Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s name is being tossed around as a possible candidate for secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior under the incoming Trump Administration. That’s been known for months, although he has not indicated he is seriously interested in leaving the Governor’s Office. But a new name has also arisen — Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota.
Both governors have been strong supporters of Trump. Burgum is leaving office this year after serving as North Dakota governor since 2016. Dunleavy is midway through his second term. If he goes into the Administration, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom becomes governor and Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe would become lieutenant governor.
President Donald Trump has been close to Dunleavy for years. He taped a video message for Dunleavy earlier this year, in which he promised to help Alaska return to its standing as an energy powerhouse, and he thanked Dunleavy for his support and said they would be working together to also strengthen national defense, with the growing threat of China in the Western Hemisphere.
But while there will be a turnover in Washington, D.C., many will be vying for Trump Administration posts after his historic, nearly landslide win on Nov 5.
One thing is almost certain: Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland and her anti-Alaska, eco-minions will be retired from that job by Jan. 20, Inauguration Day.
