Alaska Legislature Succeeds in the "Borking" of Wayne Anthony Ross
Wayne Anthony Ross has failed in being confirmed as the next Attorney General of Alaska.
The ADN reports:
JUNEAU -- The Alaska Legislature today rejected Wayne Anthony Ross as attorney general.
Meeting in joint session, lawmakers voted 23 for and 35 against confirming the Anchorage attorney.
Update: Governor Palin has responded:
Palin said the legislators who voted no didn't make themselves look good by rejecting an attorney general who strongly supports the issues important to Alaskans - gun rights, constitutional rights and developing the state's resources.
"I think there was a lot of politics of personal destruction involved in this and that's a shame. ...I am surprised that, for what I believe is some personal petty political reasons, some lawmakers chose not to support a candidate who fit that bill," she said in a telephone interview.
The governor is speaking tonight at a Right to Life event in Indiana.
Palin said the "hypocrisy" is that the state House last year unanimously passed a citation praising Ross as a distinguished Alaskan and vocal proponent of free speech whose career has been dedicated to defending individual rights.
"The hypocrisy there is quite glaring. I believe they need to be called out on that," Palin said.
Governor Palin's official press release:
April 16, 2009, Juneau, Alaska - In an unprecedented move, the 26th Alaska Legislature today rejected Governor Sarah Palin’s nomination for attorney general. Lawmakers failed to confirm Wayne Anthony Ross by a vote of 23 to 35.
“I believed I knew what Alaskans wanted when I selected an individual who is a strong backer of 2nd Amendment rights, a staunch supporter of the state Constitution and a defender of life,” Governor Palin said. “Wayne Anthony Ross supports responsible, ethical development of Alaska’s rich resources. I’m surprised that legislators in this case really did not seem to represent their constituents and allowed themselves to be swayed by side issues. Mr. Ross is a fine Alaskan. He is held in high esteem by many Alaskans. I appreciate his willingness to serve the public.”
Posts
109 comments:
Wow, that's not even close. She lost a bunch of Republicans on this vote.
Tommy... I think it is time to start cleaning house.
Quite a few need to get booted out.
Don't you watch Gavel to Gavel? Oh yeah, that's right, YOU DON'T LIVE IN ALASKA.
Why do they bother calling themselves Republicans? They act like wimpy Democrats. They need to be thrwon out and replaced with Republicans that have a set.
Always.. not everyone can get G2G due to internet connections. Ever heard of Satalite Wireless? You know, it is what the Villagers us. It's called Hughes Net.. look up there notalaways.
Well, therre ya have it. The childish pandering of the lawmakers continues.
Well guys, time for an Indiana thread....
WAR IS OVER!!!!
The wheels are coming off the Palin bus? And where's Palin? Down south, pandering to her shrinking base.
Could she appoint Joe Nelson to be AG? Or is he too liberal for that? I know he has a JD.
I agree TommyReport.
Here's another link that said it was streaming live.
http://www.courierpress.com/vrtlbanquet/
Seriously wannabealaskan, you are the perfect example of why people don't come back to visit this State. Ingrate.
AA, we'll much her base has shrunk tonight when she speaks to a double sellout crowd.
Thanks for deleting my comment!
I still think you should rename your blog "Conservatives against Palin", though.
Are you angry now?
Wow, these legislatures are such children. I trust that she anticipated this and already has a few plans in place... that's one thing I've noticed about the Gov.; she seems to be a few steps ahead of this petulant crowd of clowns of legislatures.
http://www.newsminer.com/news/2009/apr/16/alaska-legislature-rejects-palin-ag-nominee/
Here are the votes....
Ramras and Hawker were votes in the affirmative.
Yogi41: Exactly, she got a few steps closer to her (soon to be inevitable) resignation.
Way to go!
I'm opening a bottle of my best champagne to celebrate the wisdom of the 35.
I hope Ross has lots to say about this. Why don't the constituents vote the rino Republicans out.
This is crazy.
The Republicans have the majority and they let the Democrats rule?!
Would you ever see that in the US
Congress or Senate?
This is good stuff . . . .
Maybe I'll take the day off tomorrow.
WAR is over. Before it started.
What, if anything, can we do to make the lives of the so-called Republicans who kissed French's ass a living hell?
Can the Gov. appoint Ross as a recess appointment after the legislative session ends?
Alan Wilson Next?
Where's Sarah?
I think we should get the word out through FR and wherever we can and let them know about Alaskan politics. The house republicans have 22 members and the democrats have 18. The senate is even at 10 republicans and 10 democrats. That leaves the Republicans in the majority in both.
