by Jeremy Hsieh
The Associated Press
Friday, May 7, 2010
JUNEAU, Alaska -- The chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission is resigning to run for lieutenant governor of Alaska.
Mead Treadwell filed his candidacy papers Friday. His resignation from the commission will be effective after its June meeting.
In his resignation letter to President Obama, Treadwell says he's frustrated by Washington's inaction to the commission's urgent calls for action and funding to research oil spills and rural suicide. The commission's website says Treadwell's term has expired, and he's serving until replaced or reappointed.
President George W. Bush appointed Treadwell to the commission in 2001.
Other Republicans seeking the office are state Rep. Jay Ramras of Fairbanks and radio talk show host Eddie Burke of Anchorage. Democrats Diane Benson of Anchorage and Nome Mayor Denise Michels are also running.
