An Anchorage lawyer who has run for governor and is a National Rifle Association official is Gov. Sarah Palin's choice as the state's new attorney general.
Palin named Wayne Anthony Ross to the post on Thursday
His appointment must be confirmed by the Legislature.
Ross, a longtime figure in Alaska politics, twice sought the Republican nomination for governor. He is a former NRA vice president and current director.
Ross replaces Talis Colberg, who resigned Feb. 10 amid what Palin called a "harsh political climate."
Colberg was a central figure in "Troopergate," the Alaska Legislature's investigation into whether Palin or aides had pressured her public safety commissioner to fire a state trooper involved in a contentious divorce and custody battle with Palin's sister.
Colberg filed a lawsuit on behalf of seven state workers challenging legislative subpoenas. A judge rejected the lawsuit and the employees later testified.
Ross is a partner in a family practice law firm with offices on Fireweed Lane. He served in various capacities in Palin's gubernatorial campaign.
Daily News and wire reports