Governor was spot on during her Lincoln Day Speech. Why are the republicans handing over the gavels to the Dems?
Joe nelson. is next
Just another example of why Gov. Palin should NOT run for a second term. Get a good team around you and go national. The time is now.
well, at least he did not have to withdraw because he had 'forgotten' to pay his taxes.
Give 'em hell tonight 'Cuda !
Then get back on the plane tomorrow and kick some ass in the Upper 1.
Just proves that there really isn't any difference between Republicans and Democrats on any level. And since a 3rd party yields no significant results come election time, it does come down to which PERSON can the people trust? Which candidate has the peoples' interest at heart? Sadly, there aren't many of those left on the national level, which is why Gov. Palin struck such a strong chord with most Americans in the '08 campaign.
Jody is right. Why do the Alaskan Republican legislators cede power to the Democrats? This is not done anywhere else. It is especially puzzling given Alaska is one of the more conservative/libertarian states in the country. Can anyone explain that on here?
Does the phrase "cutting off your nose to spite your face" mean anything to those 35 Obot legislators? (And I use the term 'legislators' loosely.)
Alaska is going to soon lose its don't-tread-on-me reputation and become a debtor/loser state like so many of the lower 48. And the shame is, it didn't have to be that way. You have a Reagan, but all you could see is blind allegiance to a cult figure who could care less about Alaska's well being. You'll only have yourselves to thank in years to come when you're slaves to DC and your laws work against, rather than for you.
I think this will be GOOD for Sarah. All the stuff that was dug up after the appointment (stuff Sarah probably did not know about, since it was not publicized)did not set well with women. No need to lose Conservative women voters who are sensitive to women's issues. He would have been a bad association for her in the long run.
Not going to hold this against the Dems - but there are a few Republicans who should be made famous for this nonsense. Any chance we can get list of GOP Nay votes posted as an updates? Here's a list:
Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka
Sen. Tom Wagoner, R-Kenai
Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak
Rep. Alan Austerman, R-Kodiak
Rep. Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski
Rep. Kyle Johansen, R-Ketchikan
Rep. Paul Seaton, R-Homer
Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Haines
Rep. Peggy Wilson, R-Wrangell
AKReport,
I agree Joe Nelson and then Grusendorf next.
AmeriCuda
I am with you 100% on that.
Emerson C.
Yeah, but I bet if we checked half of the dems would owe back taxes.
Eddie Burke is on right now. Not happy with vote. He called it a Coup. He said what a blow to conservatives today.
www.kbyr.com
Good old boy politics as usual.
Palin resign? You obviously do not know her. She is no quiter.
This is pay back for the Senate seat mess ect.
How can you give a guy an award one year and the next say he is not fit to be AG?
Palin is doing things right or she would not have so many low life enemies. I would worry if these guys who play political games were on her side.
Ugh, Sarah got bad news on her blackberry today while on her precious trip to Indiana. Great timing by the mighty Governor - certainly this all part of her big masterplan.
;-)
sarah should pick 2 native Alsakans for AG and the former juneau mayor for senate seat.
Sarah and the lawmakers need a come to jesus meeting when she gets back.
DB - I do not think the Republicans ceded power - I think they weighed his qualifications and record, as well as the mounds of statements that came from the citizens. They represented the will of the people, for which I say good for them!
Stevens voted nay? I know he's an asshole but I thought he was friends with WAR. Does he have something going with Frenchy?
Tasha,
I'm not just talking about this vote but in general. Why do the majority Republicans share power in the senate with the Democrats?
McGuire voted yes too even though she sounded iffy yesterday.
New thread time!
Gordon needs to be culled.
And those who voted against WAR are going to have some explaining to do.
Sarah's gonna be fine. She's like us, a human being.
Angela - ignore Gordon and the other trolls. Notice no one is responding to it? Just bypass and it will eventually get tired and leave. Trolls only stay around when they are fed. IGNORE. :)
Eddie Burke is reading the Republicans who voted no.
All the callers are very mad. They are furious.
Joe nelson for AG?
What happens if she just doesn't pick anyone?
Eddie says that the commercial fisherman lobbied the republicans to vote against WAR. WAR would have given more freedom to sport fisherman, so the commercial fisherman interests swayed some republicans.
Uga,
So she got the worst of both worlds then huh? Ross was too pro-sports or while her other was too commercial.
She's got a press release out about the rejection.
Can anyone provide a link to Eddie's show? Thanks.
Burke is calling them out. He said the Republican senator Wagner sold out to the Hollis French's.
You go Eddie!
www.kbyr.com
Apparently, there's a whole sport vs. commercial fishing dynamic that we didn't fully appreciate.
I am beyond ticked off.
