Senate Republican Minority Gearing Up for 25th Legislature
Caucus Announces Committee Requests

JUNEAU — The five members of the new Senate Republican Minority expressed optimism regarding their role in the upcoming 25th Legislative Session and made public their requests for committee assignments today.

“While we are disappointed with the chain of events that led to the formation of the Senate minority caucus, we believe we have the experience and expertise to make a meaningful contribution during the upcoming session,” said Senator Gene Therriault, who has been chosen by his colleagues to serve as minority leader. “Between us we have more than 50 years experience in the Legislature. We have requested committee assignments that will capitalize on the skills we have accumulated and allow us to best represent our constituents and the State.”

Therriault also expressed frustration that the Senate Majority rejected the minority’s request to appoint one of their two members with the most experience to fill the minority’s seat on the Senate Finance committee. The caucus had requested that either Senator Gary Wilken or Senator Con Bunde be allowed to represent them on the Finance Committee, but were turned down by the majority leadership.

Senator Wilken has served on the Finance Committee for eight years, four as co-chairman. Senator Con Bunde has served on Finance eight years, four in the House and four in the Senate.

“While we had hoped to seat one of our most experienced members, I am confident Senator Dyson will provide leadership and a balanced perspective to the Committee,” Therriault said.

The minority has recognized leaders in education, resource development, labor issues, health and social services, gas pipeline and resource tax negotiations.

“We expect to use this experience to work with members of both the House and Senate on both sides of the aisle to address the major issues affecting Alaska,” Therriault said.

Below are the committee assignments requested by the Senate Republican Minority:

• Committee on Committees: Senator Gene Therriault
• Community & Regional Affairs: Senator Tom Wagoner
• Finance Committee: Senator Fred Dyson
• HESS Committee: Senator Fred Dyson
• Judiciary: Senator Gene Therriault
• Labor & Commerce: Senator Con Bunde
• Resources: Senator Tom Wagoner
• Rules: Senator Gene Therriault
• State Affairs: Senator Con Bunde
• Transportation: Senator Gary Wilken
• World Trade & State/Federal Relations: Senator Tom Wagoner
• Joint Armed Services Committee: Senator Gary Wilken
• Legislative Budget & Audit: Senator Gene Therriault
• Legislative Council: Senator Gary Wilken
• Select Committee on Legislative Ethics: Senator Con Bunde, Senator Gary Wilken, Alternate

December 28, 2006

Senator Lyda Green
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99802-1182

Dear Senator Green:

On two previous occasions, first on December 15 and again on December 22, the Senate Republican Minority formally submitted the names of our two most experienced finance members, Senator Con Bunde and Senator Gary Wilken, to be seated on the Senate Finance Committee. In a telephone conversation yesterday, December 27, 2006, you indicated that your fellow Senate Republican Majority members have denied our requests to seat either of those two senators on the Senate Finance Committee.

While we find it imprudent that the two most qualified members of the Senate Republican Minority will be denied the ability to serve the citizens of this state on the Finance Committee, we recognize that it is within the power of the majority to make that determination.

In light of your decision, we have finalized, and are now formally submitting the attached list of the Senate Republican Minority members’ preferences for placement on each of the committees. We believe that these assignments are in the best interest of our constituents and the citizens of the State of Alaska.

Sincerely,

Senator Gene Therriault

cc: Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Bert Stedman
Senator Charlie Huggins
Senator John Cowdery