Bill Walker is coming into the governor’s office faced with high expectations for a renewed spirit of bipartisanship in Alaska politics and the grim reality of plunging oil prices and gaping budget holes.
Walker knows the months ahead will not be easy, but he said it doesn’t change his feelings about the job, which he won earlier this month on his second try against Republican Gov. Sean Parnell. He is excited for the opportunity.
“What people were telling us throughout the campaign was they wanted change and they were tired of the fights,” Walker said. “I think what we offered was an opportunity of working together.”
No deals were cut with Democrats, and there can only be one governor, Walker said. However, he has made clear his intent to reach out to Mallott as part of his decision-making process.
Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, who voted against Parnell’s plan to advance the project, said if there’s one person in the state he trusts on the gas line, it’s Walker. He said he would defer to Walker and his administration a lot on the issue.
Republican legislative leaders, who had a good relationship with Parnell, expressed willingness to work with Walker. The GOP has controlled the Legislature since 2013, after Republicans regained control of the Senate from the bipartisan coalition that was in place for years.
“I’m willing to be open and at least give him a chance and see what he can do because it’s not about me and it’s not about Bill Walker. It’s about the future of the state of Alaska – and that’s what we need to concentrate on,” said House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski.
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image credit AP Mark Thiessen