Thanks Jody
Where are Fagan and Super Dave on this? Shouldn't they as proclaimed conservatives be outraged? hahahah
uga... there is much you guys don't understand about Hunting/Fishing and people up here. It is hard to understand...
Angela,
you said:
"Sarah's gonna be fine. She's like us, a human being."
Why do you think that you to clarify that she is a human being?
Reminds me of what one of the Republican guys had said today in the debate in the legislature, when he mentioned that WAR had "more good than evil" in him. That was incredibly reassuring, really, also.
@elephantman. Don't you think that is for THEIR constituents to decide?
Lots of pre-vote testimony mentioning input from constituents (as aired on Gavel to Gavel).
I'm pretty sure this is how a democracy works. Do you have an alternative?
@DB. Its simple. Those legislators that voted nay didn't think Mr. Ross would serve Alaskan's interests.
@Bitterclinger. Alaska is very beholding to the federal government always has been. Billions in fed earmarks. Federal spending represents about 1/3 of our state's economy. We get back more federal taxes than we pay in (thanks by the way). We have no state tax, Etc., Etc. We are the biggest welfare state in the U.S. And how about our PFD? Now that's socialism.
bitterclinger said..."Alaska is going to soon lose its don't-tread-on-me reputation and become a debtor/loser state like so many of the lower 48. And the shame is, it didn't have to be that way. You have a Reagan, but all you could see is blind allegiance to a cult figure who could care less about Alaska's well being. You'll only have yourselves to thank in years to come when you're slaves to DC and your laws work against, rather than for you.Alaska already IS a debtor/loser state, despite its resources, bitterclinger. It ranks higher than the Old South states (which rank pretty high themselves) in how much money it receives ($1.82 over $1.00) from the Feds vs. how much is paid to the Feds in taxes.
That's why this teabagging thing yesterday was such a hoot. It'd have meant something in the Northeast, the West Coast, the upper Midwest, and Hawaii....
nelaska.. how about you explain to the people in here how the PFD started... and how it has progressed into what it is now.
Then I will correct you. Until then STFU since you obviously don't have a freaking CLUE about where most of our budget actually comes from.
When Waggoner votes against the guy, then something is up...
Almost an alternative universe...Hawker and Ramras on the side of Palin whereas Waggoner broke off.
The legislature needs a flood of e-mails from us. This is political grandstanding in the worst.
Waggoner is a commercial fishing industry right?
That's Sarah's statement (no joke!):
“I believed I knew what Alaskans wanted when I selected an individual who is a strong backer of 2nd Amendment rights, a staunch supporter of the state Constitution and a defender of life,” Governor Palin said. “Wayne Anthony Ross supports responsible, ethical development of Alaska’s rich resources. I’m surprised that legislators in this case really did not seem to represent their constituents and allowed themselves to be swayed by side issues. Mr. Ross is a fine Alaskan. He is held in high esteem by many Alaskans. I appreciate his willingness to serve the public.”
You really cannot make this up.
Kajo: IS a debtor/loser state, despite its resources, bitterclinger. It ranks higher than the Old South states (which rank pretty high themselves) in how much money it receives ($1.82 over $1.00) from the Feds vs. how much is paid to the Feds in taxes.I woul dlike you to prove your statement. Back it up with facts there
Two things:
1) Sarah does not have to answer questions about WAR's fake "controversies"
2) This might be the start of a conservative uprising against the RINO's in the legislature.
How did Waggoner vote on Johnson? If he voted yes on him and no on Ross, that's some evidence in support of Eddie Burke's theory.
Here's an excerpt with a Dittman quote from Fox News writeup on the Indiana trip...
David Dittman, Palin's former pollster, said he doesn't think Palin has mapped out her long-term political strategy.
"I think she's just following her heart, and I don't think it's calculated to shore up the right or build the base or any of that," he said. "I don't think she has a plan or an agenda or a timeline where she has to do certain things by certain times."
He said the media reports about her family surely are "troubling her personally," but that they won't in the long run cause her to withdraw from public life.
Palin generally has stuck to Alaska business since the election. The end of the state's legislative session has been marked by a prolonged standoff between Palin and Democrats over filling a vacant Senate seat in Juneau. Lawmakers also are slashing Palin's budget ahead of a Sunday adjournment.
The governor drew criticism from Democrats for heading out to the Indiana fundraiser -- and Dittman said the reason Palin hasn't ventured out much since November is because "she has a state to run."
the WAR is over and the people of AK are the winners...tick tock, your times up crazy lady.
When a government, local or national, has been steeped in corruption for decades, it takes a while to weed it all out.
Palin is amazing, but she's not God. This should not be too surprising.
