Unalaska Rep. Bryce Edgmon and newly elected Bethel Rep. Bob Herron are joining Joule in leaving the Democratic minority caucus. The defections give the Republican majority a 26-14 advantage in the House going into the upcoming legislative session, which starts Jan. 20 in Juneau.
That means the Democratic minority will be entitled to one less seat on the House Finance Committee, which writes the budget and deals with bills that spend money.
Joining the majority will seat Edgmon as co-chair of the Special Committee on Energy, and Herron becomes the co-chair of the Health and Social Services Committee. Joule keeps his seat on the Finance Committee. He said in a statement that being a part of the majority is "an opportunity for us to highlight issues affecting rural Alaska."
Being a part of the majority can mean more power to obtain state money and get bills passed. Incoming House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, who recruited the rural legislators, said they broaden the views of the majority.
It's a difficult blow to the state House Democrats, who have been picking up seats in recent years and becoming more of a force.
House Minority Leader Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau, said the three lawmakers would have been part of a strong minority if they had stayed. She called it a shortsighted decision and a hurtful one to their former colleagues.
"It's a tough day but we're going to keep going and do the right thing by Alaskans," she said.
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