Over the weekend, on November 29, the Alaska State Senate confirmed the appointments of former Speaker of the House Cathy Tilton and former Representative George Rauscher. Tilton and Rauscher were appointed by Governor Dunleavy to fill vacancies left by Candidate for Governor Shelley Hughes and Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Mike Shower.
Tilton will represent District M (Wasilla), and Rauscher will present District O (Sutton). Both Tilton and Rauscher join the Senate Minority Caucus, comprised of 6 Republicans. The new appointments will not affect the Senate Majority Coalition, comprised of 9 Democrats and 5 Republicans.
Senate President Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) issued the following statement: “I want to welcome newly appointed Senators Rauscher and Tilton and thank them for stepping forward at such an important time for Alaska. We have major work ahead—stabilizing our fiscal outlook, strengthening education, and charting the course for a gasline—and collaboration will be essential. I look forward to working with them during the upcoming legislative session as we take on these challenges together.”
What the heck—6 Republicans in the minority and 5 in the majority could band together and make a true majority over the 9 Democrats!
Yes, indeed. Additionally, Alaska is the only state in the nation to form legislative majorities and minorities this way. Nebraska is another state with a unique Legislature, but it is unique in that it does not form majorities or minorities at all. Every other state in the Union and our federal Legislature organizes majorities and minorities along party-lines. I am going to write about why Alaska chooses to organize its Legislature this way in my series “An Honest Conversation” (to be released over my maternity leave in March).
Natalie please name, names.
Who are the turncoat Republicans that are siding with the Democrats.
We need specific names.
These people need to be primaried and exposed for what they are doing.
Yes that is the way it is supposed be done based on the voters selection. But that would prevent the democrats from controlling everything. So the democrats bribe the disloyal and greedy fake republicans to abandon their voters for better positions on committees and then they are rewarded with status screwing their voters and all republicans.
He’s so dashing
If Gary Stevens (Rino-Kodiak) praises this you can guarantee that it stinks.
These appointments stem from the mad dash for Alaska’s executive office next year. Turns out more republican candidates have tossed their proverbial hat into that ring than the number of Dog Salmon that swim up the Kobuk River.
I wish the departing Senators well; however I hasten to point out that with RCV the evil and calculating Commiecrats, aided by feckless repubicans, ( think spineless RINO’s) will likely carry the day and place their candidate in the Governors Mansion next December. This result is because the Republican Party is retarded. We do not develop candidates nor do we mentor them.
Alaska has a two party system, comprised of the Stupid Party and the Evil Party, Republicans are the stupid party. I wish it were different, but since the dynamics of leadership have changed, seldom do qualified leaders run for office. This because successful people are thwarted by onerous public officers reporting, while lackluster losers, (see democrat newbies to Alaska) looking for a good paying gig are encouraged to apply. A hell of a way to run a business.