Alaska Statutes § 15.40.330 Qualification and confirmation of appointee

(a) The appointee shall meet the qualifications of a member of the legislature as prescribed in art. II, sec. 2, Constitution of the State of Alaska, and, if the predecessor in office was a member of a political party or political group at the time of the vacancy, (1) shall be a member of the same political party or political group as the predecessor in office; and (2) shall be subject to confirmation by a majority of the members of the legislature who are members of the same political party or political group as the predecessor in office and of the same house as was the predecessor in office. If the predecessor in office was not a member of a political party or political group at the time of the vacancy, or, if no other member of the predecessor's political party or political group is a member of the predecessor's house of the legislature, the governor may appoint any qualified person. If the appointee is not a member of a political party or political group, as provided in (b) of this section, the appointment is not subject to confirmation. If the appointee is a member of a political party or political group, the appointment is subject to confirmation as provided by (b) of this section for the confirmation of political party or political group appointees.

(b) A member of a political party or political group is a person who supports the political program of a political party or political group. The absence of a political party or political group designation after a candidate's name on an election ballot does not preclude a candidate from being a member of a political party or political group. Recognition of a candidate as a member of a political party or political group caucus of members of the legislature at the legislative session following the election of the candidate is recognition of that person's political party or political group membership for the purposes of confirmation under this section.