Palin
ANCHORAGE (Legal Newsline) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has nominated another candidate to become the state's attorney general as she tries to replace former Attorney General Talis Colberg.
Wednesday, the former vice president candidate nominated Daniel Sullivan, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State during the Bush administration. He will serve as attorney general in an interim role until the Legislature has a chance to appoint or reject him in January, a report by The Associated Press said.
The Legislature rejected Palin's last pick, Wayne Anthony Ross. Ross was a former National Rifle Association director.
Colberg resigned after an unsuccessful challenge to subpoenas issued in an investigation regarding Palin's firing of public safety commissioner. A legislative investigation attempted to determine if Palin fired him because he refused to fire a state trooper who had gone through a divorce with her sister.
"Dan Sullivan brings to the attorney general position a broad array of expertise, experience, and judgment that will significantly benefit Alaska," Palin said.
"He has a strong Alaska legal background and public service record in the state. His leadership and negotiating achievements at the highest levels of the U.S. government, including on issues of vital importance to the State of Alaska, will help ensure that the interests of Alaska and our citizens are advanced and safeguarded.
"His recent work in Washington on issues including the Alaska natural gas pipeline, Arctic policy, Law of the Sea, and opening aviation markets overseas has already benefited Alaska."
Sullivan said he was honored to be chosen.
"I will work tirelessly with the governor and the members of the Legislature to continue to emphasize integrity throughout Alaska's legal system, as well as justice and economic opportunities for all of Alaska's citizens," he said.
From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at john@legalnewsline.com.