Alaska Dispatch

Alaska Lt. Governor Craig Campbell announced he'll file today to run for the office next year.

Campbell, a Republican,was the state's Military and Veterans Affairs Commissioner under former Gov. Sarah Palin. Upon her abrupt resignation in July, she appointed him successor to the lieutenant governor job.

That was an unusual move that drove lawmakers into a summer special session. A governor's designee isn't official until confirmed by the Legislature, yet it was clear Campbell would be moving into the position as then-Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell stepped into the governor's job.

Her confirmed designee at the time was Corrections Commissioner Joe Schmidt. Palin's switch was somewhat unexpected.

According to a press advisory, Campbell will file at noon today with the Division of Elections in Anchorage. Rep. Jay Ramras, a Fairbanks Republican, is widely rumored to be considering a run for the job as well, but said Monday morning that he hasn't reached any decision and is instead focusing on his business interests and preparing legislation for the session that starts in January.

The governor's job has drawn more interest. Parnell has said he plans to run on the Republican ticket, as have two Valdez politicians -- former House Speaker Rep. John Harris, and Bill Walker, general counsel for the Alaska Gasline Port Authority. Gerald Heikes of Palmer has also filed. Key Democrats eyeing the job include Sen. Hollis French of Anchorage; former Rep. Ethan Berkowitz, also of Anchorage; and Bob Poe of Anchorage. Rob Rosenfeld pulled out of the race last week.

Campbell is running to "ensure conservative values continue to have a strong voice in the Governor's office, and individual liberties and freedoms are not threatened by state government," according to the release.

"I've always been a budget hawk, and I want to make sure Alaska residents never have to pay an income tax, or statewide sales tax, to receive the services that government is obligated to provide to the residents," Campbell said in the statement. "I will work with the Governor to produce results for the people of Alaska, not create a divisive atmosphere that would hinder Alaska's potential."

Campbell served on the Eagle River Valley Community Council and the Anchorage Assembly before Gov. Frank Murkowski appointed him Adjunct General and Commander of the Alaska National Guard, and Military and Veterans Affairs Commissioner.

Contact Rena Delbridge at rena_alaskadispatch.com

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