= Gail Phillips, 142 K = Gail Phillips, 84 K = Mike Miller, 29 K = Mike Miller, 51 KAlaska State
Legislature
News from the House and Senate
Majorities
Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary,
(907) 258-8164
Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary, (907) 258-8184
Anchorage Legislative Information Office
Anchorage, AK 99501
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540
web site: www.akrepublicans.org
Speaker Phillips Comments On Alaska's "Day In Court"
For Immediate Release: December 10, 1997 Contact: Jerry Ritter (907) 258-8164,
WASHINGTON, DC -- House Speaker Gail Phillips was on hand at the U.S. Supreme Court this morning as the State of Alaska presented its case appealing the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling declaring that Indian Country exists in Alaska. Speaker Phillips says the state's case was presented professionally and seemed to have been well-received by the Justices.
"Alaska was well-represented and our case well-handled," Phillips said. "Our attorney, John Roberts, did an exemplary job." Speaker Phillips was on-hand to represent the Alaska House of Representatives at today's session, while Senator Rick Halford represented the Alaska Senate. Former Alaska Attorney General Charlie Cole, who is the Legislature's Liaison to the Supreme Court, Legislative Consultant Ron Somerville, and Joint Senate/House Majority Counsel Ted Popely all made the trip to the nation's capital for this morning's arguments. Governor Knowles was represented by his Attorney General, Bruce Botelho, and several staff members.
The Supreme Court did not say when it would issue its ruling. Most observers expect it won't come before next March at the earliest.
Broadcasters note: Please call
1-800-478-6540 for actuality.
= Gail Phillips, 142 K = Gail Phillips, 84 K
= Mike Miller, 29 K = Mike Miller, 51 K
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Phillips also took note of a more personal event at this morning's session as Senate/House Majority Counsel, Ted Popely, was sworn-in to the Bar of the Supreme Court by Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
"This is a wonderful privilege for a young attorney and we're all so pleased we were able to be there to witness it," Phillips said.
Broadcasters note: Please call 1-800-478-6540
for actuality.
= Gail Phillips, 31 K
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