Palin was a relatively little-known governor in the summer of 2008 when John McCain, the 2008 Republican candidate for president, tapped her as his running mate. She quickly became a favourite of some conservatives for her Christian, pro-family stance.

However, a series of televised interviews which raised questions about her lack of diplomacy and grasp of current events horrified some more liberal voters.

Vice governor Sean Parnell is set to take over as governor of Alaska in a ceremony Sunday.