Rep. Laddie Shaw showed up at the Alaska Republican Party’s State Central Committee meeting in Fairbanks on Friday, and was given a hero’s welcome and a standing ovation.
Shaw had been denied a seat in the Senate after six Senate Republicans voted against his confirmation to Senate Seat M. The seat is vacant after the passing of Sen. Chris Birch in August.
[Read: No go: Senate Republicans take a pass on Laddie Shaw]
Shaw was introduced Friday night along with other lawmakers present, including former State Senator Pete Kelly and House Representative Dave Talerico. The audience applauded for all of them, but the heavy applause and whistles were reserved for Shaw, who was seated in a place of honor next to Gov. Michael Dunleavy.
[Read: Republicans react with shock over Laddie Shaw vote]
Shaw was nominated to be the District M senator by Republicans in his district. His name was among three forwarded to the governor, who had interviewed all three candidates before choosing Shaw.
On Thursday, the Senate Republicans met and split the vote 6-6, which denied Shaw the seat in the Senate.
