State of Alaska Archives: on Government Reform
Al Gross:
End Citizens United; get dark money out of politics
We must fix the corrupt campaign finance system that undermines our democracy and prohibits our politicians from being held accountable when they stop working for us.
I will fight to end Citizens United and get dark money out of politics.
Source: 2020 Alaska Senate campaign website DrAlGrossAK.com
Nov 20, 2019
Billy Toien:
Stifling red tape discourages entrepreneurism
The people of Alaska are perfectly capable of growing and diversifying our economy, when not obstructed by gov't. Government is the great crippler that breaks your legs, then comes along with a crutch, & says, "see, you couldn't make it without us."
We need to get gov't out of the way, by repealing excessive taxes, eliminating excessive licensing fees, along with the draconian restrictions that accompany the licensing process, and the stifling red tape that discourages entrepreneurism.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Oct 25, 2018
Cean Stevens:
Individual rights over state's rights
Too many times politicians speak of "State's Rights" while railing at the over reach of larger governmental entities. "State's Rights" is not mentioned in the US or Alaska constitution.
Ultimately, inalienable rights belong to the individual citizen, and no other entity. Not federal government, not state government, nor any business or corporate entity.
Coercion by larger governmental entities is still coercion.
Insomuch as individuals do not infringe on another's life, liberty, or property government at any level does not have the right to interfere.
Source: 2016 Alaska Senate campaign website, CeanStevens.com
Mar 10, 2016
Christopher Kurka:
Elections certified only after a hand-count of every ballot
When a nation loses its ability to trust its elections, it has, to some degree, lost hope of change or the peaceful hand over of power. I call for a thorough audit of the 2020 election in every precinct in Alaska.
Our election system needs to be thoroughly reviewed and every election certified only after a hand-count of every ballot.
Source: 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial campaign website ChrisKurka.com
Feb 23, 2022
Christopher Kurka:
Increase access to raw milk and raw milk products
KSRM summary: HB22: Increases access to raw milk and raw milk products by moving the herd share program from regulation to statute, adding certainty to this successful program. The bill would create new business opportunities by allowing
value-added products like cheese and ice cream to be sold through a Herd Share Program.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 38-1-1 on May/6/21; Rep. Kurka voted YES; Passed Senate 19-1-0 on May/19; Signed by Gov. Dunleavy on Aug/16/21
Source: Alaska State Legislature voting records HB22
May 6, 2021
Christopher Kurka:
Need someone who will stand in the way of federal overreach
As a third generation Alaskan I'm deeply concerned about my children's future. Alaska has been ranked as one of the worst places to do business in. Over the last two years Alaskans have suffered under economic and healthcare tyranny.
We need someone in the Governor's office who will fight for freedom and Constitutional governance and who will stand in the way of federal overreach.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Aug 5, 2022
Dan Sullivan:
TV ads financed by super-PAC, both for him & against
The candidates clashed over the economic stimulus, gun rights and campaign spending. Sullivan has raised almost four times as much money as Treadwell and has a super PAC backing him, enabling him to bombard the airwaves with advertising. Begich
and his super PAC have also jumped into the fight, attacking Sullivan over his roughly seven-year absence from the state, when he was in Washington, D.C., working in the administration of President George W. Bush and serving with the military overseas.
Source: Associated Press on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Aug 11, 2014
Dan Sullivan:
Supported Citizens United decision
Q: Support Citizens United and unlimited corporate political contributions?Dan Sullivan: Yes. Supported Citizens United, while proposing to reject "outside money" in 2014 Senate race.
Al Gross: No. "I will fight to end Citizens United and get dark money out of politics."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alaska Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Joe Miller:
Increase campaign limits; deregulate corporate donations
Q: Do you support increasing the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns?A: Yes.
Q: Should Congress regulate indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
A: No.
Q: Do you support removing all
contribution limits on federal campaigns?
A: Yes.
Q: Should candidates for federal office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
A: No.
Q: Do you support giving the President the power of the line item veto?
A: Yes.
Source: Alaska Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Sep 9, 2010
Joe Miller:
Federal aid to Alaska is coming to an end
Murkowski took aim at Miller's contention that the era of earmarks is dead, saying aid to further build infrastructure in this still-young state is vital, not pork. She suggested--to loud applause--that if such cuts are to be made, perhaps the best place
to start looking to make them is in the Lower 48. Miller said a new day is coming and Alaska needs to be prepared. While the past few decades have been a blessing, he said--a period in which members of Alaska's delegation brought home billions in
federal aid and projects--it's a "dream" to think that will continue. He believes the fights should be waged during the appropriations process.
