Campbell's Remarks at the Swearing-In Ceremony

July 26, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska  

  What a beautiful day to be in Fairbanks Alaska.  We are witnessing an historic moment for Alaska, where the power of the executive branch is being transferred from Governor Palin to Lt Governor Parnell.  At the same time, the Lt Governor seat is being filled by an appointment process, which is on-going as we speak.  

This past Monday, the House Judiciary Committee met for an informational meeting as the prelude to a full joint session of the Alaska State Legislature on August 10th to confirm Governor Palin’s appointment for succession which fills her constitutional duties to appoint, subject to the legislatures confirmation, the third in line should there be a transfer of power.  As part of that process, I am honored today to accept the position of Acting Lt Governor and look forward to the legislative confirmation session on August 10th.  

My remarks today will be brief.  I want to start by thanking former Governor Frank Murkowski for appointing me to serve as the Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and as the Adjutant General of the Alaska National Guard.  I enjoyed my four years of service with Governor Murkowski and appreciate his willingness to allow me the opportunity to serve at the cabinet level.  During Governor Murkowski’s term, DMVA initiated the most aggressive transformation in our states history.  

I also want to thank Governor Sarah Palin.  Governor Palin has been a strident supporter of the DMVA and our National Guard.  She has provided inspirational leadership to me and is a personal friend.   During her term, she advocated for states control of our National Guard and demonstrated tenacity in the face of federal attempts to limit the power of the Governor.  Governor, as you leave office today, please know that your cabinet has greatly valued your leadership and that the work you did on behalf of all Alaskans has set the foundation for what Governor Parnell and I will ensure is completed.    

Finally, I want to congratulate Governor Sean Parnell.  The citizens of Alaska made a great choice when they selected Sean Parnell to be our states Lt Governor.  And who would have guessed that two and a half years later, we would be here with Lt Governor Parnell as he takes the oath to be our next Governor.   As Governor, Sean Parnell will do an outstanding job leading Alaska.  I have known Governor Parnell for many years.  I have watched him hone his political skills in the Alaska Legislature and found his leadership on the cabinet as Lt Governor, pointed and clear, guiding us, that Alaska must limit the growth of government, defend individual freedoms, and stimulate business development, creating jobs for Alaskans and economic security for our future.    

I am excited about the prospect of now serving as the Lt Governor to Governor Parnell.  We share the same agenda for Alaska and over the next year and a half; you will see the Parnell-Campbell administration advance the economic development direction set by Governor Palin.  

With me today, in addition to my wife Anne Marie, is my youngest daughter, Amanda.  She is here with her husband Rick and our three granddaughters, Faith, Elli, and Kimberly.  Our other daughter, Melanie, and granddaughter, Emma, were unable to come up from California, but I know their thoughts are with us today.  

In closing, I would like to thank the Fairbanks community for the tremendous hospitality offered to my family and me this weekend.  As a former Vice Commander of the 168th Air Refueling Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, at Eielson AFB, I will tell you, it is personally satisfying to be taking this oath here in the Interior.    

Thank you for this opportunity to serve and may God Bless this great state of Alaska.