Byron Mallott resigns as Lieutenant Governor effective immediatelyValerie Nurr'araaluk Davidson sworn in as Lieutenant GovernorBy MARY KAUFFMAN
October 16, 2018
Governor Waller wrote in a statement, “It is with profound disappointment and sadness that I accepted the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott. 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."
Walker wrote, "As leaders, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of conduct. " "Valerie Davidson was confirmed as Lieutenant Governor-designee earlier this April. She was sworn in today as Lieutenant Governor. Doctor Jay Butler has been appointed Commissioner of the Department of Health and Social Services. Alaskans can be confident that Valerie Davidson will assume the duties of Lieutenant Governor with grace and dignity,” wrote Walker. Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor Valerie Davidson wrote in a prepared statement, “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." Davidson said, "Respect for women, and the dignity of all Alaskans, is our responsibility. I stand ready to serve as your Lieutenant Governor.” In the letter of resignation to Governor Walker dated today, Mallott wrote his resignation is "compelled by inappropriate comments I made that placed a person whom I respect and revere in a position of vulnerability."
Mallott wrote that he takes full responsibility for his action and apologized to and seek healing for the person he hurt. He wrote that he also seeks healing for his family, his staff, friends and all those who had placed their faith in him and have been let down by his behavior. He recognized that his actions have compromised Gov. Walker's ability to lead the state and express his remorse and sorrow in his letter to Walker. "I believe Alaskans have the right to hold their leader to the highest standards of conduct I have fallen well short," wrote Mallott. According to the Walker Mallott campaign, Mallott's resignation also applies to the Walker Mallott campaign. Though Mallott cannot remove his name from the ballot, Mallott will not accept the position of Lieutenant Governor if elected. According to the Alaska Division of Elections, although Election Day is not until November 6, the election actually begins on October 22 with early and absentee in-person, electronic transmission, and special needs voting. Accordingly, the general election ballot has been certified and printed, and Bill Walker and Byron Mallott appear together as candidates for governor and lieutenant governor on that ballot. The Division of Elections has conferred with the Alaska Department of Law. Under state law, it is too late for a candidate to withdraw from the ballot; that must happen at least 64 days before the general election. Under the Alaska Constitution, a vote for governor is considered a vote for the lieutenant governor running with him or her. Even if a lieutenant governor withdraws, the gubernatorial candidate may remain on the ballot. Accordingly, if Governor Walker is re-elected, Byron Mallott will technically be elected along with him. However, given Mallott’s resignation, Governor Walker would be able to appoint a lieutenant governor successor consistent with state statute. Alaska Gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy in response to the resignation of Lt. Governor Byron Mallott released a statement this afternooon saying, “As we, like all Alaskans, await details surrounding the resignation of the lieutenant governor, our campaign remains focused on restoring trust in state government." Dunleavy said, “We need safe neighborhoods, a health economy and full Permanent Fund dividends. This campaign has always been about the people of Alaska, not politicians.” Alaska Senate Democratic Leader Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage) said in a prepared statement, "I am truly disappointed by the event relating to the Lt. Governor. As elected public officials, we must maintain public trust and uphold integrity. I send my condolences to the victim of this event and the family members of Lt. Governor Mallott who are impacted." Gardner said, "Valerie Davidson, who has been sworn in as Lt. Governor, has my full confidence. I have known Valerie professionally and personally and know that she will carry out her duties as Lt. Governor with dignity and professionalism. She brings a wealth of Alaska knowledge to the position." In the latest Ivan Moore Alaska Survey of the candidates (Tracker 3) released just hours before Mallott's official resignation announcement, showed it increasingly unlikey that either Begich or Walker would win the Governor's race. With three weeks to go until the General Election, Ivan Moore's third in a series of five independent tracking surveys of likely Alaska voters conducted October 12-14 shows Senator Mike Dunleavy still with a commanding lead in the Governor’s race. Democrat Mark Begich and Independent Bill Walker split the rest of the vote right down the middle. Mike Dunleavy 43.4% Bill Walker 26.6% Mark Begich 26.4% Undecided 3.6%
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