ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The state Senate’s expanding majority became a bipartisan body Friday, as Democratic Juneau Sen. Dennis Egan -- the only state legislator not on the ballot in Tuesday’s elections -- joined all 13 Republican senators as its latest member.
Egan, who was appointed in 2009 by then-Gov. Sarah Palin after a dispute with Democrats over a replacement for departing Sen. Kim Elton, will serve as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.
“Senator Egan has a very diverse background and a long family legacy that will enhance our ability to represent the interests of all Alaskans,” Sen. Kevin Meyer (R-Anchorage) said in a Friday statement from the majority. “Senator Egan, as Transportation Chair, will be able to use his expertise to improve transportation in all corners of the state including the Alaska Marine Highway System.”
Egan's addition brings the group closer to a 16-vote supermajority in the 20-seat Senate, as Republicans continue to hope for a victory by GOP challenger Bob Bell over Democrat Sen. Hollis French. French retains a slight lead in that race, however, with absentee votes still being counted.
