Alaska Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott submitted his resignation on Tuesday over unspecified inappropriate comments, complicating what was already a difficult re-election fight for Gov. Bill Walker, Fox News informed.
In his letter he stated that his decision was “compelled by inappropriate comments I made that placed a person whom I respect and revere in a position of vulnerability.”
He apologized and acknowledged that his actions had badly influenced Walker’s ability to lead the state.
The reason why he gave those comments remained unclear.
Mallott did not immediately return a phone message seeking details, and Walker did not take questions during a news conference with Mallott’s successor, Valerie Davidson. She previously worked as the state health commissioner.
Walker’s office did not provide any additional details as well. Walker issued a statement where he says that he learned that Mallott, with whom he was very close, made comments not suitable for his office.
“As leaders, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of conduct,” Walker said.
Mallott made the announcement of his resignation shortly after Walker participated in an testy discussion in Anchorage with his two chief rivals, Democrat Mark Begich and Republican Mike Dunleavy.
Davidson said she was “deeply saddened” by Mallott’s resignation and “profoundly disappointed by his conduct.”
“Respect for women, and the dignity of all Alaskans, is our responsibility,” she said in a release.
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