But McAdams, like
Murkowski, argued the need for Alaska to continue fighting for what he calls its fair share. Murkowski stressed her seniority as critical to helping to ensure Alaska's voice is heard.
Source: Associated Press coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 7, 2010
Joe Miller:
Limit federal powers to those spelled out in Constitution
A big issue was money. Miller, who believes the powers of the federal government should be limited to those spelled out in the U.S. Constitution, has argued that federal deficits are crippling,
Washington is out of control and Alaska must be weaned off its heavy reliance on federal help and given greater control of its own resources.
Source: Associated Press coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 7, 2010
Joe Miller:
Get rid of earmarks and regulations that limit development
During the debate it struck me that Joe Miller was a two-issue candidate who kept referring to the need to get rid of earmarks and regulations that limit development. Remember, he is supported by the tea party which would like to abolish
Social Security, food stamps, federal education funding, Medicare and the new health care plan. It was very disturbing to me that he spoke as though all regulations were bad.
Just think of what that could mean if regulations regarding mining development were repealed: Pebble Mine could start up and, oops, there goes the Bristol Bay fishery. Is this what Alaskans want, no one overseeing our industries?
No regulations on pipeline construction and maintenance, the pharmaceutical industry, food? Sure it would be easier and cheaper for corporate interests but we've already seen the catastrophic results of poor regulatory control.
Source: Juneau Empire Op-Ed on 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 6, 2010
Joe Miller:
Pledge against earmarks: we're over-dependent on feds
At a luncheon debate, "pork" and "earmarks" were also on the menu, the two buzzwords of the day reiterated dozens of times throughout the debate. McAdams began his introductory speech with a reading of a "no earmarks" pledge from the Citizens Against
Government Waste signed by Miller."As we continue to responsibly develop our natural resources, we will bring our state into maturity," McAdams said. "But to say no to earmarks now is a threat to Alaska."
Miller argued that he was not against funds being brought to Alaska, but rather was concerned with the state's over-dependency on federal dollars. "We can pretend that this economic calamity isn't going to impact the state of Alaska," he said. "Or we can
do our darnedest to find the direction that provides us with an economic base to move forward in the future."
McAdams said that arguing against projects--like the much maligned & lampooned "Bridge to Nowhere"--was arguing against the future of Alaska.
Source: Capital City Weekly coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Sep 22, 2010
Joe Miller:
Stop federal systematic spiritual and religious apartheid
Q: Last year, you said, "The President and his allies are engaged in a form of systematic spiritual and religious apartheid." How so?A: We've seen a president with a complete disrespect for religious institutions to decide whether or not they want to
provide certain things under their health plan that they pay for. if you have a religious organization, they certainly have the right not do things that they believe violate their doctrine and their conscience.
Q: What is the apartheid comparison?
Is there one group that you think is being privileged over another group?
A: Well, we're talking about religious groups and irreligious groups.
Q: So are you suggesting that irreligious groups have more rights than religious groups?
A: Well, a
religious group has a free exercise right to practice their religion--a right to be free of government interference and government mandates that require them to act in a way that violates their fundamental worldview.
Source: Salon.com 2014 CPAC interview on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Mar 10, 2014
Joe Miller:
Photo ID for voting
Question topic: People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Miller: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Kelly Tshibaka:
Worked to expose waste and fraud in government
Tshibaka positioned herself as having a record of reducing government size and spending. "I got to work in agencies where we actually expose waste and fraud and we hold insiders accountable and we return hundreds and millions of dollars to
American taxpayers," Tshibaka said. "I did that in the Department of Justice [and] I did that in the intelligence community."
Source: The Homer News on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Mar 30, 2021
Kelly Tshibaka:
We don't know outcome of 2020 election; I have questions
[Four months after election finalized]: "We don't know the outcome of the 2020 election," Tshibaka responded when asked whether she agreed with Trump that he won the 2020 election. "In the 2020 election, there were questions raised in several states,
and we're not allowed to look into the questions of those allegations to see what actually happened," she said. "I still have questions, and I think millions of other Americans do too." There was no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election.
Source: WENY News (Elmira NY) on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Mar 30, 2021
Les Gara:
Favors same-day registration, skeptical of photo ID rule
Les Gara says a group of House Democrats will be introducing a bill that allows for same-day voter registration. Gara says the bill would benefit first-time voters who are unaware of registration rules and people who forget to update their registration
after moving. "You either help more people vote, or you disenfranchise thousands of people from voting," Gara says. He's also skeptical that a photo ID requirement would stop voter fraud.
