"Governor Palin is Out of Touch and Out of Town" Press Release from Bob Poe, Candidate for Gov.

by: Celtic Diva

Fri Apr 17, 2009 at 10:05:18 AM AKDT

Bob Poe joined with many Alaskans who are thankful the Alaska Legislature, in a vote of 35 no's and 23 yeah's, including 9 Republican Legislators, voted to reject confirmation for Attorney General designee Wayne Anthony Ross.

"It is puzzling Governor Palin has chosen this time, when so much is at stake in the final days of the Legislative session, to be out of state attending an anti abortion fundraiser in Indiana.  The Attorney General is critical to the effective functioning of State government.  By her absence, the Governor is demonstrating she is "out of touch and out of town" when it comes to effectively governing Alaska," said Poe.  

"While Alaska is fortunate they will not be subjected to a divisive Attorney General as Mr. Ross, this also demonstrates something even more concerning.  Governor Palin is simply disengaged with the day-to-day functioning of Alaska state government.  This lack of engagement puts at risk so many critical initiatives to Alaska's future.  If she is so unwilling to put her waning political capital behind her own appointment for Attorney General, what kind of effort is she devoting to building a gas pipeline, a bullet line, or even aligning Railbelt Utilities?"

Poe added, "Alaska is fortunate the Alaska Legislature is on the job though and that they did not let this appointment pass.  Legislators are too often criticized, they have a tough job to do with little time to do it.  This time they really did the right thing."

Bob Poe announced on January 8, 2009 he was seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor.  He has had a 28-year career in Alaska's public and private sectors serving four Alaska Governors during his career.

He has been critically involved in a variety of economic development efforts including leading Alaska's marketing and negotiating teams to attract the FedEx and UPS cargo hubs to Anchorage

**UPDATED** HE WENT DOWN!!! Live Blog of WAR Hearing in comments.

by: Celtic Diva

Thu Apr 16, 2009 at 08:51:36 AM AKDT

HOW THEY VOTED:

HOUSE:  16 yea / 23 NAY

(Richard Foster, D-Nome, who caucuses with the largely Republican majority, was excused)

Yeas - 16:

John Cohill, R-North Pole
Nancy Dahlstrom, R-Anchorage
Anna Fairclough, R-Eagle River
Carl Gatto, R-Palmer
John Harris, R-Valdez
Mike Hawker, R-Anchorage
Carl Johnson, R-Anchorage
Wes Keller, R-Wasilla
Mike Kelly, R-Fairbanks
Bob Lynn, R-Anchorage
Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage
Cathy Munoz, R-Juneau
Mark Neuman, R-Wasilla
Kurt Olson, R-Soldotna
Jay Ramras, R-Fairbanks
Bill Stoltze, R-Eagle River

Nays - 23:

Alan Austerman, R-Kodiak
Bob Buch, D-Anchorage
Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski
Sharon Cissna, D-Anchorage
Harry Crawford, D-Anchorage
Mike Doogan, D-Anchorage
Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham
Les Gara, D-Anchorage
Berta Gardener, D-Anchorage
Max Gruenberg, D-Anchorage
David Guttenberg, D-Fairbanks
Bob Herron, D-Bethel, but member of Majority
Lindsey Holmes, D-Anchorage
Kyle Johansen, R-Ketchikan
Reggie Joule, D-Kotzebue, but member of Majority
Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks
Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau
Pete Petersen, D-Anchorage
Woodie Salmon, D-Chalkytsik
Paul Seaton, R-Homer
Bill Thomas, R-Haines
Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage
Peggy Wilson, R-Wrangell

SENATE: 7 yea / 12 NAY

Yea - 7:

Con Bunde, R-Anchorage
Fred Dyson, R-Eagle River
Charlie Huggins, R-Wasilla
Lesil McGuire, R-Anchorage
Linda Menard, R-Wasilla
Kevin Meyer, R-Anchorage
Gene Therriault, R-North Pole

Nay - 12:

Bettye Davis, D-Anchorage
Johnny Ellis, D-Anchorage
Hollis French, D-Anchorage
Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel
Albert Kookesh, D-Angoon
Donald Olson, D-Nome
Joe Paskvan, D-Fairbanks
Bert Stedman, R-Sitka
Joe Thomas, D-Fairbanks
Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage
Tom Wagoner, R-Kenai
Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak

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******************DISCUSSION OF HEARING GOING ON IN COMMENTS!****************

JOIN IN!

