ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Alaska Democrats are blasting Gov. Sarah Palin’s decision to leave the state this week while the Legislature completes its session.

Alaska Democratic Party chairwoman Patti Higgins says much work remains to be done and Palin’s decision to leave is an abdications of her duties.

The major piece of legislation remaining to be passed this week is a federal stimulus package bill and the capital budget, which traditionally is the last thing lawmakers take up before adjourning.

Palin will be attending the Vanderburgh County Right to Life dinner in Evansville, Ind., on April 16 and a breakfast the following day with members of S.M.I.L.E., a nonprofit support organization for people with family members who have Down syndrome.