WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) — Republican U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska on Saturday said she regrets Governor Sarah Palin’s decision to resign her position.

“I am deeply disappointed that the Governor has decided to abandon the State and her constituents before her term has concluded,” Murkowski wrote in a brief statement.

Gov. Palin has received a lot of criticism, including from members of her own political party, regarding the sudden resignation. While Palin did not address any future plans, it is widely expected she will soon announce a run for the U.S. Senate or for the Presidential elections in 2012.

Shortly after the unexpected announcement, rumors began to circulate regarding a possible scandal which would soon be made public. A number of websites ran articles on possible scandals but there have been no credible media reports to back up such claims.

Meanwhile, MSNBC reported that Gov. Palin, while quoting unnamed sources, intends to disappear from politics forever.

• Sarah Palin