Alaska's 'first dude' digs into job creation
By DINA CAPPIELLO
Associated Press
September 5, 2008
Page 2 of 2
A month after the first visit, Todd Palin toured the Red Dog Mine, a lead and zinc operation in the northwestern part of the state. The $200 trip, which he took with Alaska's labor commissioner, was paid for by Teck Cominco Alaska Inc. and included a stop at a technical training center. That company is currently seeking permission to mine a new deposit, which would extend the life of the mine to 2031.
John Bitney, a childhood friend of the governor's who worked on her campaign and served as her legislative liaison until last summer, said Todd Palin was a common fixture in her office on the third floor of the state Capitol when he was in Juneau. But his role wasn't a formal one.
Bitney said that besides workforce development, Todd Palin showed interest in oil and gas issues and the shooting of wolves from aircraft to boost caribou and moose herds.
Palin's spokeswoman, Sharon Leighow, said Thursday that Todd Palin does not attend high-level cabinet meetings.
He does participate in the ceremonial duties of a first gentleman and recently hosted a tea at the governor's mansion in Juneau for former first ladies of the state.
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Associated Press Writer Anne Sutton contributed reporting from Juneau.
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