(JUNEAU) - One of Alaska's legislators received a new title today. Rep. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) is now Sen. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak). House Speaker Pete Kott (R-Eagle River) says the House's loss is the Senate's gain.

"Representative Stevens has been a definite asset to the House in his tenure with us," Kott said. "Certainly he has brought a breadth of experience in educational issues as well as fishing issues. From a financial standpoint, he is one of the most well-versed individuals as it relates to state finance."

Governor Frank Murkowksi named Stevens to the Senate seat vacated by Alan Austerman. Austerman is now the governor's fisheries policy advisor. Stevens joins the Senate after two years in the House. The 33-year Alaskan has political experience that includes time spent as mayor of the city of Kodiak and as mayor of the Kodiak Island Borough. Speaker Kott says he is eager to confirm someone who can continue work in the same spirit held by Stevens. Kott says one of the current representatives will fill Stevens' House Finance Committee seat.

"It is one of the most sought after seats so I'm sure there will be a lot of competition for that seat," Kott said. "As far as losing one member for ten days or two weeks, it will have a negligible effect on House operations, especially the House Majority. We'll go from 28 members down to 27, and 27 really is the break even point for moving and controlling the flow of legislation."

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02-19-03: House Speaker Pete Kott describes the competition for former Rep. Gary Stevens' finance seat and what the absence of a Majority member for the next ten days to two weeks will mean in the House.

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Pete Kott 48 K

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Pete Kott 332 K

02-19-03: House Speaker Pete Kott describes what the House is losing and the Senate is gaining as Rep. Gary Stevens becomes Sen. Gary Stevens.

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Pete Kott 28 K

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Pete Kott 192 K