A prominent Alaska Native leader has resigned from his post as Alaska's commerce commissioner in hopes of about quelling controversy about his role at the Chugach Alaska Corp.

Edgar Blatchford's decision came four days after he stepped down as a director of the corporation in light of allegations of ethical misconduct. He said he wanted spare Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) "embarrassment" over the Chugach controversy.

Blatchford had previously been questioned because the commerce commission oversees Alaska Native corporations. The state denied there was any conflict of interest.

Get the Story:
Commerce chief steps down after leaving corporate job (The Anchorage Daily News 7/20)
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Relevant Links:
Chugach Alaska Corp - http://www.chugach-ak.com

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