Alaska's bipartisan House coalition has named Anchorage independent Rep. Calvin Schrage as incoming speaker, while the Senate majority confirmed Anchorage Republican Sen. Cathy Giessel as the next Senate president. Leaders say they have the numbers to keep control of both chambers even as tens of thousands of ballots remain uncounted. The House group of Democrats, independents and moderate Republicans hopes to widen its slim majority after strong Democratic showings. In the Senate, up to three moderate Republicans, including Jesse Bjorkman, are discussing joining the all-Republican minority over tax policy, which could shrink the majority's margin. Louise Stutes is slated as Senate majority leader; Chuck Kopp would stay House majority leader. Finance committee roles are also shifting as Sen. Bert Stedman weighs leaving the majority.
Source: Anchorage Daily News