John Cowdery

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.

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.

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

Olson was the only Democratic legislator known to have been offered a bribe, and the only officeholder who turned down the illegal offers.

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

Personal life

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