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Wayne Anthony Ross confirmation hearing at 11:00.

Why this absolutely CANNOT happen:

1)  The views he felt "moved" to espouse regarding gays in the Alaska Bar newsletter.  The 501C3 I helped form at that time was one who helped get that Ordinance passed...and everyone involved went through hell to do it.  (I had all four of my tires slashed and threatening phone calls).  A new, hard-core Conservative Assembly was voted in and overturned it.

2)  Leah Burton's testimony and other compelling testimony against WAR regarding his views on Domestic Violence and sexual assault regarding women and children.

3)  His reactions to that testimony and responses when he's called on that reaction.

4)  His clear non-understanding of what the job of AG entails and threat to the integrity of the Alaska Executive Ethics Law.

5)  His obvious role as a rubber stamp for the Governor, in spite of legal opinions to the contrary.

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR TODAY AND SAY NO!!!!!!!!

The Dems use the "reject" stamp and Wayne Anthony Ross sees the writing on the wall

by: Celtic Diva

Wed Apr 15, 2009 at 15:44:57 PM AKDT

The Dems stood firm and said "forget it."

"There is nothing for us to vote on, there is no appointment," said Senate Judiciary Chairman Hollis French, an Anchorage Democrat. "The governor has taken an unusual course which is outside the law and leaves us no choice but to ignore what she's done."

The Legislature based their refusal on a legal decision by Legislative lawyer Pam Finley.

Ross said earlier that he previously approved the Governor sending the three names to the Democratic Senators believing it to be legal.  He's sticking to that story.

Ross said he needs to review the legal opinion by Pam Finley, a lawyer for the Legislature. But he said he believes what Palin did was legal and appropriate, given the time he's had to look at it to this point.

It's less than two pages!  How hard is that to analyze?

The REALLY interesting comment is here:

Ross said the dispute could impact the vote on his confirmation.

"I get involved in this kind of donnybrook I probably won't get any votes from the people that disagree with me. I may be through tomorrow afternoon, who knows. But I'm hoping I'll get a chance to be confirmed," Ross said.

Let's just say, that comment jives with the frantic scuttlebutt out there.

Does anyone have an asbestos suit Mr. Ross can borrow for Thursday...just in case?

More reactions to the appointment of Wayne Anthony Ross**UPDATE** WAR goes national

by: Celtic Diva

Sun Apr 12, 2009 at 22:33:22 PM AKDT

***************************UPDATE****************************

-- Max Blumenthal on "The Daily Beast":

If Palin withdraws Ross's nomination, she could end another embarrassing political spectacle before it registers on the national press corps' radar. Alternatively, if she manages to ram his appointment through, Palin can begin implementing a hard-right legal agenda that will appeal to the elements she is cultivating as the base of her likely 2012 presidential campaign. However Palin decides to proceed with W.A.R., by nominating him, she has staked out the culture war as the fuel for her national ambitions.

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-- Part of an email from a member of new local group Alaska Citizens Concerned about Wildlife (ACCAW):

An Alaskan Native group had their meeting today and they are going to introduce 2 resolutions on Monday to the legislators and senators in Juneau. One is to reject Wayne Anthony Ross...

...There is a huge sign across from Bean's Cafe that says IMPEACH PALIN. There will be a protest in Juneau Wednesday organized by Alaskan Natives.  It's about rejecting Ross.

