On Thursday, the Alaska House of Representatives met and nominated Rep. Bart LeBon of Fairbanks for Speaker Pro Tempore in hopes of organizing the House so that members can conduct business, but failed on a 20-20 vote along caucus lines. A subsequent nomination wasn’t put forward, but rather House members voted to adjourn till Monday.
The Alaska House Republicans said in a press release that when the House faced a similar impasse, House Republicans joined with their colleagues to elect Rep. Neal Foster (D-Nome) Speaker Pro Tempore.
Rep. Sarah Vance said, “We stand ready to get to work doing the business of the government.”
This is the second time House Republicans nominated Rep. LeBon of Fairbanks to Speaker Pro Tem, which failed. LeBon said, “Since the election ended in November, the House has been steadily working towards organizing and addressing the challenges Alaska faces. Our side has demonstrated that we are actively trying to offer solutions by putting up a name for Speaker Pro Tempore, while the other side continues to stall and delay. Alaskans deserve better.”
House lawmakers will continue to meet and attempt to vote on a Speaker Pro Tempore. The next House Floor Session will be Monday morning at 10am.
Transcribed audio courtesy of KTOO 360TV.
