Originally published Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print view
Share
Palin's replacement wants full term
In temperament, Sean Parnell is the polar opposite of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Associated Press Writer
In temperament, Sean Parnell is the polar opposite of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Palin, with her signature updo, glasses and bright wardrobe, has had a tenure marked by high drama, ethics complaints and family crises.
The lesser-known lieutenant governor, an attorney with a long history in public service, is quiet in both dress and demeanor.
Republican state Rep. Mike Hawker described Parnell, who is inheriting Palin's office with her sudden resignation, as a "public craftsman, not a swashbuckling crusader."
"He's passionate but deliberate," Hawker said Saturday.
Hawker believes Parnell's even-keel personality will help him have a better working relationship with legislators than Palin. But others say it raises questions about Parnell's ability to lead.
"I think Sean certainly is not going to scare away any potential opponents," said Andrew Halcro, a Palin critic who lost the 2006 gubernatorial race to her. "I don't think he's intimidating enough."
Democratic state Rep. Les Gara added that while Parnell "seems like a nice guy," one of his weaknesses is not articulating a specific vision.
"But I'll keep my mind open and see if he has a vision to present," Gara said.
Parnell, a Republican who has served in both chambers of the state Legislature, will be sworn in as governor July 26, the day Palin steps down. The current term expires in early December 2010, and Parnell has said he plans to seek a subsequent four-year term.
A social and political conservative, Parnell emerged as Alaska's next leader when Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate, abruptly announced her resignation Friday. Palin and her representatives are keeping mum about her future plans, but the governor has been seen as a likely presidential contender in 2012.
"I think we have a great team in place," Parnell said shortly after Palin's announcement. "I think we can have a seamless and stable transition across the next few weeks."
Parnell served four years each in the state House and Senate, starting in 1992, then worked for ConocoPhilips before taking a job as the deputy director of the Alaska Division of Oil and Gas. Last year, he challenged U.S. Rep. Don Young but lost by 304 votes in the Republican primary.
Copyright © The Seattle Times Company
More Nation & World headlines...
E-mail article
Print view
Share
![]()
Obama seeks equal partnership in Asia
NYC trial for 9/11 suspects poses risks
Fort Hood gunman contacted Pakistan, lawmaker says
Immigration on White House agenda

Opening day at Crystal Mountain
Skiers crowded the slopes at Crystal Mountain for one of the resort's earliest openings.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks
- Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
- Razor found in muffin an accident, 'mortified' baker says
- Suspect's family shaken by slaying of police officer
- Mountlake Terrace woman reports razor in muffin
- Man says he will protest city's gun ban by carrying gun into community center
- OSU game thread
660 - Police investigate videotaped arrest
635 - Seattle man to pack a pistol into community center to protest mayor's ban
357 - GOP clueless as families struggle with health care
196 - NYC trial for 9/11 suspects poses risks
132 - Band of advocates, activists now McGinn's likely insiders
100 - Wright State game thread
97 - Kent man challenges Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels' gun ban
95 - Licata looks at boosting traffic-ticket revenue
89 - Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
71
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- An 802.11n upgrade could make a big difference
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Washington in race for federal education funds
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Goodwill's Glitter Sale is Nov. 14-15





