Palin’s early departure creates political opportunity for others who want to be governor

Palin’s resignation means opportunity for others

JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s early departure from her office is creating political opportunity for others who would like to be the state’s next chief executive.

Nearly a dozen people already have filed letters of intent with the Alaska Public Offices Commission to run in 2010.

The list includes state Sen. Hollis French, a Democrat from Anchorage who oversaw the “Troopergate” investigation that looked into the firing of Palin’s Public Safety Commissioner.

Longtime Rep. John Harris, a Republican from Valdez, also would like to be Alaska’s next governor.

Patti Higgins, chairwoman of the Alaska Democratic Party, says former Rep. Ethan Berkowitz, a Democrat from Anchorage, will enter the fray in the fall.