Source: KTOO 104.3 FM on 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Jan 24, 2013
Les Gara:
Voted to limit election donations from lobbyists, wealthy
Rep. Gara believes in good, clean government. With former Sen. Hollis French and others, he forced big-money donors to reveal their identities so we know who is behind those expensive election year attack ads.
He voted to limit lobbyist election donations and the amount wealthy donors could spend on elections.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Jun 16, 2018
Lisa Murkowski:
Earmarked aid for Alaska is vital; cut pork in Lower 48
Murkowski took aim at Miller's contention that the era of earmarks is dead, saying aid to further build infrastructure in this still-young state is vital, not pork. She suggested--to loud applause--that if such cuts are to be made, perhaps the best place
to start looking to make them is in the Lower 48. Miller said a new day is coming and Alaska needs to be prepared. While the past few decades have been a blessing, he said--a period in which members of Alaska's delegation brought home billions in
federal aid and projects--it's a "dream" to think that will continue. He believes the fights should be waged during the appropriations process.
But McAdams, like
Murkowski, argued the need for Alaska to continue fighting for what he calls its fair share. Murkowski stressed her seniority as critical to helping to ensure Alaska's voice is heard.
Source: Associated Press coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 7, 2010
Lisa Murkowski:
Sometimes building infrastructure takes earmarks
Miller said Alaska must wean itself off federal dollars because money is rapidly drying up. Miller said, "The deficit has reached a point where we're on the verge of hitting the same catastrophe that Greece had."Alaska's delegation for decades has
worked to ease regulatory burdens imposed by the federal government, encourage it to convey land promised to the state and Alaska Natives, while at the same time seeking federal money for infrastructure that other states enjoy and that could advance
resource development, Murkowski said. She called Miller's plans simplistic, saying "that's why it's more than just a little bit frustrating to keep hearing him repeat it over and over again, as if it's something that we haven't been doing."
"Sometimes
building that infrastructure takes earmarks," she said. "Joe has not made that connection yet." She said she was not sure how Miller could force areas to be opened for resource extraction, given that the federal government owns 2/3 of Alaska.
Source: Anchorage Daily News coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 26, 2010
Lisa Murkowski:
Scrutinize states with a history of voting discrimination
In a sign of just how much the Republican Party has shifted on the Voting Rights Act since the bipartisan landmark civil rights bill was passed 50 years ago, Lisa Murkowski signed on to a bill to restore the now-gutted legislation. The bill that
Murkowski now cosponsors, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015, would revitalize the VRA by forcing states with a history of voting discrimination to clear any proposed changes to their election laws or procedures with the federal government.
Voting rights advocates and Democrats have demanded a fix since the Supreme Court invalidated a crucial section of the VRA in 2013 that mandated such federal scrutiny for jurisdictions across the country, including Alaska.But such a fix has stalled
in the Senate, as the chamber's Republican leadership has resisted any calls to restore the legislation. Murkowski's support is also surprising because she said in 2013 that she didn't sense much of a motivation to restore the VRA in Congress.
Source: Huffington Post coverage of 2016 Alaska Senate race
Sep 10, 2015
Lisa Murkowski:
Opportunity to vote, regardless of where people live
Murkowski now supports the Voting Rights Advancement Act, but she said in 2013 that she didn't sense much of a motivation to restore the VRA in Congress: "I'm not sensing there is this drive," she told the Alaska Public Radio Network. "Right after the
Supreme Court ruled on this there was a lot of discussion, a lot of talk going around, but you didn't hear this unanimous cry that we've got to go out and address legislatively."The bill that Murkowski has signed on to would increase the number of
polling sites on tribal reservations, since Alaska Natives and Native Americans are often forced to travel long distances to vote in person. The Department of Justice came out in favor of a similar proposal earlier this year.
Murkowski explained, "The
Voting Rights Act of 1965 brought an end to the ugly Jim Crow period in American history. Every American [should] be given the opportunity to vote, regardless of who they are, where they live, and what their race or national origin may be," she said.
Source: Huffington Post coverage of 2016 Alaska Senate race
Sep 10, 2015
Lisa Murkowski:
Supported Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to Supreme Court
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a crucial Republican swing vote in Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court, received a playful prodding from the former governor of Alaska on Twitter."I can see 2022 from my house," Sarah Palin tweeted,
mentioning Murkowski. The tweet was widely viewed as a thinly-veiled threat to challenge Murkowski in her 2022 reelection campaign to the Senate. "From my house" references a 2008 SNL sketch mocking Palin..
