From Richard Mauer in Juneau --

Any bill in the Legislature that enhances or reduces Juneau’s status as the state capital is always big news here.

So it wasn’t surprising this morning when Pat Forgey, the Juneau Empire’s state government reporter, asked the four-member Republican minority caucus at a news conference why they split their votes 2-2 yesterday on a bill declaring Juneau the governor’s “duty station.”

Sen. Tom Wagoner: Can I change my vote? (Photo by Richard Mauer)

The bill is an outgrowth over former Gov. Sarah Palin’s practice of collecting meal allowance money while working in Anchorage and staying at her home in Wasilla. The bill would bar a governor from claiming a lodging allowance while staying at home.

Sen. Tom Wagoner, R-Kenai, launched into a 61-second explanation of why he voted against the measure.

“I just think the governor doesn’t tell the legislature how it handles its per diem rates or how it gets paid when it stays in somebody’s home,” Wagoner said. “I don’t think the Legislature should get into a situation to where they’re trying to micromanage the administration and whether a governor should or should not be able to stay in their home and collect a per diem.”

There was a problem with that explanation.

“I think you voted for the bill,” Forgey said, following up. “It sounds like you’re speaking against it?”

Wagoner blinked. “No, I’m not …” his voice trailed off and he blinked again.

For five seconds the room was silent until Sen. Fred Dyson, R-Eagle River, came to the rescue.

“I voted against it -- I voted against it for exactly the reasons that Tom articulated,” Dyson said. Turning to Wagoner, he said, “You spoke well for my position.”

“I’d probably like to change my vote,” Wagoner grumbled.