 February 06, 2005
Governor Murkowski said, "I thank Gregg, his wife, Maureen and their family for their contribution to our state and wish them God speed in whatever path they choose. Gregg Renkes' departure from my administration is an unfortunate loss." The Governor said he has worked with Renkes for over 18 years and knows him to be a man of integrity and commitment to public service. The Governor said, "Gregg's knowledge, enthusiasm and intellect have made a huge contribution to a broad array of issues important to Alaska, including rural justice, ANWR, the Permanent Fund Board and the gas line. Mr. Bundy's report determined that Mr. Renkes did not violate the state Code of Ethics. Further, Mr. Bundy found no evidence to suggest that Mr. Renkes intended to profit by his stock ownership. Gregg was simply working at my direction to develop Alaska's resources." Renkes was confirmed to the post of Attorney General by the Alaska legislature on March 4, 2003. Renkes previously served as Majority Staff Director of the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources from 1995-1998. He also served as chief of staff and chief counsel to then-U.S. Sen. Frank Murkowski. Renkes holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Colorado School of Law, Boulder, Colorado, a Masters of Science degree from Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, and a Bachelors of Arts degree (with concentrations in biology and geology) from Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York. Governor Murkowski will appoint an acting attorney general next week.
Gregg Renkes' Resignation Statement: "My wife and I have been humbled and amazed at the outpouring of support from people all over Alaska, of words of encouragement and prayers during the very difficult last four months. We have felt the comfort and sustenance of those prayers and for them we are most thankful. I also appreciate the confidence of many friends and colleagues who encouraged me to stay the course and continue my service to our great state. I hope they will understand that the time has come when I must put the welfare of my family first. Four months ago, a newspaper story leveled allegations at me setting in motion an ugly trial by media. I submitted myself to an exhaustive investigation, which cleared my name concluding there was no intent to personally profit but my task was simply to encourage development of Alaska's resources at the direction of the Governor. Unfortunately, even in the wake of that conclusion, the partisan personal attacks continue. As I faced this battle alone, I clung to the truth and sought consolation in my faith and my wife and two small children. I was reminded that one of life's greatest challenges is finding the path expected of us, and possessing the courage to take it; that the measure of a man is not what he has, but what he gives away; and while there are many ways to make a difference in this world, none require a title. I must now focus my time and energy on my family. I have survived on their support for many months and now I must support and protect them. Nineteen years ago I came to Alaska to work in the Palmer Superior Court. Since that time I have been in public service to Alaska for 15 of those years. From Palmer to the United States Senate and back to Juneau, I have had extraordinary opportunities to make a difference in Alaska; in every corner of the state, and each has been a blessing from God. These are memories I will cherish and accomplishments of which I am proud. It has been a tremendous honor to serve Alaskans as Attorney General. I have been able to focus on my passions: the protection of women and children; natural resource development; and public land and Alaska Native law. I thank Governor Murkowski for this opportunity to make a difference. I have loved this job. I have no doubt the dedicated professionals throughout the Department of Law will continue their mission under new leadership. I wish them, and my successor, all the very best. I love this great state, endowed with its limitless potential, and some of the finest people I have known. And to every Alaskan, I must say this: I am a better man for having served as your Attorney General, and the knowledge that I have born that responsibility with every bit of my energy and ability is all the satisfaction I desire. I answered the Governor's call to serve as Attorney General for one simple purpose: to improve the quality of life for the people of this great state. The time has come to remove my family from the vicious politics of personal destruction. I must leave this office and this privilege I have treasured and held dear. A family is priceless; a job can be done by others. Therefore, I must resign from my position as Alaska's Attorney General. Thank you."
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