Murkowski was the only Republican to vote
against a procedural move advancing Kavanaugh's nomination. "I believe that Brett Kavanaugh is a good man. But in my view he's not the right man for the court at this time," she said after the vote. "This has truly been the most difficult evaluation of
a decision that I've ever had to make."
This isn't the first time Murkowski has faced the potential consequences of her votes. She lost the Republican primary to a Tea Party challenger in 2010, winning re-election with a write-in campaign instead.
Source: USA Today on Twitter posting for 2022 Alaska Senate race
Oct 5, 2018
Lisa Murkowski:
Trump encouraged Jan. 6 rioters; he should resign
Murkowski is calling on President Trump to resign. The violent Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol were answering his call to avenge the election results, Murkowski said. "People who were there to riot and who were encouraged that very morning by
their president," she said. "Yes, I think he was responsible.""If there is such chaos, if right now the president can't focus on anything except his own anger," she said, "then how do we assure America that we're safe?"
Republicans who did not repudiate Trump earlier, who did not think it would get this bad, bear some responsibility, she said. She includes herself in that group. "I allowed myself to refrain from speaking my truth," Murkowski said. "And I can't just be
quiet right now."
With 12 days left in his term, she said she doesn't think it's practical to attempt to remove the president through impeachment or the 25th Amendment. "The Congress would be consumed with impeachment if we start that now," she said.
Source: Alaska Public Media on Jan. 6th & impeaching Trump
Nov 9, 2021
Mark Begich:
Active trader on the stock market, despite proposed ban
Earlier this year, the Center for Responsive Politics reported that for the first time, most members of Congress were millionaires, with 268 of the 534 members enjoying that status. They also reported that for 2012, Begich had assets worth between
$1.7 million and $4.2 million. The center calculated Begich's average net worth at $1.4 million in 2012, ranking him 58th in the Senate. Begich, who owns commercial properties in Alaska and Nevada, has been called an active trader on the stock market.
He's still buying and selling individual stocks--according to his personal disclosure forms--a practice also carried out by other Congressmen, but one that some lawmakers have tried to stamp out.
In January, for example, Begich reported selling between
$1,000 and $15,000 worth of securities in Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, a company whose stock price has more than doubled in the past year. His disclosure reports list 45 transactions in 2012 for buying and selling stocks.
Source: Alaska Dispatch on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Feb 25, 2014
Mark Begich:
Adviser to lobbying firms, but not interested in lobbying
[After leaving the Senate], Begich became president and CEO of the Foundation for Hospice and Homecare. And last month, he signed as a strategic policy adviser to a law and lobbying firm, working mainly on energy and natural resource issues.While
Republicans privately scoffed at Begich for joining a lobby giant, Begich said he's not registering as a lobbyist. Big firms, he said, were courting him after his election loss with lucrative offers. "I don't want to lobby, & I'm not interested in that."
Source: Politico.com coverage of 2016 Alaska Senate race
May 6, 2015
Mike Dunleavy:
Strengthen agricultural sector with fewer regulations
My administration has embarked upon a process to strengthen our agricultural sector. We're going to start by making it easier for farmers to secure land with fewer regulations. We're going to support the growth of our agricultural sector and
allow farmers to prosper. In addition, we're going to continue to support our growing mariculture industry. This industry has unlimited potential to provide food, wealth, and jobs to many Alaskans.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 28, 2021
Mike Dunleavy:
Increase access to raw milk and raw milk products
KSRM summary: HB22: Increases access to raw milk and raw milk products by moving the herd share program from regulation to statute, adding certainty to this successful program. The bill would create new business opportunities by
allowing value-added products like cheese and ice cream to be sold through a Herd Share Program.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 38-1-1 on May/6/21; Passed Senate 19-1-0 on May/19; Signed by Gov. Dunleavy on Aug/16/21
Source: Alaska State Legislature voting records HB22
Aug 16, 2021
Mike Dunleavy:
Ranked-choice voting interjects a little bit of uncertainty
Dunleavy and Dahlstrom were asked about their thoughts on ranked-choice voting. "We've got to make sure that when people vote they walk away from that voting booth and they believe that, in fact, their vote does matter, does count, and will be
calculated, tabulated, counted ... and apply to the individual or the issue that they intended to vote for. Certainly this new system interjects a little bit of uncertainty for a number of Alaskans."
