Fanning was one of a number of Alaska Libertarians who left the party in the wake of the schism revealed during its 1983 national convention , joining the Republican Party . In 1987 , Alaska governor Steve Cowper appointed Fanning to a vacancy in the Alaska Senate . Republican incumbent Don Bennett died suddenly at home at age 56 . Fanning was a compromise choice , as a feud developed between Randolph and Bev Bennett , Don Bennett 's widow , over which one should be appointed to the seat , splitting Fairbanks-area Republicans . Fanning filled out the remainder of Bennett 's term and was not a candidate for election to a full term
1983 national convention
1983 Libertarian National Convention
Ken Fanning