-- Email of testimony sent to the legislators from CC of KUDO 1080 "The Cutting Edge":

To My Legislative Body,

It is a Saturday night and I have just come across this exchange. I am stunned. Outraged. Deeply offended and speechless.

Here is what Rep. Ramras asked of Mr. Ross on Friday: Representative Ramras: "We have a Governor who is provocative in a lot of her actions. Recently it comes to mind when she was in Fairbanks for the finish line for the Iron Dog she was wearing Arctic Cat gear...Arctic Cat letters..."

And here is what Mr. Ross said in response:

Wayne Anthony Ross: "It was provocative, she looked very good in them, didn't she?"

If this statement alone does not give you complete justification for turning down this appointment, then each of you are not only condoning a blatant attitude of sexism and objectification but you're encouraging it as an acceptable languauge, dialogue and treatment of women. Where was the outrage at this comment? Do you not have wives, daughters, sisters? I can't even find the words to espress myself right now. The wires in my mind are frying! How dare this man have the priviledge of serving in thetop law enforcement position in this state! You think this is a casual comment:? Look at the PATTERN of testimony coming from those who oppose him! These people don't know each other and yet their stories have a common thread. Here's one: sexist. I tell you this, say yes to this man and you have just said so much more to the women, to the YOUNG WOMEN of this state. What a sad, sad day this is.

-- An excellent comment left on my blog from Wolfe Tone, blogmeister at A Bodenstown Perspective:

Lies, obfuscation and his racism, misogyny and arrogance aside, the man is simply NOT qualified:

In 2007, Ross threw his hat into the ring for an appointment to the Alaska Supreme Court.  In a poll conducted by the Alaska Bar Association in 2007 (out of 13 candidates) for that appointment, Ross's overall score was 2.8 (1 = poor; 5 = excellent). Not surprisingly, the Alaska Judicial Council did not nominate him.

Not deterred, Ross tried again in 2008, this time for a Court of Appeal appointment.  In that survey (with 14 candidates vying), Ross scored 2.9. Once again, the Alaska Judicial Council failed to recommend him for the appointment.

There are a fair number of great legal minds in Alaska, and a great number of fair ones.

W.A.R. doesn't fit either category. Truthfully, his legal acumen and overall suitability is mediocre at best.

Rumors are flying that WAR doesn't have the votes to win, but there are still 3 days to go before the vote will happen.

Also remember, Governor Palin will be gone the majority of those days at lower-48 speaking engagements, so she won't be here to support him.

-- Just A Girl from Homer -- Leah Burton's testimony rocked both the House and the Senate, not to mention women all over the State.  W.A.R. wrote a very condemning letter in response.  Leah's father replied to him.  

By the way, her father served over 30 years in law enforcement in Alaska, as a police advisor for the U.S State Dept and the Dept of Justice.  He then served as the Commissioner of Public Safety under two Governors.  This is an exerpt:

...In light of the strong reaction from the native and rural communities of the state and your obvious position and bias relative to domestic and children's issues I find it hard to believe that you could be in charge of the department that is charged with enforcing laws in an impartial or effective manner.   I think you should do the state a favor and withdraw your name from confirmation.

Richard L Burton
Commissioner of Public Safety (retired)

RESPONSE BY WAYNE ANTHONY ROSS:

Dick:  Thanks for writing.  I'll pray for you and for your daughter.  Sounds like both of you have problems.  

My best to you old friend, WAR

-- Reaction from another out-of-state Palinbot at Team Sarah:

Permalink Reply by R2D2 1 hour ago

I was reading over at Celtic Diva's website the other day. She is hinting at filing an ethics complaint if Sarah creates a defense fund. Something to do with the fact that Sarah is using her position as Governor to generate outside cash.

It's a joke, but it might make sense for Sarah to launch a pre-emptive strike. She may be waiting for her new AG Mr. WAR to be confirmed and then have him write an official letter stating that the defense fund is o.k. with the state. This would at least keep Ms. Beigel from filing the ethics complaint in the first place.