Source: KINY on 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Aug 3, 2022
Ray Metcalfe:
Restrict campaign donations from all sources; & vote online
Q: Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative and gubernatorial candidates: Individual?A: Yes.
Q: PAC?
A: Yes.
Q: Corporate?
A: Yes.
Q: Political Parties?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support voting on-line?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying and ensuring accuracy of votes?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support a preferential voting system?
A: Yes.
Source: Alaska Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2002
Sarah Palin:
Presented comprehensive ethics bill in early 2007
Keeping her campaign promise to govern in an open and transparent fashion, Gov. Palin presented an ethics bill to the Legislature on Jan. 24. The comprehensive bill tightens ethics within the executive branch, but touches upon all public servants.
The bill mandates more detail in financial disclosure, encourages electronic access, further defines conflicts of interest, bans gifts from lobbyists, and tightens certain employment restrictions after leaving office.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: press release, "100th Day"
Mar 13, 2007
Sarah Palin:
Attended numerous debates & did not avoid any unnecessarily
[With regards to the previous BP debate]: What I did out there in Wasilla also, I was able to apply those Rotarian values, that four-way test about truthfulness and fairness. And I wish that that applied to state politics and to campaigns.
Just yesterday, a real quick example of how the nature of the beast of politics is so far from that four-way test of Rotarians, it's so unfortunate.Yesterday--at the BP forum--I was invited weeks ago to show up.
Well, I'd already met with the BP group. I just met with the president of BP. Wasn't able to re-arrange my schedule to get there yesterday. And I get home last night and all over the news is ‘Sarah was a no show.
She wasn't at the debate.' "There's a sign out front making it look like I was supposed to be there and I wasn't. But I wasn't supposed to be there.
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: at Anchorage Rotary
Oct 31, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Comprehensive ethics reform: change politics as usual
Gov. Palin today signed House Bill 109 into law. The legislation improves Alaska's ethics and disclosure laws. "It was so gratifying to be a part of a bipartisan effort, where the focus was on doing the right thing for the people of Alaska," said Gov.
Palin. "Comprehensive ethics reform was a priority of mine. HB 109 is a good first step toward changing the culture of politics as usual." House Bill 109...- Requiring ethics training for lobbyists and their employers
- Increasing restrictions on
lobbyists' gifts
- Barring persons with certain felony convictions from lobbying
- Barring spouses and domestic partners of legislators from lobbying for pay
- Prohibiting certain high-level executive branch officials from lobbying for one year
after leaving those positions.
- Requiring electronic filing of campaign and financial disclosures
- Prohibits agreements to exchange campaign contributions to elected officials or candidates for changing their votes or positions on a matter
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Press release 07-162 "Ethics Bill"
Jul 9, 2007
Sarah Palin:
Sell previous governor's jet on eBay--it's impractical
Governor Sarah Palin today [decided] to sell the jet that was purchased by former Governor Frank Murkowski's administration. The Westwind II will be put up for auction on eBay. "The purchase of the jet was impractical and unwise and it's time to get rid
of it," said Governor Palin. "In the meantime, I am keeping my promise not to set foot on the jet."The State has successfully used eBay in the past to sell State assets, including a former Marine Highways ferry, and several Public Safety aircraft.
The State's surplus property disposal policy is to use eBay for high value, mobile assets because it offers the widest possible exposure for these types of sales, at a low cost.
The jet was purchased for $2,692,600 in November 2005 by the
Murkowski administration. Until final sale, Governor Palin has authorized the Department of Public Safety to use the jet for suitable operational purposes.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Press release 06-006A, "E-Bay"
Dec 12, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Overall reduction of 7% spending, plus state hiring freeze
Unless the price of a barrel of oil dramatically increases, soon, we're looking at a potential revenue shortfall in excess of a billion dollars this year. So with a close eye on price, we need to be willing to curtail spending as needed. If there's a
shortfall, there are options. It'll take a cooperative spirit all around to see us through the uncertainty. I had proposed we start with an overall reduction of seven percent from last year's expenditures. This is a real reduction, not just a reductio
in the rate of spending increases--as cuts are often defined elsewhere. That's transparency in budgeting--just as the public saw when we put the state's checkbook online. We stand ready to work with lawmakers--who hold the purse strings--to amend the
budget, as we receive revenue updates in weeks ahead.
I am implementing a hiring freeze, exempting public safety, and I am restricting non-essential purchases. These actions reduce the draw on savings as we monitor revenue for the rest of 2009.
