The opinion by Attorney General John Burns is in response to activist Andree McLeod. She questioned whether Treadwell misused his position for partisan political activity in endorsing Romney last month.
Burns, in a letter shared by McLeod Monday, said it's his understanding that Treadwell, acting in his personal capacity, contacted Romney's campaign by email using his personal home account. The campaign later issued the news release announcing his endorsement.
Burns said the ethics act doesn't bar the lieutenant governor either from identifying himself by his elected position or talking about Alaska-related matters in partisan situations.
McLeod said Treadwell's title "belongs to the people of Alaska" and should represent the public interest.
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