Alaska
Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott resigns due to 'inappropriate comments'
https://www.ktuu.com/content/news/Lt-Gov-Byron-Mallott-resigns-due-to–497738791.html
>mallot
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The governor of Alaska says Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott has resigned over unspecified “inappropriate comments.”
The move upends what was already a difficult re-election fight for Gov. Bill Walker.
Mallott’s decision was announced Tuesday, shortly after Walker participated in a debate in Anchorage.
Walker, in a release, said he learned late Monday that Mallott had made “inappropriate comments” not suitable for the office.
Walker did not specify what comments Mallott had made.
A spokesman for Walker said there would be a news conference addressing the matter.
State health commissioner Valerie Davidson was sworn in as lieutenant governor.
Mallott and Walker have shared a brother-like bond since joining forces as part of a “unity ticket” in 2014.
Walker is an independent; Mallott is a Democrat.
https://apnews.com/51f34bdf8adc4922acaef975d73ff842?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=AP_Politics&utm_source=Twitter
Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott abruptly resigned from office Tuesday, Gov. Bill Walker's office announced, following recent "inappropriate comments." It wasn't immediately clear what Mallott said. A new lieutenant governor, Alaska Health and Social Services Commissioner Valerie Nurr'araaluk Davidson, was immediately sworn in.
Davidson was sworn into the office during a private ceremony Tuesday afternoon, the governor's office said.
"Byron recently made inappropriate comments that do not reflect the sterling level of behavior required in his role as Lieutenant Governor," Walker said in the statement. "I learned of the incident last night. Byron has taken full responsibility for his actions and has resigned."
Walker said it was with "profound disappointment and sadness" that he accepted the resignation.
In his resignation letter to Walker, Mallott wrote:
"It is a resignation compelled by inappropriate comments I made that placed a person whom I respect and revere in a position of vulnerability….I take full responsibility for this action and apologize to, and seek healing for, the person I hurt."
The letter did not identify the person.
"I also recognize that my actions have compromised my ability to lead this state and for that I express my remorse and sorrow."
Mallott's resignation comes three weeks before Election Day, with the governor, elected as an independent, facing Democrat Mark Begich and Republican Mike Dunleavy.
Dr. Jay Butler, chief medical officer in the Division of Public Health, was appointed commissioner of the Department of Health and Social Services, the governor's office said.
Asked what the inappropriate comments were, John-Henry Heckendorn, campaign manager for the Walker-Mallott re-election campaign, declined to comment.
A news conference in the governor's office was scheduled for 3 p.m.
https://www.adn.com/politics/2018/10/16/alaska-lt-gov-byron-mallott-abruptly-resigns-followiing-inappropriate-comments/
ANCHORAGE (KTUU) - The Lieutenant Governor of Alaska, Byron Mallott, resigned Tuesday due to what is being referred to as "inappropriate comments."
According to a press release issued by Governor Bill Walker, Mallot's resignation is effective immediately, with Valerie Nurr'araaluk Davidson being sworn in to take over by Walker himself.
“It is with profound disappointment and sadness that I accepted the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott," Walker said in an emailed statement Tuesday afternoon. "Byron recently made inappropriate comments that do not reflect the sterling level of behavior required in his role as Lieutenant Governor. I learned of the incident last night. Byron has taken full responsibility for his actions and has resigned."
In Davidson's statement, she specifically mentioned respecting women and Alaskans as being the upmost responsibility.
“Alaskans deserve the highest standards of conduct by their elected officials. While I am deeply saddened by the resignation of Lt. Governor Byron Mallott,
I am profoundly disappointed by his conduct. Respect for women, and the dignity of all Alaskans, is our responsibility.
I stand ready to serve as your Lieutenant Governor,” Davidson said.
Mallott himself also issued a resignation letter, in which he said he made "inappropriate comments I made that placed a person whom I respect and revere in a position of vulnerability."
What exactly Mallott said, and who he said it to, has not been disclosed. His resignation letter can be read in full below.
A live press conference will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, where Walker and Davidson will address this developing news. You can watch that event streamed live here at KTUU at 3 p.m.
https://www.ktuu.com/content/news/Lt-Gov-Byron-Mallott-resigns-due-to–497738791.html
One day I hope the world will learn forgive again
I don't know if it's noteworthy, but intriguing definitely. What could he have said that would "comprise the Governor's ability to lead" that had to do with native Alaskans? 3 weeks out from an election it had to be something …. taboo
dodi fayed
I had a rough time over the summer. This thing we are going through, is temporary. I believe in the plan like I believe in Air. You can't see it, you can't touch it, but you know you need it. This purge while out of order for me. Has to happen.