The Senate Democrats’ press secretary says the new Senate majority will hold a press availability to announce its organization for the coming legislative season. It’s a signal that a bipartisan majority has formed.
The timing of the news announced by Noah Hanson, the Democrats’ press secretary, is what’s called a “Friday night news dump,” which is when controversial news is released in the hopes that few will notice.
The press conference will be held at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office, 1500 W. Benson Blvd, Anchorage at 5:30 pm. Access to the public is limited.
The new Senate Majority will be comprised of Sen. Gary Stevens as president, Sen. Bert Stedman and Sen. Lyman Hoffman as Finance co-chairs, and possibly Sen. Bill Wielechowski as Rules chair, Must Read Alaska has learned.
Republicans have more seats in the Senate but the notification coming from the Senate Democrats’ press office is a signal that the Democrats are in charge and will be running the news conference.
Kenai Senator-elect Jesse Bjorkman is part of the organization, as is Republican James Kaufman of Anchorage, and David Wilson of Wasilla.
Republicans Sens. Shelley Hughes, Rob Myers, and Mike Shower have been isolated and not invited to the majority. But it’s clear most Democrats will be part of it, while Hughes, who has served as Senate Majority Leader, is not part of the majority.
