From Sean Cockerham in Anchorage --

Most of the reaction to the deal has been cautiously optimistic or better.

But former Gov. Wally Hickel just put out a blistering statement on the announcement that Exxon Mobil joined with TransCanada to work on a natural gas pipeline to the Lower 48.

First some context: The Republican Hickel was co-chair of Gov. Sarah Palin's 2006 campaign for governor. But they had a hard split when Palin dropped her active promotion of the proposed "all-Alaska" natural gas pipeline route from the North Slope to Valdez, an idea Hickel is passionate about.

Below is Hickel's statement:

When Governor Sarah Palin was elected in 2006, we believed she would put Alaska first. But once elected, she put Sarah first.

Because of her national ambitions, she is promoting an agenda that will allow Outside corporations to dominate Alaska’s resources, including our energy and the jobs it provides.

Over my objection, the Governor negotiated a contract last year with TransCanada under AGIA, supported by the legislature, that will now provide ExxonMobil Corporation with half of $500 million of state funds.

Alaska must not lose its way as an Owner State. We have created a state based on commonly-owned resources and lands. That model is alive and well in Alaska. It’s an important concept for the world, and we mustn’t lose what the founders of our state created 50 years ago.