newsminer.com

Sen. John Cowdery has resigned as chair of the Legislative Council.

Cowdery, an Anchorage Republican, stepped down in a letter sent Monday to Senate President Lyda Green, citing his inability to complete the job because of "continuing health issues."

Cowdery was also indicted earlier this month on charges of conspiracy and bribery in connection with oil and gas legislation and VECO Corp. He has not participated in legislative hearings since the indictment on July 10, and it's unlikely that he will vote on the TransCanada application under AGIA.

Cowdery's resignation is timely in that the Legislative Council, which includes members of both bodies, will likely be the entity in charge of hiring an independent investigator to look into Gov. Palin's recent dismissal of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan.

Cowdery has not resigned from the Senate, despite pleas from some lawmakers and the governor.