Ever since Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin returned from the presidential campaign trail, many Alaskans felt her heart wasn't in the job.

Lawmakers complained she didn't take an interest in the state's politics. One quipped after her state-of-the-state address in January that the only person in the legislative chamber she made eye contact with was the television camera.

Palin became a polarizing figure in Alaska and the focus of numerous ethics complaints filed against her with the state personnel board. And she's taken a beating from Senate Democrats over many of her recent appointments.

Palin also faces a veto override for rejecting nearly $29 million in federal stimulus funds for energy efficiency programs.

Juneau economist and longtime Alaska political watcher Gregg Erickson says the "drumbeat of adverse news coverage from Alaska" would likely have continued if she had not decided to resign at the end of the month. And he says that would have become an increasing liability to any national political plans she may have.