It seems clear to me from Mr. WAR's responses to his hearing last week that he thinks these ethics complaints are a total waste of time and I get the feeling Sarah won't be bothered with them any more if he is confirmed this week.

Do you think they have a clue what they are saying?  If the above is true, her whole pupose behind this appointment is to have a free pass to BREAK ALASKA ETHICS LAWS!!!!

Sadly, I think they hit the nail on the head.

Ross seemingly unaware of the AG duties or AK's Executive Ethics Law--my testimony

by: Celtic Diva

Sun Apr 12, 2009 at 10:21:35 AM AKDT

(I wrote my testimony against Governor Palin's choice of Wayne Anthony Ross on the issues specific to ethics. However there are any number of major concerns with this man becoming AG.  

Refer to the online archive for Gavel to Gavel.  There is a calendar on the left where you can choose the date.  Then find the April 8th Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and public testimony.  After that, listen to the April 10th House Judiciary Committee hearing and testimony.  If all of that doesn't alarm you, I don't know what will.

It's important for Alaskans to email their legislators and make sure they know you are an Alaskan early in the email!!! I included my House and Senate Districts in the letter.

Part of the problem is that the Palin-blogs (all of whom are outside) are encouraging their people to email, which is annoying the Legislature no end.  We want legislators to be annoyed at those folks, not at ours.)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 12, 2009

Dear Legislators:

Friday, April 10, 2009, I watched the House Judiciary Committee's interview with Wayne Anthony Ross, Governor Palin's appointee for the Alaska Attorney General position.  I was surprised when, towards the end, Representative Ramras referenced the ethics complaint I submitted in March.  I was then disgusted by Mr. Ross's response:

Representative Ramras:  "We have a Governor who is provocative in a lot of her actions.  Recently it comes to mind when she was in Fairbanks for the finish line for the Iron Dog she was wearing Arctic Cat gear...Arctic Cat letters..."  

Wayne Anthony Ross:  "It was provocative; she looked very good in them, didn't she?"

The fact that Mr. Ross thought it appropriate to sexualize the issue on the floor of the House during his confirmation hearing is probably alarming enough by itself.  It seemed to add credibility to the Senate and House public testimony from multiple individuals alleging disturbing past negative comments and attitudes from Mr. Ross towards women.

However, the focus of this letter is the cavalier way in which Mr. Ross seems to view charges that the Governor of Alaska has behaved unethically.

While this attitude is clearly obvious in the previous comment, it is also reflected farther into the exchange between Rep. Ramras and Mr. Ross:

Representative Ramras:  Presently, General, there are some concerns in this building about the focus of our chief executive because she's taken a speaking engagement in Indiana for a 36 hour period with only 72 hours to go in the Legislative Session.  Although she's available by phone, there's a reason we have you here in front of us because we're not interested in doing the confirmation hearing telephonically.  Nor are we interested in having a Governor available telephonically with only three days to go in the session.

So my question for you...as the Governor's attorney as well as the chief attorney for the State of Alaska...how are you going to advise the Governor, with these lucrative offers she has on the table to write a biography and the requirement for anyone who writes a book to take a book tour across the country?  Are you going to advise the Governor that this is something that is within her rights and purview or is that something that infringes upon the rights of all Alaskans?

W.A. Ross:  I don't know how I'm going to advise her because the question hasn't been made and I don't know all the facts.

Later on, Mr. Ross gives this response:

W.A. Ross:...Whether that's part of her job or not, I'm not making any decisions on that.  Whether she should wear Arctic Cat or I should get in trouble for wearing a Steton, I'm not making any decisions on that.  If the questions come to us maybe we'll have to make a decision at that time.  I'm sure she feels appreciative that you guys are going to miss her for two days while she's outside giving a speech.  She's never talked to me about it and I'm sure you'll be in her heart and mind the whole time.

