Tuckerman Babcock, right, reviews election results with Mike Dunleavy on Nov. 6 after the polls closed.
TUCKERMAN BABCOCK TO JOIN DUNLEAVY ADMINISTRATION
Gov.-elect Mike Dunleavy today announced that Tuckerman Babcock, current chairman of the Alaska Republican Party, will be his administration’s chief of staff, and will also lead the transition team for the incoming Dunleavy-Meyer Administration.
Babcock resigned from the Alaska Republican Party chairmanship effective at 2 pm today. Glen Clary, the party’s vice chairman, is automatically the new party chairman.
The announcement was made at the annual meeting of the Alaska Miners Association at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage. As he was introduced, the crowd gave him a standing ovation.
Dunleavy announced that his campaign manager Brett Huber will be his senior policy director.
Dunleavy also named other key positions in the transition:
- Maryanne Pruitt, administrative director of the transition team
- Sarah Erkmann Ward is the communication director for the transition team
- Kristie Babcock is the governor-elect’s scheduling director for transition
- Gina Rittaco is the boards and commissions director for transition
- Stacey Stone Semmler is legal counsel for the transition team.
The transition team has launched a website where people can send their resumes and where they can offer ideas and ask questions:
Dunleavy was suffering from a cold and was hoarse throughout his remarks, which focused on his excitement about resource development.
Speaking with a gravely voice said “Alaska is open for business.”
He told the miners that he wants “more Red Dogs, more Pogos, and more Kensingtons,” naming three well-known Alaska mines.
He also gave a shout out to coal, and mentioned opening Donlin mine.
“I can assure you going forward there’s going to be a lot of excitement in the resource development sector of our state. The attitude is how can we make this happen?” he said.
“My pledge to you is you’re going to have a partner that wants to create jobs and opportunities for all Alaska,” he said. “We’re not going to politicize the process.”
He recognized Rep. Dave Talerico as House Speaker, and Reps. Lance Pruitt and Tammie Wilson as co-chairs of Finance in the House.
