Impeachment in Alaska

[2] In 1985, Governor Bill Sheffield appeared before a grand jury that was investigating alleged favoritism and lack of proper due process in awarding a $9.1 million contract for the lease of office space in Fairbanks for use by state agencies.

[5] The grand jury report wound up being published in the news after members of the press were anonymously informed that they could find a copy of it in a garbage receptacle at the court building at which the grand jury deliberations had been held.

Samuel Dash served as a legal counsel to the Senate Rules committee during the inquiry.

Philip Lacovara, who had been Sheffield's counsel before the Grand Jury, served that role during the impeachment inquiry as well.

It was decided by the committee chair, Republican Tim Kelly, to permit the televising of their proceedings.

[9] Instead, the Senate opted to ultimately pass a resolution condemning his gubernatorial administration for favoritism.