Again, he is clearly not taking any of this seriously.  He also states that he is not making any decisions on advising the Governor whether or not the above behavior is ethical.

Here is the rest of the exchange:

Ramras:   I would look forward to an opinion from the Department of Law on that point...whether the Dept. of Law will endorse a chief executive writing a book and making a multi-city book tour while she's serving in the capacity of the chief executive.  On that point we would like to get an opinion from the Department of Law going forward as we have a new Attorney General.

Ross:  I think I have a lot more important issues as Attorney General then deciding whether or not the Governor should write a book.

Ramras:  I didn't ask you if she should write a book.  I asked you if she may take prolonged absences from the State of Alaska on a book tour.

Ross:   I don't have all of the knowledge of the issues facing the Department of Law, but when it comes time that I have plenty of extra time for such things I will certainly devote the time appropriate to such an issue

I believe that Mr. Ross needs to read the job description for the State Attorney General a little closer.  In a 2007 letter and attachments (starting at page 6) from the former Attorney General, Talis Colberg explains his role as AG to Governor Sarah Palin as the person who is supposed to assist her in understanding her responsibilities regarding her own ethical behavior:

Since I serve as your designated ethics supervisor, I want to remind you that the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act requires that all state employees report to their designated ethics supervisors any outside employment or services benefiting their personal or financial interests by July 1 of each year.

(Much more below the fold)

Governor's Press Availability and Interview on Eddie Burke--4/10/09

by: Celtic Diva

Sat Apr 11, 2009 at 08:19:51 AM AKDT

LINK TO THE REST OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEOS

Part 8--Discussion of Levi Johnston:

Interview on Eddie Burke Show:

Eddie is a Palinbot of the lowest sort.  He was the one that suggested to Fox News to come and "ambush me."

My sound card just glitched on me so I'll put these out for you to watch and will comment later (I hope!)  

News from Juneau Part 4: I want to start screaming...*UPDATE* Ramras and Ross--ethics debate

by: Celtic Diva

Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 18:50:24 PM AKDT

I was so excited by Jay Ramras's questioning during the House Judiciary Committee Meeting today, April 10, 2009 because he actually confronted AG candidate Wayne Anthony Ross on Governor Palin's ethics issues.

At about 1 hour 20 minutes:

Representative Ramras:  "We have a Governor who is provocative in a lot of her actions.  Recently it comes to mind when she was in Fairbanks for the finish line for the Iron Dog she was wearing Arctic Cat gear...Arctic Cat letters..."  

Wayne Anthony Ross:  "It was provocative, she looked very good in them, didn't she?"

I just wretched...doesn't it seem like he'll take the Executive Ethics Law seriously?  Don't you feel all safe and cozy trusting that he'll hold our Governor accountable?

And DEAR GOD...is it a requirement that EVERY Palin appointee have a crush on her!  

There's much more:

Rep. Ramras: Yes...well no, not to a lot of Alaskans, she didn't.  To a lot of Alaskans she looked like a walking billboard.  That's my point.  The Governor looks good every day and she doesn't need to adorn herself with merchandise that promotes a company-particularly one where her husband enjoys an endorsement from that company and hence it triggered an ethics complaint.  We will all see where that goes.

Oh, yes...yes we will...

He moves on to other ethics questions:

Rep. Ramras:  Presently, General, there are some concerns in this building about the focus of our chief executive because she's taken a speaking engagement in Indiana for a 36 hour period with only 72 hours to go in the Legislative Session.  Although she's available by phone, there's a reason we have you here in front of us because we're not interested in doing the confirmation hearing telephonically.  Nor are we interested in having a Governor available telephonically with only three days to go in the session.

So my question for you...as the Governor's attorney as well as the chief attorney for the State of Alaska...how are you going to advise the Governor, with these lucrative offers she has on the table to write a biography and the requirement for anyone who writes a book to take a book tour across the country?  Are you going to advise the Governor that this is something that is within her rights and purview or is that something that infringes upon the rights of all Alaskans?

