JUNEAU — The state Democratic party says 11 people have applied to fill the vacancy left when Anchorage Rep. Max Gruenberg died earlier this month.
While the party hasn’t identified the applicants, Gruenberg’s widow, Kayla Epstein, says she is among them.
Epstein said Gruenberg has several bills pending that are close to her heart and she wants to see them through. At this point, she said she would seek re-election if appointed.
Democrats plan to interview the candidates before sending the names of three finalists to Gov. Bill Walker, who must appoint a qualified replacement within 30 days of a legislative vacancy.
The law states the appointee shall be a member of the same political party as the predecessor, and in this case, would be subject to confirmation by House Democrats.
