State of Alaska Archives: on Principles & Values
Al Gross:
I fought grizzly bears, so I'm ready for Washington
I've taken on some tough challenges. I took out a loan to buy a fishing boat at age 14 and have provided medical care to patients in the depths of the wilderness. I've prospected for gold and sailed through gales in the Pacific Ocean.
And I've faced off with multiple grizzly bears and am still here to tell the tale. So, I'm ready for anything Washington tries to throw at me. And I will always be there to fight for Alaska.
Source: 2020 Alaska Senate campaign website DrAlGrossAK.com
Nov 20, 2019
Al Gross:
Independent endorsed by state Democratic Party
The Alaska Democratic Party has endorsed independent candidate Dr. Al Gross for the U.S. Senate. "Dr. Gross is a born and bred Alaskan who holds Alaskan values close. He has an understanding of Alaska and a commitment to our people that we have never
seen from Dan Sullivan," said Casey Steinau, Alaska Democratic Party chair. "To Dr. Gross, Alaska comes first - always. It is a testament to his competence, his policies, and his dedication to the state that he has won our early endorsement."
Source: KTVA-11 on 2020 Alaska Senate race
Sep 3, 2019
Bill Walker:
Don't panic when times are tough; make a plan
Prior to the 1964 Earthquake, my family had the only homebuilding business in Valdez. When the earthquake struck, it devastated our community to the point that the entire town had to be relocated. Not only did we lose all of our materials and tools, we
lost our livelihoods.To financially survive, we seized the opportunity and the Walker family became janitors. Our hard work paid off! When the new town-site was ready some years later, we were able to invest and buy houses in the Old Town, have them
moved onto foundations in the new town and resold. We became house movers!
This is what I learned from my parents: Don't panic when times are tough. Make a plan. Stick to it. Stay focused. Stay positive. And get to work. Now is not the time to sound
the alarm, my fellow Alaskans. Now is the time to pull together, to make a plan, sharpen our focus and get to work. We have the tools. We have the ingenuity. We have the team. We will work our way out and build an even stronger Alaska.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Alaska Legislature
Jan 22, 2015
Bill Walker:
Cancer survivor after routine prostrate cancer screening
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who reached out to me following my cancer diagnosis. In October, I received a phone call from my urologist informing me that I had prostate cancer. Following my surgery, I feel incredibly blessed to be a cancer
survivor. We've been deeply moved by well wishes and prayers from across the state. I am fortunate that the cancer was diagnosed early through routine screening. I encourage all Alaskans: Please, get recommended screenings.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Alaska Legislature
Jan 18, 2017
Bill Walker:
Unity ticket: running as Independent with Democrat Lt. Gov.
Republican former state Sen. Mike Dunleavy advanced from the primary to the general election, where he is expected to face mark Begich, who was unopposed in the Democratic race, and Gov. Bill Walker, an independent who skipped a head-to-head primary
fight with Begich and instead gathered signatures to appear on the November ballot. Walker's move was intended to ensure that he could run as a team with his Democratic lieutenant governor, Byron Mallott.
Walker in 2014 changed his party affiliation from Republican to undeclared in forming a so-called unity ticket with Mallott that was backed by Democrats.
Party primaries for governor and lieutenant governor determine who runs as a ticket in November.
Candidates who bypass the primaries and instead gather signatures to appear on the general election ballot--as Walker opted to do--have a say in their running mates.
Source: CBS News on 2018 Alaska gubernatorial race
Aug 22, 2018
Cean Stevens:
I am running to make things happen
I decided to run for State House as a Libertarian after hearing my neighbors voice their concerns over the challenges we are having in the neighborhood. In my world, there are 3 types of people:- People who make things happen.
-
People who watch things happen.
- People who wonder what happened.
I've never been one to sit on the sidelines and watch things happen, or wonder what happened. This is why I'm running.
Source: Alaska Dispatch News on 2016 Alaska Senate race
Oct 29, 2014
Christopher Kurka:
Regretted not being in D.C. on January 6, 2021
During a House floor session, Representative Christopher Kurka (R-Wasilla) gave a floor speech where he said he regretted not being in D.C. on January 6.
He condemned the violence and talked about peaceful protest, but he legit said he regretted not being there. Wild. He also said a lot of the unindicted coconspirators were likely "federal agents."
Source: Alaska Landmine on 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Feb 13, 2022
Christopher Kurka:
COVID: Wrong to open liquor stores but not church of God
Kurka said, "Remember Dunleavy's [COVID-19] dictates were that marijuana shops were essential but houses of worship were not? To the governor in a state already staggering under alcohol and drug abuse, pot shops and liquor stores
meant more than the church of God. The man who promised to stand tall for Alaska chose to stand down."
