Lets use a little game theory to analyze Sarah Palin’s political options:

Option 1 Stay in Office as Governor and make a Presidential run for 2012

Pro’s: 

Retains Governor Title, and prestige associated with such

Con’s:

Subject to continued ethics attacks, which draw down her energy and personal financial resources

Difficulty in campaigning the Lower 48 from Alaska

Weak National Exposure – will again face the “Sarah is stupid” argument of the Left

Option 2 Exit office now and prepare for 2012 and support 2010 candidates

Pros: 

Write book – generate revenue to eliminate personal expenses and generate national PR

Will Campaign for 2010 Congressional Candidates – generate more PR and political capital

Will gain true National Exposure if she desires to run for President

Cons:

Will be named  ”quitter”

Option 2 makes complete sense once you think about it – the Left will be calling her names regardless of the scenario.  Might as well make money on her book and public speaking while she is bankable and make a difference in the mid term elections.  Between now and 2012, she has a lot of time to make a national impact and deny the “quitter” name.