Creating a 20-20 split between Democrats and Republicans, Rep. Louise Stutes, a Kodiak Republican, once again chose to go with the Democrats.
She says they are in the majority.
The news was broken first by the Cordova Times, an online newspaper in her district. Must Read Alaska’s newsletter reported it soon after. Then a press release followed from the House Democrat-led majority.
Stutes told the House Republicans during a Zoom call meeting that she was staying with the Democrats. She appeared for a portion of the meeting to evidently make the announcement to the participants, and there was no persuading her, as she had a long list of must-haves for her district, which included fully funding the ferry system, fully funding power-cost-equalization for rural communities, and more.
“If you know me, you know that during my time in Juneau I’ve never lost sight of where I come from. Although a proud Republican for 50 years, I am first and foremost a representative of my district,” she said in her press release.
“Kodiak, Cordova, Yakutat, Seldovia and all District 32 communities in between are reliant on a healthy Alaska Marine Highway System, robust fisheries management, quality K-12 schools, public safety, community revenue sharing, and investment in infrastructure. It’s no secret that services rural Alaskans depend on have been disproportionately targeted for cuts. As a result, I’ve prioritized working with legislators who support those services and my district, regardless of party affiliation,” she wrote.
“It is critical now, more than ever, that we stand our ground to protect and restore our coastal communities.” – Louise Stutes
Notably, she did not mention her desire to protect the Permanent Fund or the dividend Alaskans are statutorily guaranteed each year.
“After giving it careful thought, I’m making it public that I’ll be caucusing with my colleagues in the current House Majority Coalition who share my vision for a vibrant rural, as well as urban Alaska.”
“By working together, I am confident we can build a bright future for all Alaskans,” Stutes wrote, before wishing everyone a merry Christmas.
It’s not a new betrayal. Stutes has caused for the past four years with the Democrats. But during the last two years, she had Reps. Bart LeBon, Tammy Wilson, and Steve Thompson of Fairbanks, Jennifer Johnson, Gabrielle LeDoux, and Chuck Kopp of Anchorage, and the late Gary Knopp of Kenai by her side.
LeDoux, Kopp, and Johnston were voted out of office, Wilson left early for a state job, and Knopp died in a plane crash and his and Wilson’s replacements are staunch Republicans. Which means all eyes are on Reps. Bart LeBon and Steve Thompson of Fairbanks, who have repeatedly promised they would not return to the Democrat fold this year.
And that means the House is still at a 20-20 split with neither group able to claim a majority.
