The Latest: Gov’s office won’t discuss possible role for AG

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Latest on the resignation of Alaska Attorney General Craig Richards (all times local):

4:45 p.m.

Alaska Attorney General Craig Richards has resigned as of Thursday.

The announcement came in a statement from Gov. Bill Walker’s office, but the governor’s office is declining to discuss whether there may be a future role for him in state government.

Richards’ legal experience before becoming attorney general includes areas of oil and gas and taxation.

In the resignation announcement, Walker said: “Given Craig’s knowledge of gas line issues, I’m certain the state will continue to benefit from his oil and gas expertise as we push toward completion of a project.”

Walker’s spokeswoman, Katie Marquette declined to clarify that statement or elaborate whether Richards might have a role moving forward.

She tells The Associated Press in an email that the office has no future comment beyond what was in Thursday’s press release.

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11:26 a.m.

Alaska Attorney General Craig Richards has resigned, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.

Gov. Bill Walker announced Richard’s resignation in a release Thursday. Walker says he accepts the resignation with “great reluctance.”

Richards says he wants to focus on his family, which is impractical given the travel and workload requirements of being attorney general.

His last day on the job is Thursday. Richards was appointed attorney general in December 2014 after Walker took office.

Walker has appointed a deputy attorney general, Jim Cantor, to lead the Department of Law until Walker appoints a new attorney general.