JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HEARS FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL DESIGNEE ROSS

Our House Judiciary Committee, of which I'm a member, today interviewed Attorney General Designee Wayne Anthony Ross prior to next week's confirmation hearing by a Joint Session of the Legislature. His initials are "WAR," and that's the license plate on his big red Hummer SUV seen frequently in Anchorage.

Disclaimer: I have known Wayne Ross since 1995, and we attend the same church - but because of church schedules, we don't often see each other there. I don't think anyone would accuse Mr. Ross of being a "shrinking violet." Some would say he is "opinionated but lovable." Some wouldn't be so kind. Personally I like him. One doesn't have to agree with someone 100% to like them.

During the hearing I think Wayne Ross projected his unique personality, demonstrated competence, and defended himself admirably against some outrageous allegations - while "keeping his cool." A few committee questions seemed like the hearing was less about confirming confirming Mr. Ross, than it was about "confirming" Governor Palin. The photo shows Wayne and me talking when he visited my Juneau office earlier in the week.