Source: Midnight Sun on 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Nov 30, 2021
Dan Sullivan:
Involved in Alaska state politics since 1990
Originally from Ohio, Sullivan attended Harvard and then Georgetown Law in Washington DC. There he met fellow Harvard grad and future wife, Julie Fate, who was working for Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK). She's the daughter of Hugh and Mary Jane Fate of
Fairbanks.After law school graduation in 1992 came a stint in the Marines, then marriage, kids and Alaska in short succession.Sullivan clerked for judges in Fairbanks and Anchorage from 1997 to 1999, then went into private practice in Anchorage.
In 2002, he was named a White House Fellow and the family moved back to DC. The fellowship gave him entry to a National Security Council position under then-adviser Condoleezza Rice. After another active-duty stint from 2004 to 2006, he followed Rice to
the Department of State as assistant secretary for business affairs. ln 2009, he returned to Alaska when Gov. Sarah Palin appointed him as attorney general. In Dec. 2010, he moved laterally to become Natural Resources commissioner under Gov. Sean Parnell
Source: Daily News-Miner on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Nov 10, 2013
Dan Sullivan:
Website and campaign refuse to spell out issue positions
Sullivan refused to talk to reporters about issues after he announced his candidacy three months ago. Even today, Sullivan's website has no section spelling out his positions. That will come soon, said Sullivan's campaign spokesman: "We're rebranding
our website and we'll have an issues section up there real soon."The Alaska Democratic Party has blasted the aloofness, issuing press releases laying out a laundry list of federal issues it says the candidates haven't addressed.
The "Treadwell/Sullivan issue tracker" wonders where the hopefuls stand on nearly 20 issues, everything from privatizing Social Security to permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Service.
But there's still seven months until the
Aug. 19 primary vote, plenty of time to explore issues. In the forum, both Republican candidates said they're pro-life, and both attacked ObamaCare and federal overreach, saying they'd fight for less regulation and more economic freedom.
Source: Alaska Dispatch on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Jan 27, 2014
Dan Sullivan:
AdWatch: I love my state; I hate politicians
Republican Dan Sullivan is out with his first radio ad of the U.S. Senate race. The ad, entitled "Love," began running Thursday. A campaign spokesman says it will run for 10 days.Sullivan, in the ad, talks about his love for his wife, the state and
the country. But he says he says he hates what "Washington politicians" are doing to Alaska and the country.
He highlights his experience as a Marine and as Alaska's attorney general and Natural Resources commissioner.
Source: Associated Press AdWatch on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Feb 14, 2014
Dan Sullivan:
Personal wealth between $1.6M and $3.8M, in family business
Former Natural Resources commissioner Dan Sullivan could give Begich a run for his money when it comes to personal wealth. Sullivan lists assets valued between $1.7 million and $3.9 million, according to his recently published disclosure reports.
Meanwhile, Sullivan's debt is virtually nonexistent. He lists just one liability: for a Wells Fargo mortgage ranging between $50,000 to $100,000.One of Sullivan's largest assets is the $500,000 to $1 million in stock he owns in RPM International, the
Ohio-based multinational founded by Sullivan's grandfather that sells coatings and sealants. Dan Sullivan's oldest brother runs the company, which tallied more than $4 billion in sales in 2013.
Sullivan listed his former salary as state
Natural Resources commissioner, where he worked until September, at $135,000 annually. Sullivan is a U.S. Marine Corps reservist but his report does not show income from that job because it's income from federal employment.
Source: Alaska Dispatch on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Feb 25, 2014
Dan Sullivan:
Met Native Alaskan wife while working for Sen. Ted Stevens
Dan Sullivan (R) is pushing back against Democratic attacks that he's a carpetbagger in his first ads, featuring his Native Alaskan wife to counter charges he doesn't have deep roots in the state."We met while I was working for Sen. Ted Stevens, and
the first place I brought Dan was to my family's fish camp on the Yukon River. He fell hard for me--and for Alaska," Sullivan's wife, Julie Fate Sullivan, says in one of the ads. "And after Dan completed his active duty service in the Marines, we came
home to Fairbanks to raise our family."
Sullivan, who grew up in Ohio, has been facing attacks from his primary foes and Sen. Mark Begich's (D-Alaska) allies that he hasn't spent much time in Alaska. He moved there in 1997, left in
2002 to work for the Bush administration and serve an active-duty stint in the Marines, and returned in 2009 to become the state's attorney general. Both ads tout his resume and connections to the state.
Source: AdWatch by The Hill weblog on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Mar 31, 2014
Joe Miller:
I was beyond stupid to rig poll with colleagues' computers
The release of documents late Tuesday showing that Republican Senate nominee Joe Miller of Alaska lied about his misconduct while serving as a government attorney in Fairbanks delivered yet another blow to a tea party-backed candidate who was considered
shoo-in just two months ago, when he defeated incumbent Lisa Murkowski in the GOP primary.The revelations, reported by the Associated Press and the Web site Alaska Dispatch based on public documents that a judge ordered released on Tuesday, show that
Miller was caught using colleagues' computers for political business and that he lied about it repeatedly before admitting the wrongdoing. Miller was conducting his own poll in an effort to oust a state GOP chairman, and he used his colleagues' computers
to vote in the poll, then erased their computers' caches to hide what he did.
