AG: Campbell does not need legislative approval

The Associated Press is reporting that Alaska Attorney General Dan Sullivan says Military and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Craig Campbell, named by Gov. Sarah Palin as the state's next lieutenant governor, should serve as acting lieutenant governor when Palin resigns July 26:

Sullivan's legal opinion, issued Friday, differs from Tamara Cook, the Legislature's top lawyer, who said Wednesday that Campbell can't become lieutenant governor without legislative approval.

According to Sullivan, Campbell would serve in a temporary basis pending his approval by the legislature, which could come in a special session.

Corrections Commissioner Joe Schmidt, who was at the front of the line of succession for the position, said he doesn’t want the job.

- JP