Keller tapped to replace Kohring

July 20, 2007

By Russell Stigall/Frontiersman

WASILLA - Former state Rep. Vic Kohring moved out of the office he'd held for 13 years Thursday, making way for Wes Keller, the governor's pick to finish out Kohring's term in the House. Kohr-ing's resignation to fight federal in-dictments for alleged bribery and extortion paved the way for Gov. Sarah Palin to tap Keller, one of three Republican Party nominees to fill the position.

&#8220Wes is a solid, genuine person of integrity with valuable experience,” Palin said. &#8220I am confident he will serve with the independence and diligence Alaska needs. Wes' vast experience throughout the state bodes well for our shared mission of all regions working together for Alaska's good.”

Kohring has been indicted in a Federal Bureau of Investigation corruption case. The investigation linked alleged bribes given to Kohring to the oil and gas services company Veco. Engineering consultants CH2M Hill recently purchased Veco.

Through a rigorous process of written, verbal and public interviews, District 14 Republicans narrowed seven qualified applicants to three nominations, said Steve Culligan, spokesperson for the Alaska Republican Party. Names of the three finalists were announced July 13. Applicants also had to submit a campaign disclosure report to the Alaska Public Office Commission.

Before Keller can take office a majority of Republican legislators must vote to approve the appointee. The vote will take place at the next special or regular legislative session.

&#8220And I don't think they will have any problem approving Mr. Keller, he is well qualified,” Culligan said.

Culligan said Keller plans to start work right away for a quick transition into the position.

&#8220We are obviously very pleased the governor selected from the three [nominees],” Culligan said. &#8220The process turned out very well.”

Kohring staffer John Davies said he has not heard yet if he will be retained for Keller's administration.

&#8220I'd love to serve the people of District 14, but that is up to Wes [Keller],” Davies said.

Keller, who was bringing a car up through Canada, was not available for comment. His wife, Gayle Keller, said her husband's appointment came as good news.

&#8220We are definitely pleased and humbled,” Keller said.

The Kellers have worked together in state Sen. Fred Dyson's office for eight years, Wes Keller as chief of staff and Gayle Keller as an aide. Before his time as Dyson's chief of staff Keller worked as a teacher, building contractor, oil field hand and pilot in the Alaska National Guard.

Gayle Keller, who will continue to work for Sen. Dyson, said her husband's appointment will not change their lives much. As aides over the last eight years they have traveled together to Juneau for legislative sessions.

&#8220Now he'll have his own office and his own name tag,” she said.

Contact Russell Stigall at 352-2267 or russell.stigall@frontiersman.com.