The Alaska STate Capitol in downtown Juneau.
Anchorage, Alaska (KINY) - After a marathon meeting Wednesday and a special session to interview applicants, the Alaska Republican Party has forwarded three names to be considered for the late Sen. Chris Birch's seat.
The applicants selected are Albert Fogle, Rep. Laddie Shaw and Dave Donley.
A total of eight applicants vied for the seat left vacant when Birch passed away unexpectedly earlier this month.
The additional five applicants were Birch's daughter, attorney Tali Birch Kindred, Rep. Josh Revak, Anchorage resident and business leader Lisa Sauder, District 26 GOP chair Mike Robbins, and APOC chair and attorney Anne Helzer.
Once Gov. Mike Dunleavy selects a finalist, the 12 Republicans in the Senate will vote to confirm the applicant. Seven votes are needed for confirmation.
The governor is not bound to select any of the three names on the submitted list, though to do so would be highly irregular.


Crowded Assembly agenda highlighted by ordinance declaring an economic disaster
Record number of COVID-19 cases Sunday
Seven people missing in Southwest Alaska
Record low temperatures recorded in Juneau
Domestic in Douglas lands man in jail
Senate aims to put Barrett closer to a final vote on Monday
Coast Guard saves fishing vessel from sinking
Sen. Murkowski to support Barrett for Supreme Court
Sen. Murkowski advances boosting mineral security
CCFR responds to structure fire on Thunder Street
Sullivan, Gross clash in broadcast Alaska Senate debate