Attorney general
pick says thanks,
but no thanks

By Pat Omandam
Star-Bulletin

Gov. Ben Cayetano's first choice to replace Margery Bronster as attorney general has turned him down.

Cayetano said he asked attorney David Fairbanks if he wanted the job. Fairbanks told him he was interested, but as lead counsel for the state in an asbestos case, he felt it would be too difficult at this time for him to turn over the litigation to someone else, Cayetano said.

The governor described Fairbanks as a highly respected, skilled attorney who doesn't have any known conflict of interest -- a must for his next nominee. He said the last thing his administration needs is an attorney general who the public perceives has a tremendous conflict of interest.

"This is a small town," the governor said. "You've got people who are defending the oil companies or different people, and there are some conflicts.

"There are some really good attorneys whom I considered but had conflicts that would make it very difficult for them to get confirmed and develop public confidence."

Cayetano said he will consider candidates from any political party or out of state. He recently received a call from a former prosecutor and U.S. attorney in Alaska who was interested in the job.

Still, the governor said he does not want to rush into an appointment because the state has some very big cases pending and he needs an attorney general who can provide the type of leadership Bronster provided.

"The best qualified attorney for attorney general is making a million dollars, and will never get involved in government," the governor explained.

Cayetano said First Deputy Attorney General Thomas R. Keller is capable and qualified to head the attorney general's office until an appointment is made.