20 Facts About Loren Leman

Loren Dwight Leman is an American politician who served as the eighth lieutenant governor of Alaska, from 2002 to 2006.

Loren Leman served in office in electoral politics from 1989 to 2006.

When Leman was elected as lieutenant governor in 2002, he was the first person of Alaska Native ancestry to be elected to statewide office in Alaska.

Loren Leman was born in Pomona, California, and grew up in Ninilchik, Alaska, in a Russian-speaking family of Alutiiq, Russian Creole, and Polish ancestry.

Loren Leman watched his father operate a fish trap during Territorial days, before this fishing method was outlawed by referendum in 1959.

Loren Leman subsequently has worked the family salmon setnet operation on Cook Inlet near Ninilchik.

Loren Leman longlined for halibut in Cook Inlet and harvested herring roe on kelp in Prince William Sound.

Loren Leman joined the Republican Party in Alaska and became politically active.

Loren Leman was elected in 1988 to the Alaska state house, representing west Anchorage and serving until 1993.

Loren Leman was known as a social conservative, pro-development, pro-business, environmentally-conscious, a supporter of Alaska's military and taxpayer-friendly.

In November 2002, Loren Leman became the first person of Alaska Native ancestry to be elected to statewide office when he won the position of Alaska's eighth lieutenant governor.

Loren Leman later ran for vice president on a ticket with Senator John McCain for president.

Loren Leman was active on the multi-state Energy Council, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, and Pacific States Legislative Task Force.

Loren Leman taught the Alaska constitution and legislative process to Boys and Girls State delegates, "Winning Women" seminars, and has been a guest lecturer to high school and University of Alaska students.

Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman spoke on the role of people of faith in politics and community service.

Loren Leman represented the State as one of seven commissioners on the Denali Commission, a unique State-federal cooperative effort to improve health care, energy, transportation, economic opportunities and workforce development, primarily in rural Alaska.

Loren Leman planned an announcement in February 2006, but postponed the news to talk more with his family about the decision.

Loren Leman has long maintained an avid interest in transportation improvements in Alaska.

Loren Leman has managed projects to improve airports, was an early supporter of the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation's launch facilities on Kodiak, served on the board of directors of the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, and as the national chairman of the Aerospace States Association, an organization of lieutenant governors and governor-appointed delegates from space ports and academia who advise Congress on aviation and space issues.

Loren Leman was a sponsor of legislation to enable the Alaska Railroad to complete a track realignment and improvement project from Ship Creek to Wasilla.