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.
She’s gonna get phone calls…
Recall would be better !
Seems to me she could have better represented her district as a republican and worked with the Governor and the Senate to get the things she has outlined..!!..but took the short term decision to caucus with the left that is working non-stop to destroy the the State of Alaska….Working ‘together’ is the key and those she has chosen to caucus with are not at all about working together!!!!!
I am always expecting to hear news of an analogous move by Lisa Murkowski in the US Congress, joining with the Democrats, even though she is nominally (supposedly, putatively, laughably) a Republican.
She will next time around. That was the point of ballot measure 2
“Although a proud Republican for 50 years,…..”
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No, sorry, but you can’t have it both ways.
You’re not a “proud Republican”, you’re a lying scumbag, and so are the others who claim to be a Republican, but then ‘proudly’ join with the Democrats, and give them the power to control the House.
.
You scumbags are not Republicans, you’re Trojan horses, deliberately lying about your party affiliation to get elected, and them immediately taking the mask off.
And shame on the voters in her district for re-electing her…..
I think you may have misspelled “horses”
She may be elder, but this is not respectable.
Elections have consequences is trite at this point but now is the time to actively recruit her replacement. Alaskans, especially those who voted in Republicans to theoretically “control” both Chambers, deserve better.
Stutes is elected to represent her constituents not the republican party. So called conservatives hate the binding caucus. Apparently only when it is not their caucus.
Let the GOP choose her replacement even now, and issue a recall vote for Madam Louise Stutes, or suffer the consequences.
Let the GOP choose her replacement even now, and issue a recall vote for Madam Louise Stutes, or suffer the consequences.
If LeBon and/or Thompson join the Democrats again, they will pay dearly. These effing disloyal freelancers who claim loyalty to the Republican Party only for campaign purposes will be taught lessons no one will forget.
Seems like the beginning of another typical year for politics in Alaska…
The legislature is divided without any clear leadership & the FBI is investigating them for corruption.
Looks like a closed loop system that continues to reward mediocre individuals for complacency.
Absolutely no surprise with this person!
I’m not sure if a rep can be recalled. At least not without cause (meaning criminal).
How about fraud ? Representing herself as one thing while actually intending to be another
We need a reliable 3rd party forensic audit of the entire down ballot election. Remove all mail in ballots that do not have a witness signature, they are not valid due to the US Constitution, only the Legislator’s set the time, place and manner for the elections. No the Ak Supreme Court.
Actually you’re right to vote is in the Constitution. It’s called an amendment.
BW..
Ratification is required for such things, which gave us women the right to Vote. There was No ratification for the No witness signature, plus your “My man vote for me” and “Little boy” comments have nothing to do with Roberts legitimate constitutional comment.
I do however question your motives for such off the wall comments BW.
This is perfect. If they spend all there time trying to organize, they won’t be able to pass anymore laws restricting this free society. Maybe they should all stay home!
Did you expect anything else?
Any chance that the binding caucus will disappear this session?
To create an actual healthy private sector/No government funded jobs, she would do better to promote true private businesses to take care of the public needs, allowing the people to make money by starting many small businesses and employing people, instead of promoting government funded jobs that cut out the small businesses which in return raises taxes and creates funding issues.
Government job creating and subsidizing promotes a weak socialist country.
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