Items from around Alaska’s Capitol over the past few days:
- Eastgate: The House Committee on Committees will meet on Tuesday and vote for a second time on whether to remove Rep. David Eastman from all House committees due to his lifetime membership in the organization known as the Oath Keepers, a para-militia group of Americans defending the Constitution of the United States and encouraging people to disobey unconstitutional orders. The committee will return its report to the House for a vote on Wednesday. Likely on Tuesday is that Eastman’s position on the Ethics Committee as an alternate will be separated out from the other committees the Democrats are trying to strip him from (with help from Republicans like Rep. Kelly Merrick of Eagle River). Background on this story is here.
- Gillham heart attack: Rep. Ron Gillham, Republican from District 30 on the Kenai, had a heart attack last Wednesday and was medevaced from Juneau to Anchorage, where a stent was put in on Thursday. He was released from Providence Medical Center on Saturday, attended caucus meetings via teleconference on Monday, and will be back in Juneau on Tuesday.
- Kurka running mate: Rep. Chris Kurka announced in Wasilla that in his run for governor, he has chosen Homer resident Paul Hueper to be his running mate. His announcement was broadcast on Facebook. Hueper and his wife Marilyn Hueper had their home raided by the FBI and Capitol Police in search of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s laptop. The federal authorities were convinced Marilyn had stolen it on Jan. 6. She and Paul had not been inside the U.S. Capitol, but their lives were upended by federal agents. Background on their situation is here.
- House Minority onboarded press team: Republicans have welcomed Forrest Musselsman of Wasilla to the press team, as deputy communications director, web management, social media, design, audio visual. Trey Watson will be joining the Minority caucus as communication director on Monday, Feb. 7.
