McCain - Palin to play leadership role as ex-Governor

By Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican Senator John McCain expressed support for his former presidential running mate, Sarah Palin, on Saturday as Washington speculated about why the Alaska governor abruptly announced her resignation.

McCain made the comment a day after Palin stunned the political world by announcing she is stepping down with 18 months left in her term.

McCain had plucked Palin from obscurity to make her his vice presidential running mate in last year's presidential campaign won by Democrat Barack Obama.

"I have the greatest respect and affection for Sarah, Todd, and their family. I was deeply honoured to have her as my running mate and believe she will continue to play an important leadership role in the Republican Party and our nation," McCain said in a statement e-mailed to Reuters.

But Alaska's Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski issued a statement saying, "I am deeply disappointed that the Governor has decided to abandon the State and her constituents before her term has concluded."

Palin defeated Murkowski's father, then-Governor Frank Murkowski, in the 2006 Republican primary for governor.

A polarizing figure who is mainly popular among conservatives, Palin has often been considered a possible contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012.

Her decision, announced in a rambling, disjointed statement in her home town of Wasilla, Alaska, fuelled speculation that she might be seeking to position herself for a run.