OK, let's stop right there for a second.  Representative Ramras is asking the wrong question.  The primary issue isn't the book tour, the primary issue is whether or not it's even legal for Sarah Palin to enter into a book contract in the first place!!!!

Per the Executive Ethics Act:

Sec. 39.52.120. Misuse of official position.
(a) A public officer may not use, or attempt to use, an official position for personal gain,
and may not intentionally secure or grant unwarranted benefits or treatment for any person.
(b) A public officer may not
(1) seek other employment or contracts through the use or attempted use of official
position;
(2) accept, receive, or solicit compensation for the performance of official duties or
responsibilities from a person other than the state;
(3) use state time, property, equipment, or other facilities to benefit personal or financial
interests;

Sarah Palin came to fame...thus is being offered book deals...as a direct result of her position as Governor of Alaska.  This is also true in regards to her Legal Defense Fund.  She has these ethics complaints as a direct result of breaking laws applicable to her as Governor.  Having them paid for by a private Legal Defense Fund may be the equivalent of entering into a contract.

On to W.A. Ross's response:

Ross:  I don't know how I'm going to advise her because the question hasn't been made and I don't know all the facts.

Ramras:  I'm posing the question to you, general as her...

Ross: I don't know all the facts but I'll tell you that Sarah Palin when she gets national exposure is great for Alaska...(blah, blah, blah...not going to waste time with this lack-of-an-answer)...

...Whether that's part of her job or not, I'm not making any decisions on that.  Whether she should wear Arctic Cat or I should get in trouble for wearing a Steton, I'm not making any decisions on that.  If the questions come to us maybe we'll have to make a decision at that time.  I'm sure she feels appreciative that you guys are going to miss her for two days while she's outside giving a speech.  She's never talked to me about it and I'm sure you'll be in her heart and mind the whole time.

Ramras:  I'm quite certain we all will be.

Hello?  Can we say major snark warning?  How condescending can someone get?

That's when Rep. Bob Lynn (Palinbot) decides to step in and correct Ramras, the chair, by telling him this isn't about the Governor.  Ramras didn't like it.  

Moving on below the fold:

Juneau News Part 3: W. A. Ross tries smoke-and-mirrors in a letter to AK Legislators **UPDATE**

by: Celtic Diva

Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 13:06:40 PM AKDT

*****************************UPDATE**************************

ADN updated their post with the letter--no commentary on it.

Also:  A comment below asks why he's writing on his own state letterhead when he hasn't been confirmed?  A comment on the ADN earlier asked why he's already listed on the website?  These are good questions.

*************************************************************

In my previous post, I provided information as well as links to other posts regardubg testimony from Wayne Anthony Ross himself and public testimony about Mr. Ross during the Wednesday session of the Alaska Senate Judicial Committee.  CC on KUDO 1080 also did a powerful interview with Leah Burton, who provided stunning and credible testimony on past comments made by Ross (link found on my previous post.

I already knew that Ms. Burton's testimony was credible because I knew who she was from my past experience with social services in Alaska.  However, the Palinbots have clearly determined that her testimony is credible as well because they have started a backlash against Ms. Burton (this feels familiar) best seen in the comments on the ADN Politics Blog article.  You can also see it in articles calling her "crazy" on Conservatives4Palin and Team Sarah, but I refuse to link to them.  

Another indicator of Ms. Burton's credibility--a response letter sent to our legislators in Juneau by Mr. Ross where he pleads his case.

...and I do mean pleads.

Here is the letter:  PAGE 1, PAGE 2, PAGE 3, PAGE 4.

My absolute favorite part is his intial reaction to Ms. Burton's account of his comments given at the D.A.D.S. meeting, where Ms. Burton discusses his appearance as a speaker.

On page one and two:

I believe I have heard of the Dads Against Discrimination and I have heard of a group known as the Alaska Family Support Group...[snip].

