A North Pole legislator has filed an ethics complaint against Gov. Bill Walker for issuing a statement suggesting he would campaign for lawmakers who support him in the ongoing budget battles.
The Juneau Empire reports that Walker on Wednesday issued a statement calling for state lawmakers to resolve the state’s growing deficit. At the end of the statement, Walker said he would “ask every legislator and every candidate for the Legislature” to choose a budget plan to support.
Rep. Tammie Wilson says that language suggests Walker will support candidates for office and though he is legally allowed to endorse anyone, the governor cannot use state resources to do so. Wilson claims that by issuing an official press release, Walker used state resources.
Walker says he is not trying to influence an election but wants to inform the public.
