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Legislators react to Cowdery indictment

by Rebecca Palsha
Thursday, July 10, 2008

JUNEAU, Alaska -- Lawmakers here reacted to news of Sen. John Cowdery's indictment by a federal grand jury with surprise, sadness and anger.

Gov. Sarah Palin has called for Cowdery to resign. But if it's up to the Senate majority that resignation won't come just yet.

Cowdery was last seen at the Capitol during a natural gas line hearing Wednesday.

He was a no-show on Thursday, the day he found himself indicted on two counts of bribery and extortion.

Cowdery was holed-up inside The Prospector Hotel.

He did speak briefly with this reporter when he was located in the hotel.

"I'm feeling kind of -- I have kidney and prostate problems and have for some time," he said. "Sometimes I feel like I'm winning and sometimes I'm not so sure."

Lawmakers reacted typically to this latest news of alleged corruption within their ranks.

"Depression, I guess. It's another erosion of the public trust of our process," said Sen. Con Bunde, R-Anchorage. "It's unfortunate and my caucus, a few years ago, suggested that to try to restore public trust anybody under suspicion ought not be in positions of leadership."

"It helps clean up house. To the extent allegations are true it's very troubling. It undermines the public trust," said Rep. Les Gara, D-Anchorage. "For anybody to trade a vote for money, to trade a vote for campaign contributions, it should be criminal and anybody who does that should go to jail."

So should Cowdery keep his position or resign?

Senate President Lyda Green, the leader of the chamber's bipartisan governing coalition, disagreed with her governor.

"No, I don't think it's his place to step down. If he's found guilty that would be a different situation," said Green, R-Matanuska-Susitna. "But until that plays out I would say he would maintain his role."

Lawmaking is a role Cowdery knows well. He has held office, representing South Anchorage and the lower Hillside, for 12 years. He served three terms as a member of the state House and is in his third term as a senator.

Cowdery was not here during the previous special session due to health problems.

Green says he'll have another surgery next week.

Contact Rebecca Palsha at rpalsha@ktuu.com