Alaska House and Senate: The legislature of 'No'

Alaska's legislators said 'no' to Gov. Sarah Palin's nominee for state Attorney General today. They voted down the appointment of Wayne Anthony Ross, 35 to 23.

The governor's office called the move "unprecedented":

"I believed I knew what Alaskans wanted when I selected an individual who is a strong backer of 2nd Amendment rights, a staunch supporter of the state Constitution and a defender of life," Governor Palin said. "Wayne Anthony Ross supports responsible, ethical development of Alaska’s rich resources. I'm surprised that legislators in this case really did not seem to represent their constituents and allowed themselves to be swayed by side issues. Mr. Ross is a fine Alaskan. He is held in high esteem by many Alaskans. I appreciate his willingness to serve the public."

This comes on the same day that one of her nominees to fill an empty seat in the state Senate, Joe Nelson, withdrew his name from consideration as a candidate.

Also today, the lawmakers rejected the governor's nominee for the Board of Fisheries, Brent Johnson, by a vote of 42 to 16.

More on the showdown between Gov. Palin and the legislature from Ron Devito here.

- JP