Giffords wasn't actually much of a Representative anyway. My understanding is that she was a Republican with DNC advertising money. Obviously, Sarah Palin shouldn't have called out a hit on her, but being a victim of right-wing terrorism doesn't make you a saint.
That said, the worst possible result would be for the attempted assasination being legitimised by a successful Republican campaign against her replacement.
Really, she should run a nationwide speaking tour to denounce fascist violence as soon as she's recovered. It could be a really good thing.