Alaska: SAY NO TO RINOS.
These folks have descended below the bar passed by the Florida legislature, for uselessness. Who raised a whole series of taxes in the 6.53 billion dollar budget, on top of the stimulus, we get coming and going.
These folk cut money to the
pipeline, for roads to the North Slope, do they really expect the revenues to come from unicorn dust, instead of oil and gas, they can't consider a significant utility issue, like the Raibelt. They apparently don't want a State Senator that is not a cookie cutter minion of the Juneau machine. And they don't care about the law, well I got that impression
from Pam Finley. That's not so surprising with the "Troopergate" scam, and Annie Kreitser's gotcha
revision on per diems. I get it, they are doing things the Obama
way, don't tackle any big issues, let the press cover for you. Specially if it's the AD News covering for you,
Ramras voted yes.
Hey if any of you want to watch the Governor's speech, the Indiana news channel just said the event starts at 6:00pm CT and Steele is speaking first around 7:00pm CT and the Governor speaks after him. You might want to check the links early just in case they aren't right.
http://www.courierpress.com/vrtlbanquet/
http://www.evansvilleforlife.com/vcrtl/
did anyone get in to see the video of right to life banquet, i just tried and it says max users
I'm happy to see people have the level of obsession that tonight's troll invasion demonstrates.
Just remember what Megan Kelly said, the time to worry is when they stop talking about you.
This was not really a party issue. WAR dug his own grave by consistently disrespecting so many different groups. I'll bet the happiest people in Alaska now are those who work for the Department of Law.
I see the trolls think that Sarah handed a loss today, but as usual they are wrong. This situation points to the disconnect between the lawmakers and the people they represent. Sarah picked someone that would fight for the issues that were important to the majority of ordinary Alaskans, but the lawmakers were swayed by special interests and petty games. Sarah has the pulse of Alaskans, and did what was in their best interest. The legislators pursued their own selfish and shallow interests, and forgot about the people.
I get the same thing, Karen. Gotta find another site that is carrying it, I guess.
This is embarassing for the Governor, but can also be a bit of a positive.
The MSM was already picking up on his comments about homosexuals and his defense of the KKK statue (although that was clearly a 1st Amendment issue, the vultures in the MSM would never present it that way). Ross could have caused her difficulties in a national run.
If she picks a good AG nominee to replace Ross this will be a temporary setback and could also remove a potential emarassment in 2012.
Latinchic,
I get the same thing. If anyone on here finds a link that works, post it!
@upinak. Hey buddy. Not our budget OUR economy. Two very different things. You know how it goes. Lots of Fed earmarks equal projects/programs equal jobs equal income equal ecomony. We have been taking the pork for years (nearly 30% of our economy). You know, Uncle "Hulk" Ted and Don Young. Our original porksters.
PFD is an annual payment to each and every AK resident. Everybody gets the same amount, varies each year(with a few exceptions for garnish, dbds, Etc.). Equal sharing of a resource (in this case mostly oil royalties/invested income). That is Socialism. Although we do have to pay Fed tax on it. Oh right, the state takes a bit here and there when they need to balance the budget. Always a testy thing. I think of the PDF as the 3rd rail of AK politics. I use mine to go to Maui. Remember when they were discussing a one-time payout? What was it $21,000? Sorry, long time ago can't remember the exact amount.
As for PFD history read it for yourself http://www.apfc.org/home/Content/reportspublications/tp5-2.cfm
Sorry don't have time to play. Also, what is with the anger? Take it easy you'll have a stroke.
Is Joe Nelson a viable AG from a political perspective? Would nominating Nelson help or hurt a potential future run for POTUS with conservatives?
Is someone recording the event?
Nelaskan is Obama's butt boy.
Is anyone right now watching the Right to Life banquet on the live feed? It tells me that the maximum number are watching right now and it won't let me in. Is anyone watching it right now? What's happening? I'm kind of upset.
OT-Team Sarah,
Marjorie will be on CNN American Morning tomorrow in a piece discussing Governor Palin’s political future. The show airs from 6:00AM – 9:00AM.
I’m not sure what hour her segment will be on, but if the producer gets back to me with a time I’ll let you know.
So turn on your TV to CNN tomorrow morning and try to catch her commentary!
(I know you can grin and bear it to watch CNN!)
Holly,
The only thing I see is a picture of Sarah. I got the same message you did, but I kept trying and now I see a picture of Sarah. I'm not sure if I got in or not.
Is this the same Gordon who recently performed a lingual rectal exam on Hollis French?
Holly,
Nope, I can't access it either. I hope a link is available after the event...
