By The Associated Press
and Sitka Sentinel Staff
JUNEAU (AP) — Alaska Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott resigned today over what Gov. Bill Walker called “inappropriate comments.”
The resignation complicates what was already a difficult re-election fight for Walker, a man with whom Mallott shared a brother-like bond.
Walker, in a release, said he learned late Monday that Mallott had made “inappropriate comments” not suitable for his office.
The resignation was announced shortly after Walker participated in a debate in Anchorage. His statement did not specify what comments Mallott had made. A spokesman for Walker said there would be a news conference later today addressing the matter.
State health commissioner Valerie Davidson was sworn in as lieutenant governor.
Governor Bill Walker, right, swears in Lieutenant Governor Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson, left, as Director of Rural and Native Affairs Barbara Blake looks on today. Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott abruptly resigned earlier today. (Photo provided by the Office of the Governor)
Mallott and Walker had forged a tight bond since joining forces as part of a unity ticket in 2014. That year, they were each running for governor and saw joining together as their best shot at defeating Republican Gov. Sean Parnell.
As part of the arrangement, supported by state Democrats, Walker changed his party affiliation from Republican to undeclared and Mallott, a Democrat, abandoned his gubernatorial ambitions to be Walker’s running mate.
The 2:11 p.m. news release from the governor’s office said Davidson was sworn in as lieutenant governor this afternoon in a private ceremony in Walker’s Anchorage office.
Walker issued the following 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.
“As leaders, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of conduct.”
“Valerie Davidson was confirmed as Lieutenant Governor-designee earlier this April. Dr. 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.”
Davidson issued the following 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.
“Respect for women, and the dignity of all Alaskans, is our responsibility. I stand ready to serve as your lieutenant governor.”
No information was provided by the governor’s office, or by Mallott, about the “inappopriate comments” that led to his resignation.
Following is the text of Mallott’s letter of resignation:
Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott
STATE OF ALASKA
October 16, 2018
Dear Governor Walker,
It has been a privilege to serve you and the people of Alaska these past four years. Thus, it is with a broken heart that I resign my position as Lt. Governor of the State of Alaska effective immediately.
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.
I also seek healing for my family and for my staff, my friends and all those who have placed their faith in me and have been let down by my behavior.
I also recognize that my actions have compromised your ability to lead this state and for that I also express my remorse and sorrow.
I believe Alaskans have the right to hold their leaders to the highest standards of conduct. I have fallen well short, but I am confident that my designated successor, Valerie Davidson, commissioner of Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services will bring honor to the office of Lt. Governor.
Respectfully,
Byron Mallott
