Anchorage Superior Court Judge Eric Aarseth reversed the Division of Election’s rejection of the Recall Dunleavy campaign application.

The Division of Elections rejected a bid to advance the recall effort based on an opinion from Attorney General Kevin Clarkson.

Clarkson found the reasons listed for the recall were factually and legally deficient.

The Recall Dunleavy group argued that Clarkson’s analysis was overreaching and the recall effort should be allowed to move to a second signature-gathering phase.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration stated it will appeal the decision to the Alaska Supreme Court.

The Alaska Division of Elections declined to certify a petition to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy from office, citing a legal opinion by the state attorney general.

The Alaska Attorney General Kevin Clarkson issued the opinion finding the petitioners gathered enough signatures, paid the appropriate fees and did the technical work correctly.

However, the four allegations against the governor fail to meet any of the listed grounds for recall that include neglect of duty, incompetence, and lack of fitness.

Over 49,000 signatures were gathered in little over a month because of discontent with the governor’s decision to veto more than $400 million from the state operating budget.

The petitioners intend to file an appeal in the Anchorage Superior Court.

If the recall petition is upheld in court, backers need to collect 71,252 verified signatures to trigger a special election.