John Joe Cowdery (February 11, 1930 – July 13, 2013) was a Republican member of the Alaska Senate, representing the O District from 2001 through 2008. He was previously a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 1982 through 1984, and from 1997 through 2000.[2]

John J. Cowdery
Member of the Alaska Senate
from the O (previously I) district
In office
January 2001 – January 2009
Preceded bySean Parnell
Succeeded byKevin Meyer
Member of the Alaska House of Representatives
from the 17th district
In office
January 1997 – January 2001
Preceded bySean Parnell
Succeeded byLesil McGuire
Member of the Alaska House of Representatives
from the 8th district
In office
January 1983 – January 1985
Serving with Sam Pestinger[1]
Preceded bynone - newly created district (redistricting)
Succeeded byFritz Pettyjohn
Personal details
Born
John Joe Cowdery

(1930-02-11)February 11, 1930
Near Adrian, Missouri
DiedJuly 13, 2013(2013-07-13) (aged 83)
Anchorage, Alaska
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJuanita
ResidenceAnchorage, Alaska
ProfessionContractor

Corruption

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In 2008 Cowdery was indicted on charges of conspiracy and bribery for his actions in attempting to bribe another senator, Donny Olsen, to support a proposal, favored by executives in Alaska's oil industry, concerning oil leases and petroleum production taxes. Olson was the only Democratic legislator known to have been offered an illegal bribe, and the only officeholder who turned it down.[3][4]

In 2009 Cowdery was sentenced to six months in home confinement and fined $25,000.[5]

In January 2008, in poor health and under investigation, he indicated that he would decline to file for reelection.[6]

Personal life

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Originally from Adrian, Missouri, he and his wife Juanita had one child.[7] He died July 13, 2013, at the age of 83.[8]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Urban legislative districts in Alaska at the time were two-member districts with designated seats A and B. Cowdery held Seat A.
  2. ^ News and Information from Alaska State Representative John Cowdery
  3. ^ Cowdery indicted on corruption charges | John Cowdery | ADN.com Archived 2013-02-04 at the Wayback Machine [dead link]
  4. ^ Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs (September 15, 2014). "Former Alaska State Senator Sentenced on Public Corruption Charges". justice.gov.
  5. ^ Mauer, Richard Cowdery gets 6 months home confinement Archived 2013-09-22 at the Wayback Machine Anchorage Daily News, 10 March 2009. Retrieved 17 May 2013
  6. ^ Cowdery will not seek re-election Archived 2015-12-08 at the Wayback Machine, Juneau Empire, Associated Press, January 4, 2008. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  7. ^ John Cowdery's Political Summary - Project Vote Smart
  8. ^ John Cowdery, Former Alaska Lawmaker, Dies at the Age of 83 - ktuu.com Archived 2013-09-23 at the Wayback Machine
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