Don't confuse management with leadership.  Both are critical functions but they are not analogous.   A legislative body of sixty members cannot provide "leadership" to the state - that is the responsibility the Executive Branch.  Unfortunately our current Speaker of the House and Senate President do see themselves as statewide "leaders" despite proving beyond a doubt that they cannot manage their respective legislative branches  to accomplish the job.  

As to motivation for leaving his current position, I don't know how many  "$400 plus expenses" work days Mr. Hopkins earns; however, Mr. Hopkins, regardless of his political alignment, apparently sees that drawing a paycheck from the state on this AKLNG/AGDC project is not going to last.  Look for the rest of these board members to come to that realization.