Mark Begich in 2018 AK Governor's race

On Education: Guarantee school funding; endorsed by state NEA

With the incumbent governor out of the race, Begich has quickly consolidated establishment support on the left, after facing initial criticism for running against Walker. The state chapter of the National Education Association jumped on-board Begich's campaign. "There has never been a starker contrast between two candidates and their vision for public education than exists between Mark Begich and [Republican opponent] Mike Dunleavy," the state NEA's PAC said in a statement supporting Begich.

In campaign ads, Begich has made pledges on "guaranteeing school funding" and criticized Dunleavy for cutting "funds for law enforcement." By contrast, Dunleavy's website lists reducing state spending as one of his six major policy points while also bringing "jobs and investment into Alaska."

On Environment: Supports the "Stand for Salmon" ballot measure

A: Begich said he's a "yes" on Ballot Measure 1. It allows a "right to know," he said. "If there's going to be a megaproject, the public gets to be involved from a state perspective. They get to have comment. If there's mitigation requirements, they're going to have to uphold those mitigation requirements," he said. He said state lawmakers could have passed a bill that addressed the issue.

"The back and forth that the governor talks about is a great idea, but where were these guys when the debate was supposed to be happening? Why weren't they talking about this?" he said. "Instead, 45,000 people got a little upset at the government. That's how the initiative process works . That's how it works when the legislative system breaks.

On Energy & Oil: Green Bank to fund energy conservation and development

Begich also cited his own early advocacy, as a U.S. senator, for Alaska becoming a leader in the development of aerial drone technology and testing. At the time drones were still considered a far-fetched idea in many quarters.

One specific proposal Begich now puts forth is a $6 billion state capital improvements program funded by general obligation bonds where the projects would be built over several years.

On Environment: Gold mine can co-exist with Native subsistence lifestyle

The Donlin mine would increase barge traffic on the Kuskokwim River, the food source for many residents in the Y-K Delta. It will require large treatment facilities for mercury and cyanide coming from the mine's operations. Donlin has already received a water permit from the state to discharge wastewater into Crooked Creek, which drains into the Kuskokwim River.

People living the Y-K Delta are also worried about what will happen after the mine stops producing. The site would have to be monitored forever, once it ceases operations.