I say pitbull you say W.A.R

(3/27/09) Six weeks ago in the aftermath of the quick and surprising resignation of Alaska Attorney General Talis Colberg, we predicted that Governor Sarah Palin's replacement for AG would be someone who was capable of doing her bidding in public.

Look for Palin's next Attorney General to be a pit bull. The way things are shaping up, she's going to need someone aggressive. 
andrewhalcro.com - February 10, 2009

Yesterday, the governor proved us right when she announced local attorney Wayne Anthony Ross as her choice to replace Colberg.

Ross, who was Palin's 2006 gubernatorial campaign co-chair, is someone who feels completely at ease in front of the camera and will feel completely comfortable getting out front in the media to push Palin's agenda.

Ross brings to the AG's office a stark contrast to Colberg, who felt far more comfortable managing the AG's office from the shadows. During the times Colberg was thrust into the press spotlight such as Troopergate or the dust up over the subpoenas, he appeared uneasy, as if he'd rather be a million miles away.   

There are already questions being raised about the qualifications Ross brings to the table to manage what is essentially Alaska's largest law firm. 

"The governor had several extraordinary candidates that interviewed for and showed interest in the position," Rep Jay Ramras (R-Fairbanks) wrote in an e-mail to Lisa Demer at the Anchorage Daily News. "The pattern of high school student council politics still prevails in the Palin administration -- pick your friends, not the most qualified Alaskan for the position."

But then again, Colberg, who was picked from obscurity, raised the same questions over two years ago.

Some political watchers might say that Palin picked Ross to repair her record. Just weeks after stirring debate among conservatives for appointing a former Board Member of Planned Parenthood to the Alaska Supreme Court, Palin's pick of Ross, a die hard pro-gun and pro-life advocate, is a slab of red meat for those same folks.

Still others might recognize the one critical thing Palin has lacked is an aggressive defender and passionate cheerleader on the third floor of the capitol. Sure, Palin has dispatched Lt. Governor Sean Parnell to defend her actions, like last week when she was forced to back track on taking the stimulus money, but Parnell playing the role of the defender leaves a lot to be desired due to his weak persona.

Palin's relationship with lawmakers has grown increasingly sour in the last few weeks, especially after Thursdays childish press release where she accused lawmakers of cancelling a meeting to discuss stimulus funds that she had cancelled first. 

With Ross, Palin has appointed an Attorney General who will cherish the opportunity to step in front of the press to defend Palin or her legislative agenda against lawmakers on contentious issues.

The confirmation hearings in both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees will be standing room only.

What other blogs are saying about Governor Palin's selection of Wayne Anthony Ross:

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/news/politics/1081-war-breaks-out

http://www.themudflats.net/2009/03/26/palin-appoints-new-attorney-general-war-is-declared/