Washington: Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who was catapulted to national prominence as the Republican vice presidential candidate last year, will resign later this month, she said Friday. She also will not seek re-election as governor next year, Alaska television station KTUU reported.

Palin has remained in the national political spotlight since serving as running mate to Republican John McCain in the 2008 presidential election. Her name has been frequently mentioned by political commentators as a likely candidate to challenge President Barack Obama, a Democrat, 2012.

Palin became a favourite of much of the party's conservative base, but also became a frequent subject of comedians. She was derided for her poor performance in a series of interviews before the election and attacked for her personal life, including the pregnancy of her unwed teenage daughter.