Thanks for the update ugafish. I opened up the page around 6:30 and that's what I saw too, but then at 7:00 I refreshed the page and was told they reached capacity. Well, if anything happens, keep us updated! :)
Ugafish:
Thank you for explaining that to me. That helps. So this will all benefit SP.
In fact, it's the best scenario. It's all coming together now. SP just wanted to show the people of Alaska who they can trust. Side issues, like the natives, are not important.
If you're having trouble viewing the live feed, try refreshing the page repeatedly. It eventually let me in.
we need better trolls
you get the trolls you deserve,
don't blame the trolls for a lousy blog.
BEST ADVICE for sarah right now. IMO
1)HAVE A TOWNHALL MEETING in juneau! TALK TO THE PUBLIC about the seat.!!!
2) pick 2 native alaskans AG and senate seat.
3)make a speech about the wanting to reach out to the the lawmakers, and take the high road. blitz the local t.v @ radio networks.
go on bob & Mark etc.
AKreport:
She just did an interview with the ADN over the phone:
Palin said the legislators who voted no didn't make themselves look good by rejecting an attorney general who strongly supports the issues important to Alaskans - gun rights, constitutional rights and developing the state's resources.
"I think there was a lot of politics of personal destruction involved in this and that's a shame. ...I am surprised that, for what I believe is some personal petty political reasons, some lawmakers chose not to support a candidate who fit that bill," she said in a telephone interview.
Palin said the "hypocrisy" is that the state House last year unanimously passed a citation praising Ross as a distinguished Alaskan and vocal proponent of free speech whose career has been dedicated to defending individual rights.
"The hypocrisy there is quite glaring. I believe they need to be called out on that," Palin said.
http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/762037.html
I think this isn't a bad result.
I personally feel for Wayne Anthony Ross, and he would have been a good AG. But ...
Ross has become too controversial. Sarah does not need more controversy in Alaska.
The rejection by the lawmakers will just reinforce the view to Alaskans that the lawmakers are undermining Palin for political purposes. That does not play well with electors. Especially since Ross is widely known and respected, the first head of an agency not to be confirmed, because the house passed a citation praising Ross as a distinguished Alaskan, and Palin is very popular.
There will be a sizable and measurable backlash... against both the Democrats and some Republicans.
In 2008 Wayne Anthony Ross was Honored by the Alaska Legislature and now they have a different opinion.
Palin said the "hypocrisy" is that the state House last year unanimously passed a citation praising Ross as a distinguished Alaskan and vocal proponent of free speech whose career has been dedicated to defending individual rights.
"The hypocrisy there is quite glaring. I believe they need to be called out on that," Palin said.
And Gov.Palin is right.
You guys don't understand, from now on, every nominee of hers will be met with a campaign of personal destruction. Every initiative of hers will be spurned. Every bill of hers will be stalled. They'll put every wrench they can think of in her way.
So, should we close up shop, wisetrog, give up any hope, I raised this prospect about two weeks ago, in one of my heart felt
dialogues. I think JR thought I was giving up then, Techno shows us the downsides very clearly. Then again, Hawker and Ramras voted
yes, so Hell did thaw for a bit.
This is not the first time a governor or president's choice for office was turned down...
As a native Midwesterner, I always thought Alaskans were rugged, macho men whose toughness fit the image of "The Last Frontier." But observing those legislators the past several weeks has convinced me that was a misconception.
Sheesh! I have never seen so many wimpy, crybaby hypocrites all in one place (other than perhaps the U.S. Congress). I am also convinced that Governor Palin has more gonads than most of those male legislators.
JR,
Like Sarah said, the lawmakers that voted against WAR will have to explain themselves to Alaskans that care about gun rights, constitutional rights and developing the state's resources. While Sarah is looking out for the people, the lawmakers look out of touch and self-serving. Sarah will turn this is to a postive.
JJT,
Think of a better Sarah Palin blog. C4P is NOT a lousy blog. I cannot think of a better blog. Far from it. You, on the other hand, are no dutch treat. You are fortunate to have the priviledge to even comment here.
When looking at the votes it seems more like some infighting between fishing lobbies than an anti-Palin conspracy.
Earlier today the commercial fishing lobby did loose the fight for a seat on the fish and game board, this made ADN headlines.
Ross is a well known Sport fishing lobbyist.
Waggoner voted against Ross because Ross endorsed his opponent in the last election according Tom Lamb. I really see no other reason for why Waggoner would vote against him.
KTUU is doing a "poll" on in the legislature voted Ross down due to Qualifications ot PayBack.
We all know the answer.
www.ktuu.com
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10196611
This site has the audio from the phone interview with the Governor quoted above.
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