Johansen to seek re-election

Rep. Kyle Johansen told The Associated Press on Thursday that he thinks he's done a good job for his district and said there are projects that both he and the local communities have been working on that need to be finished. Those include working to further pursue interconnected hydro power across Southeast Alaska and building up the maritime industry in Ketchikan. "I feel like I'm the best possible person to do that, with my combination of experience and success in the Legislature and knowledge of local projects," he said. "I don't think anybody else can bring to the table what I can bring to the table."

Last week, the state rejected a recall attempt by a group of District 1 Republicans, saying the application failed to state a legally sufficient ground for recall. Dick Coose, a leader of the recall group, has said it's unlikely the ruling would be challenged in court since it would do nothing to achieve the group's goal of preventing Johansen from returning to Juneau when the Legislature reconvenes in January. He said the focus instead would be on ensuring Johansen isn't re-elected.

Candidates have until June 1 to file for next year's primary. The state Division of Elections shows Johansen as a candidate in District 33, his new district under a state redistricting plan. The division listed no challengers to him as of Thursday afternoon.

Johansen was targeted for recall after losing his position as majority leader. He and Anchorage Rep. Charisse Millett walked out of the GOP-led caucus over organizational issues last fall. The caucus voted not to readmit them. Each, however, was given a committee assignment and was able to introduce bills, like any other lawmaker.

When asked if he'd spoken with Speaker Mike Chenault about the possibility of getting back into the caucus, Johansen said he's moving ahead.

"It's really irrelevant to me. I'm not looking to spend my whole session trying to do this or that," as it pertains to the caucus, he said.

He added: "I get up and go to work every day, and I was successful last session and I continue to be successful, no matter what my state or stature is in the (capitol) building."