Lawmakers reject Ross (Sarah Palin's choice) as AG in historic vote

[madinmaryland]

http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/762037.html

JUNEAU -- The Alaska Legislature voted 35 to 23 on Thursday to reject the confirmation of Wayne Anthony Ross, Gov. Sarah Palin's pick for attorney general.

According to Legislative Research Services, it was the first time in state history a head of a state agency has failed to be confirmed by the Legislature. All the Democrats in the Legislature voted against Ross and were joined by nine Republicans, including the Senate president and House speaker.

"I think he is too controversial for the state of Alaska. We've got in some people's mind a controversial governor, and I think that he just has too many controversies out there," said House Speaker Mike Chenault, a Nikiski Republican.

Even Ross' opponents in the Legislature had said just a few days ago that he had enough support to be confirmed despite widespread opposition from Alaska Native groups, his calling gays "degenerates" in the 1990s, and allegations that he made offensive comments about women. But a tipping point appeared to come this week when Ross gave what lawmakers called bad and politicized legal advice to Palin about a fight she's having with lawmakers over a state Senate appointment.

..snip

Wow. Just Wow. The Alaska legislature takes a principled stand against an extremist.

Edited to add: Her choice for the Fish Board was rejected also.

[blogslut]

1. good

n/t

[No More Bushbots]

2. So Alaska is NOT going to be a theocracy?

[malaise]

3. This is Hugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Palin is out of state while she's losing votes in her own state's legislature.

She is fugging history.

add word

[madinmaryland]

4. I edited to add that another choice of her's was also rejected.

[malaise]

9. Thanks n/t

[DirtyJersey]

5. I think those Sarah 2012 people are going to be in for quite a shock

when she doesn't even get re-elected as Governor next year.

[madinmaryland]

6. The real question is, will she actually run for re-election. If she lost

either in a primary or in the GE, then that would kill her chances for a national spotlight. I would be surprised if she actually does run for re-election.

[DirtyJersey]

7. Yeah, she could pull a Romney

I think if she did that though, it would be clear she's running scared. I think Pawlenty is wrestling with the same decision, but he can pull it off better since he's already served two terms, which is the limit in many states, plus he has a longer resume with service in the state legislature.

[madinmaryland]

10. I really don't think she will run for reelection. Things are really starting

to tank for her in AK, and I think that she just wants to focus on the national scene. That would extract her from the situation she has created for herself in AK.

She has no chance at an Alaska Senate seat, and I don't know if anything will happen with Don Young, their US Rep.

[Ocracoker16]

8. That is great news!

She can't claim that there is a partisan basis since some Republicans voted against Ross.

[uppityperson]

11. Good. Congratulations AK and good job