Source: Alaska 2009 State of the State Address
Jan 22, 2009
Sarah Palin:
Supported Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to Supreme Court
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a crucial Republican swing vote in Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court, received a playful prodding from the former governor of Alaska on Twitter."I can see 2022 from my house," Sarah Palin tweeted,
mentioning Murkowski. The tweet was widely viewed as a thinly-veiled threat to challenge Murkowski in her 2022 reelection campaign to the Senate.
"From my house" references a 2008 Saturday Night Live sketch mocking Palin, then John McCain's running
mate. To this day, many Americans believe it was Palin that said "I can see Russia from my house" when in fact the line was delivered by Tina Fey.
Earlier this year, Palin expressed a willingness to run for public office again: she told Fox News host
Mark Levin in April that she was glad she joined the McCain ticket and would do it again "in a heartbeat."
Murkowski was the only Republican to vote against a procedural move advancing Kavanaugh's nomination.
Source: USA Today on Twitter posting for 2022 Alaska Senate race
Oct 5, 2018
Scott McAdams:
Fight for fair share of federal aid to Alaska
Murkowski took aim at Miller's contention that the era of earmarks is dead, saying aid to further build infrastructure in this still-young state is vital, not pork. She suggested--to loud applause--that if such cuts are to be made, perhaps the best place
to start looking to make them is in the Lower 48. Miller said a new day is coming and Alaska needs to be prepared. While the past few decades have been a blessing, he said--a period in which members of Alaska's delegation brought home billions in
federal aid and projects--it's a "dream" to think that will continue. He believes the fights should be waged during the appropriations process.
But McAdams, like
Murkowski, argued the need for Alaska to continue fighting for what he calls its fair share. Murkowski stressed her seniority as critical to helping to ensure Alaska's voice is heard.
Source: Associated Press coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 7, 2010
Scott McAdams:
Banning earmarks now is a threat to Alaska
At a luncheon debate, "pork" and "earmarks" were also on the menu, the two buzzwords of the day reiterated dozens of times throughout the debate. McAdams began his introductory speech with a reading of a "no earmarks" pledge from the Citizens Against
Government Waste signed by Miller."As we continue to responsibly develop our natural resources, we will bring our state into maturity," McAdams said. "But to say no to earmarks now is a threat to Alaska."
Miller argued that he was not against funds being brought to Alaska, but rather was concerned with the state's over-dependency on federal dollars. "We can pretend that this economic calamity isn't going to impact the state of Alaska," he said. "Or we can
do our darnedest to find the direction that provides us with an economic base to move forward in the future."
McAdams said that arguing against projects--like the much maligned & lampooned "Bridge to Nowhere"--was arguing against the future of Alaska.
Source: Capital City Weekly coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Sep 22, 2010
Edgar Blatchford:
Wants to reform federal campaign finance laws
He wants to reform federal campaign finance laws, adding transparency. And he supports increasing corporate accountability, saying that Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is a hero for her positions on corporations. He said it's clear why wealthy
donors outside Alaska give money to candidates in the state. "It's because they want to buy influence," he said. "People in global corporations don't give money out of the goodness of their heart. They expect something in return."
Source: KTOO-TV (channel 10 Juneau) on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Aug 11, 2022
Lisa Murkowski:
Ensure states can provide security for their elections
SEN. LISA MURKOWSKI (R-AK): What are we doing to ensure that states have the ability to provide security for their elections? We're looking at application of the Help Americans Vote Act, which has been in place for a long while now, working with the
Electoral Commission Act, to determine what more can we do in terms of safeguards, safeguards to voting, ensuring that there's an appropriate chain of custody once ballots are cast?
SEN. JOE MANCHIN (D-WV): What we're looking at is now, how do we protect what happened in the insurrection, that will never happen again, such as that people think they can come here and overturn it,
but, on the other hand, how do we protect election workers with the federal crimes if someone threatens them or intimidates them or interferes with the election?
Source: CNN SOTU interviews on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Feb 6, 2022
Mike Dunleavy:
A moral obligation to fulfill the promise of statehood
Sixty-four years after we've joined the union, Alaska is still fighting for its rights to be treated as a sovereign by the federal government that's on equal footing with the other states. For example, the Biden Administration, over the past two years,
has restricted Alaska's ability to capitalize on the resources within our borders. We have a moral obligation to ensure that we fulfill the promise of statehood and are allowed to create our own destiny for future generations.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 23, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023