Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is open to replacing Rep. Don Young after the longtime congressman died late last week.
Palin, 58, made the comments Monday as Gov. Mike Dunleavy‘s administration sorts out a complicated process that will include not only a special election to seat a replacement this year but also a primary and general election to determine who will take the seat for the next two-year term.
“Think of those huge shoes that are to be filled when we consider Don Young’s longevity and his passion, his love, his fighting spirit for our wonderful state of Alaska and for the nation as a whole,” Palin told Newsmax. “If I were asked to serve in the House and take his place, I would be humbled and honored, and I would. Yeah, in a heartbeat, I would.”
REP. DON YOUNG TO LIE IN STATE AT CAPITOL
Palin, a Republican, served as the ninth governor of Alaska from 2006 to 2009. Before she resigned, Palin became John McCain’s vice presidential running mate in the 2008 presidential election, which they lost to the Democrats’ Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Palin has not held office since.
Young, also a Republican and the most senior member of the House, died Friday at the age of 88. Young began his career as Alaska’s sole representative in 1973 and became Dean of the House in 2017.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Young will lie in state in the Capitol building next Tuesday.
“For five decades, he was an institution in the hallowed halls of Congress: a serious legislator always bringing people together to do the People’s work,” Pelosi said. “The photographs of him with 10 presidents of both parties who signed his bills into law that proudly cover the walls of his Rayburn office are a testament to his longevity and his legislative mastery.”
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A formal and private ceremony will be held for friends and family on the morning of March 29. After, a viewing will be available for all members of Congress.
