be off the table?  If people will pay you to speak, and you need to pay the bills, it seems a logical outcome that you will speak to pay the bills.

But because she has a particular colloquial penchant, does that mean she is not intelligent?  Does that make her a 'redneck?'

Only if you believe the NY Times or Newsweek.

I cannot tell you how disappointed I have been with conservatives and Republicans who have fallen into the trap of the media presented Sarah Palin.  Way too many watch SNL and think Tina Fey portrays her accurately.  I find that to be intellectually lazy.