Updated: February 9, 2000

SJR 32 is a resolution that would place before the voters a proposed constitutional amendment to elect Alaska's Attorney General. The specifics of the election would be expressed statutorily.

Forty-three states popularly elect their attorneys general. In Maine the legislature elects the attorney general, and in Tennessee the justices of the highest court select the attorney general. The governor appoints the attorney general in only five states: Alaska, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Wyoming.

An Attorney General who serves at the will of the voters will be better able to focus on the best interest of the state than an AG appointed by the Governor. An appointed AG is more likely to be used as an agent to carry out that particular Governor's political agenda.

This constitutional amendment would bring accountability to the office of attorney general. Alaska deserves an Attorney General dedicated to advancing the State's rights with vigor and full commitment. We will be far more certain the AG will do just that if he faces the voters in the next election.