Alaska Changes Senate Appointment Rule

After nepotism furor, Alaska bars governors from filling long-term Senate vacancies

CATHY BROWN, Associated Press Writer

06-09) 12:26 PDT JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) --

A bill to prevent Alaska governors from making any more long-term appointments to the U.S. Senate became law over the weekend, without Gov. Frank Murkowski's signature.

The law passed after Murkowski appointed his daughter, then state Rep. Lisa Murkowski, to fill his Senate seat following his election as governor in 2002. The appointment led to cries of nepotism from some Alaskans.

The new law calls for a special election to be held 60 to 90 days after a Senate vacancy occurs. Previously, the governor could appoint a new senator if less than 21/2 years remained in the departing lawmaker's term.

The new law still allows the governor to appoint a replacement, but the replacement would serve only until the special election could be held.

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