WAR is Over! (Updated with Roll Call Vote)
16 04 2009
23 for and 35 against.
House – 16 yea, 23 nay
Senate – 7 yea, 12 nay
I have to say it. I am proud of my Legislature! Well, I am proud of 35 of them, and that’s saying a lot. Trust me.
Here’s the roll call vote, courtesy of the Daily News Miner:
Alaska House
(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
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
You can save this list as a handy reference tool when you want to know who would vote for a stump as long as it had an R after it’s name. OK, stumps don’t have names….but you get my point.
Kudos to the Republicans on the “nay” lists. It’s not easy to break ranks, and you proved that you have the integrity to do what’s right, despite pressure to the contrary. (Gives you all a nice pat on the back)
And of course, kudos to the Dems who have been working diligently in the madhouse that was the capitol building this week. You’re in the trenches every day, and we all appreciate your efforts. (Pats you on the back too)
April 16th, 2009 at 6:28 PM
One more comment…
GINO can only agree with this historical decision by our capable legislators…
The body spoke the language that GINO understands, i.e, It was God’s will!
April 16th, 2009 at 6:52 PM
This is true cause for celebration. It does indicate that politicians can be reasonable when faced with a ludicrous situation.
Bravo to all the Nays-a big Yay to you from me! You do truly and honestly represent the people of Alaska.
April 16th, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Congratulations Alaskans, on the GREAT NEWS! Happy dancin’ with ya!
April 16th, 2009 at 8:30 PM
And another one gone and another one gone and…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNQRfBAzSzo
Hey GINO, gonna get you too…
April 16th, 2009 at 8:32 PM
WAR is OVER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvNRHrKyaX4
April 16th, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Congratulations to all the bloggers who kept shining the bright lights on Palin’s abysmal choice for AG!
Salute to the bloggers: AKMuckraker, Shannyn Moore, Progressive Alaska, Diva’s Blue Oasis, Immoral Minority, Palingates, Andrew Halcrow….and too many more to mention!
Thanks to the legislators who had the guts to stand up for the integrity of the Law!
Thanks to those brave people who dared testify against WAR in “Palin’s Alaska!”
Outstanding victory for the constitution and the State of Alaska!
April 16th, 2009 at 8:53 PM
My representative voted NO! Whoohooo! Thank you all for tossing him OUT.
April 16th, 2009 at 9:13 PM
Isn’t it telling that ALL voting yea were R’s?
April 16th, 2009 at 9:40 PM
I’m very, very proud of my guys — Representative Paul Seaton and Senate President Gary Stevens — for voting to uphold the rights of ALL Alaskans and voting Nay on the confirmation of W.A.Ross for AG.
April 17th, 2009 at 12:45 AM
I am so happy for you Alaska (those that did not want WAR)! Amazing that so many R’s voted for an AG who obviously is not concerned with “what is legal or illegal” Actually in reality, does truly reflect the party of NO. That comment sent chills down my spine. Frightening show of character on WAR and the R’s who voted for him.
April 17th, 2009 at 6:45 AM
Shannyn Moore’s latest post on WAR is on HuffPo – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannyn-moore/palin-loses-the-warjuneau_b_188019.html
The award so far for Troll Comment MOST Resembling Something Sarah Palin would Say Herself:
“It’s really hard to tell what’s going on in Alaska. The congressional comments indicate a group that loves to attack Palin on most every issue. I understand that she ran as a reform candidate, so I assume a lot of this chatter reflects a desire to keep the status quo, which led to abuse. I was also surprised to see such a good turn out at the tea parties and wondered if some of the congress may regret not endorsing her plan, which recommended not taking all of the stimulus money.
The Atty Gen sounded as though he’s the type everyone knows. It didn’t seem to me that reporters had much to do with uncovering anything. He’s one guy who is pretty much out front.”
HAHHAHAHAHHAHA!!! The Head Up Bottom Disease is contagious!! =) I was gonna respond but didn’t feel like wasting my time =)
April 17th, 2009 at 6:50 AM
Today is the day to rise up in song and thank god for small favors. I guess her actions are closely watched after all. The Senate and Congress have shown superior intellect and ability to take actions in the best interest of the Alaskan people. I wish everyone that sent letters before the vote would send a note of thanks. They really did serve “the people”.
April 17th, 2009 at 9:36 AM
I have never been so proud of Alaska or to be an Alaskan as I am now. Thank you to all who worked so hard to get the word out about Ross. And especially to republicans who broke ranks and did what was right for Alaska and the Alaskan people! I also feel that this vote is a significant show of support for the Native Alaskan rural community. Thank you.
April 17th, 2009 at 9:38 AM
I have never been so proud of Alaska or to be an Alaskan as I am now. Thank you to all who worked so hard to get the word out about Ross. And especially to republicans who broke ranks and did what was right for Alaska and the Alaskan people! I also feel that this vote is a significant show of support for the Native Alaskan rural community.
April 17th, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Lee 322 you are so right.Thanks for the Many Alaskan that stood up and were counted as being against this man for AG.Was so glad to see that many republicans also stood up and were counted.They did not just follow party line.Thy made their own minds up.I have to say I hope Palin or one of her supporters reads this I woke up at 3 AM Thursday morning and the first thought was a prayer to God ,Please Please do not let this man be appointed.If you have any mercy see that he is rejected.Gods will or not I was afraid to come on or read ADN because I was so afraid of what I would see.All I can say is Thank God he watches over us all not just the chosen few .
April 17th, 2009 at 6:08 PM
I was thinking the same thing about him untill I read his letter(Nelson) it is very self serving and he is acting like a tattle tale in first grade.I would think the fact that he changed is party so fast should be entered into the letter as well seems her forgot to mention that little fact.I too hope the legislature keeps up the good work.Why should MS Palin be allowed to sneak a Republican into a democrat seat?I would think the Man she had as acting AG before War was appointed would again take over,