Gov. Mike Dunleavy has appointed Tuckerman Babcock, a long-time Republican as well as a former adviser as a member of the University of Alaska Board of Regents. Babcock along with Governor Dunleavy, was the mastermind behind a shady loyalty pledge which and a federal judge found two years back.
The Governor’s office announced the appointment of Babcock late Wednesday night after the Alaska Legislature rejected a prior choice for the position. Legislators were unable to approve Bethany Marcum to the board of 11 during May.
A number of legislators who are sitting stated that they think Babcock will not get a confirmation vote from the Legislature at its next session in the spring.
In the first year of Dunleavy’s presidency, Babcock was a supporter of the governor’s plan to dramatically cut state spending which included the university. Marcum’s support for the reductions in the year 2019 was mentioned as a factor in her resounding rejection of confirmation in the year.
If he’s approved, Babcock will sit as a board member while he is a board member, and will participate in the annual budgeting process, as well as debates about policies.
“Tuckerman’s expertise in serving in various state-wide government positions as well as 10 years of business management experience makes him an ideal candidate to the U.S.A.’s Board of Regents,” Dunleavy stated in a written statement. “I am extremely grateful for his dedication and dedication towards the people of Alaska. I’m confident that Tuckerman’s knowledge of government service, leadership and public policy will aid Alaska to improve its conditions.”
While he was Dunleavy’s chief staffer, Babcock was discovered to have unlawfully dismissed three employees of the state as part of a fraudulent loyalty pledge.
The state has agreed to pay nearly half one million dollars to two Alaska Psychiatric Institute doctors to resolve a case arising out of the fraud. Another case, which involves the former prosecutor Libby Bakalar, is scheduled for a damages trial later in the year.
Babcock was unsuccessful in his bid for the state Senate in 2022. He lost to his fellow Republican Jesse Bjorkman in the race to succeed the incumbent senator. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna. He was previously the leader of the Alaska Republican Party and as an official of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.
This article first appeared in Alaska Beacon and is republished here with permission.
