WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today made the following statement after Gov. Sarah Palin’s announcement that she plans to step down as governor later this month. “I am deeply disappointed that the Governor has decided to abandon the State and her constituents before her term has concluded.” Sen. Murkowski is in interior Alaska and communicating via satellite phone and is unavailable for follow up questions. She will be available on Monday afternoon.