[end snip]...If either group is the one I am thinking of, I had an unusual experience with one of its officers.  On one occasion I received a call from a video store located on Lake Otis complaining about my "boorish behavior" to one of the store clerks.  After ascertaining where and when this boorish behavior occurred, I advised the caller that I had never even been in his store.

Intrigued by the caller's story, I asked if he had a videotape of the person who claimed to be Wayne Ross.  It turned out that he had.  I went to the store, viewed the video, and recognized the person who had claimed to the clerk that he was me.  The imposter was, if I recall, one of the founders of the above referenced group.

Huh?  What exactly does this have to do with anything?  Is he trying to insinuate that Ms. Burton wasn't sure he was the one speaking?  Oh please, she was a lobbyist for social services...EVERYONE in those positions knew/knows who Wayne Anthony Ross is.  

Nice try, though...

Making this accusation even more bizarre was his need to share his "manly handling" of the situation:

I will leave it to your imagination as to what occurred in the "Come To Jesus" meeting I had with this fellow when I was able to track him down.

Gee, Wayne, did it involve firearms and the  underside of a Hummer?

To my recollection that was the last time I ever heard of either of these groups.  They avoided me and I them thereafter.

So, the impression we are given is that Mr. Ross has never had anything to do with this group.

But then it gets even weirder...again on page two:

If I recall correctly, the only time I ever addressed this group, if indeed I ever did address them, was at a Denny's restaurant on either Benson and Denali or on Dimond and the Seward Highway.

How can he claim a fuzzy memory by stating "if indeed I ever did address them," yet ask us to believe his claim that HE'S SURE the meeting was at one of the other two Dennys, when all three of them look almost exactly alike?  

Ms. Burton's testimony regarding the location:

In 1991, the DADS group held an area wide meeting at a Denny's Restaurant in Anchorage near DeBarr & Bragaw. I chose to go and sit in the main area of the restaurant near the opening of the meeting room where they convened so I was able to hear what they had to say and find out what plans they had for the upcoming legislative session.

I know that Dennys well and THAT's the one that most political groups I'm aware of have their meetings. The reason is because IT HAS THE LARGEST ROOM according to the Denny's manager I spoke to today, which is why most groups meet there.

When The Bartlett Democratic Club had their School Board debate in the exact same room, I sat at a table OUTSIDE OF THAT ROOM but within earshot of the door.  I have damaged hearing and I could still hear most of it (when the door was open).

Bob Poe opposes WAR with Rural Alaska--press release

by: Celtic Diva

Fri Apr 03, 2009 at 15:03:22 PM AKDT

Today Bob Poe, Democratic Candidate for Governor, joined with the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Association of Village Council Presidents to oppose the confirmation of Wayne Anthony Ross as Alaska Attorney General.

"It is unfortunate that Governor Sarah Palin, rather than selecting an Attorney General designee who would help pull Alaska together, has selected an individual as divisive within Alaska as Mr. Ross.  I join with the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Association of Village Council Presidents in their opposition to his confirmation by the Legislature," said Poe. "Mr. Ross's long standing opposition to issues like a rural preference for subsistence, held as a critical issue to rural Alaskans, is a clear example as to why this appointment will not be helpful in bridging the urban/rural divide."

"The Attorney General is supposed to be Alaska's attorney to represent all Alaskans within the Executive Branch.  We have already seen Governor Palin's first Attorney General lean too far to support the Governor's personal position in the matter concerning Commissioner Monegan, why now does she support a new appointment who is likely to broaden the gap between urban and rural Alaska.  Isn't it time for the Governor to choose an Attorney General who will represent the needs of all Alaskans?" added Poe.

"In these challenging economic times we should be focused on working together as Alaskans, rural and urban, for our common future," said Poe. "Isn't it time Governor Palin show the leadership to pull Alaskans together, not drive us further apart?  Mr. Ross' appointment, unfortunately, will be one that further divides us."

