The Latest: AG seeks to calm fears over resignation requests

JUNEAU, Alaska – The Latest on Alaska Gov.-elect Mike Dunleavy’s request for resignations (all times local):

2:45 p.m.

Alaska’s attorney general says she would be “greatly surprised” if the Department of Law looks much different than it does now after Gov.-elect Mike Dunleavy’s administration takes shape.

Jahna Lindemuth emailed department staff Saturday, after Dunleavy’s transition team said it had asked all state employees who serve at the pleasure of the governor to resign and reapply for their positions.

Lindemuth says the governor can direct the attorney general to hire or fire department employees.

But she says such decisions are not to be made without the advice of the attorney general on how that would affect the department’s ability to carry out its work.

She says she sensed “no animus” toward the department in speaking with Dunleavy and his chief of staff.

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10:50 a.m.

Gov. Bill Walker says his administration “strongly advised” Gov.-elect Mike Dunleavy’s team against seeking resignations from a swath of state employees.

Dunleavy’s transition team on Friday said it sent an email to all state employees who serve at the pleasure of the governor asking them to resign and to reapply. In a statement, Dunleavy’s transition chair said it was appropriate to ask current employees if they “want to work for the Dunleavy administration.”

Incoming administrations often make leadership changes, but Dunleavy broadened the scope of employees asked to take the step.

It wasn’t immediately clear how many workers received the email, but a Department of Law spokeswoman said more than half of the agency’s 500 employees received it.

Walker says Dunleavy’s request “is creating anxiety and uncertainty” for workers in nonpolitical roles.