Bob Poe announced on January 8, 2009 he was seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor.  He has had a 28-year career in Alaska's public and private sectors serving four Alaska Governors during his career.

He has been critically involved in a variety of economic development efforts including leading Alaska's marketing and negotiating teams to attract the FedEx and UPS cargo hubs to Anchorage.

Go to: www.bobpoe.com for more information.

Best regards,

Bob Poe
Bob Poe: Alaska First
bpoe@gci.net

Palin's AG Pick Calls Gays "Degenerates"--guest post from Bent Alaska

by: Celtic Diva

Mon Mar 30, 2009 at 06:43:18 AM AKDT

(While I've been reading condemnation of the Governor's AG pick, Bent Alaska gives some very pointed examples of issues that could specifically effect his performance as AG, not to mention comments by fellow lawyers--ex:  while his gun politics probably scares the hell out of lower-48ers, there's not much damage he could do up here.  I'm not sure our gun laws could be much more lax.  Also, I don't hold clients against defense attorneys.  I know a number of wonderful folks who have defended some of the most reprehensible characters.  Guess what?  It's their job!

E. Ross points out at the bottom something I've thought from the beginning, that the reason W.A.R. was really appointed is to give him an advantage in the upcoming Gubernatorial race.  I believe, like Dan Fagan at Alaska Standard, that Sarah has made the decision not to run again and that Ross's appointment is an indicator of that.

I've bolded some of the points of the article that I don't feel have been emphasized enough.)

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Gov. Sarah Palin named Anchorage lawyer Wayne Anthony Ross as her new attorney general on Thursday. While we did not expect her to pick a gay-friendly AG, the blatant prejudice expressed in this letter to the state Bar shows that he is a poor choice for our top attorney:

"During a fight several years ago over gay rights, [Allison] Mendel helped organize Anchorage lawyers in support of an anti-discrimination ordinance. Ross wrote a nasty letter to the Bar Association newsletter, using words like "immoral", "perversion" and "degenerates." The language went way beyond reasonable disagreement, Mendel and others said."  (Wayne Anthony Ross never a quiet force, ADN)

Other interesting facts about Wayne Anthony Ross:

--He was a founder of Alaska Right to Life and represented, without fee, anti-abortion protesters charged with trespassing. "I feel I have a good relationship with the good Lord (but) if I could overturn Roe vs. Wade, I figure I got my ticket," he told a reporter.

--He was the defense lawyer for former Rep. Vic Kohring, who is now serving time in prison.

--He opposes Native subsistence rights and was the lead lawyer in the case that got Alaska's subsistence law declared unconstitutional. When running for governor in 2002, he said he would hire a band of "junkyard dog" assistant AG's to challenge the federal law that requires a subsistence preference, or seek changes through Congress.

--He wrote for the old Anchorage Times, then for the Voice of the Times in the ADN, with titles like "KKK ' Art' Project Gets' A' For Courage" listed on the publications page of the Ross & Miner law offices.

--He represented Palin in her ethics case against state GOP chair Randy Ruedrich when both were on the Oil and Gas Commission, and became the co-chair of Palin's 2006 gubernatorial campaign.

--He was hoping for an appointment to the Department of Health and Social Services so he could "stop the department from interfering with families when they should not be interfering and get them interfering with families when they should be interfering" but he was passed over.

--He defended a Soldotna man who twice poured buckets of water from a passing pickup onto peaceful demonstrators in the rain and snow. His client was convicted of harassment and violating constitutional rights.

--He was the co-chair of Alaskans for Phil Gramm. (Gramm is one of the people responsible for the current economic crisis, and as co-chair of John McCain's presidential campaign he called us "a nation of whiners.")

--He is a former vice president of the National Rifle Association and was in line to become president, but was voted out of office.
He ran for governor in 1998 and 2002.  (Think he'll use the AG position as a stepping stone to the governor's mansion?)

The state House and Senate Judiciary committees will hold confirmation hearings on his appointment.