"I was beyond stupid," Miller wrote in a letter of apology included in the documents. He was suspended for three days without pay in March 2008.
Source: Washington Post coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 27, 2010
Joe Miller:
Only main contender for AK Senate who isn't a millionaire
Sen. Mark Begich can count himself a member of the growing congressional millionaire's club, but two of his opponents appear to be doing just as well or better, while a third challenger is less wealthy than the rest.Joe Miller reported assets ranging
in value between $500,000 to $1.1 million, according to the candidates' latest personal financial disclosure reports. Many Alaskans might love to be in those shoes, but Miller also reported liabilities ranging between $165,000 and $400,000, bringing down
his net wealth. Miller's assets are well below the three other candidates, who are heavily invested in the stock market that has picked up in recent years, while Miller is not. Miller gets most of his wealth from a pair of tangible assets, including
undeveloped land in Delta Junction valued between $250,000 and $500,000. Miller also owns "Restoring Liberty," which he has called a "top-ranked Internet news site." It brought in about $15,000, in part from Internet advertising.
Source: Alaska Dispatch on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Feb 25, 2014
Joe Miller:
Judeo-Christian values established our government framework
Question topic: Efforts to bring Islamic law (shariah) to America do not pose a threat to our country and its Constitution. Miller: Strongly Disagree.
Question topic: Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted
our system of limited government.
Miller: Strongly Agree
Question topic: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Miller: I am a committed Christian who believes that
God created people with a free will to make their own decisions regarding what they choose to believe. I recognize that our society was founded by looking to God for wisdom and guidance, which is why we created the greatest Republic the world has ever
seen. I will fight those who want to take God out of America's public square. I have been on several mission trips (Philippines, Mexico), was a board member of my church, and have visited the Holy Land twice in the last two years.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Joe Miller:
OpEd: Murkowski should be challenged by a real conservative
Joe Miller said he is not seriously considering an election challenge to U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski this year, but he has not completely dismissed the idea. Miller was a tea party favorite in 2010 when he upset Murkowski during the Republican Senate
primary. Murkowski mounted a write-in campaign to keep her job. Miller ran again in 2014, but he finished behind Dan Sullivan in the GOP primary. Sullivan went on to defeat Democratic Sen. Mark Begich in the general election.
Miller, an attorney and radio show host, said he continues to hear from people who believe Murkowski should be challenged and that he should take her on. Miller believes there's a lot of public support for a run and that's why it remains a consideration.
He said Murkowski has little support among conservatives, which he said would make someone like him a formidable challenge for her. But Miller said at this time, there has not been any serious contemplation of a run.
Source: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner on 2016 Alaska Senate race
Jan 6, 2016
Joe Miller:
I am a limited government constitutionalist
Q: What in the nature of mankind caused America's Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?Miller: James Madison articulated best it in Federalist 51: "But what is government itself, but the greatest of all
reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary."
Q: Considering all issues (social, economic, national security,
etc.), which political philosophy best describes you?
Miller: Conservative
Q: Please defend your answer to the previous question by referencing your publicly available track record.
Miller: I am a limited government constitutionalist who
believes government exists to protect our liberties, not to take them away. I support free people, free markets, federalism, the constitutional right to life, the 2nd Amendment, religious liberty, American sovereignty, and a strong national defense.
Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on 2016 Alaska Senate race
Nov 8, 2016
Joe Miller:
We created greatest Republic by looking to God for wisdom
Q: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.Miller: I am a committed Christian who believes that God created people with a free will to make their own decisions regarding what they choose to believe.
I recognize that our society was founded by looking to God for wisdom and guidance, which is why we created the greatest Republic the world has ever seen. I will fight those who want to take God out of America's public square.
Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on 2016 Alaska Senate race
Nov 8, 2016
Kelly Tshibaka:
Trump impeachment: opponent "out of touch" for supporting
Tshibaka launched her campaign against Sen. Murkowski, pitching the election as an outsider versus a powerful, longtime insider. "We know what Washington, DC thinks about Alaska: We're here for their benefit; we're not going to put up much of a fight,"
said Tshibaka in a video. "After about 20 years in DC, Lisa Murkowski thinks the same way." Tshibaka called Murkowski "so out of touch" for voting "to remove Donald Trump from office, even after he was already gone."
Source: CNN.com on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Mar 30, 2021
Kelly Tshibaka:
Name pronounced like Star Wars character Chewbacca
Tshibaka coached the crowd in how to say her name. "How do you say my name?"
Tshibaka asked. "Like the Star Wars character: Chewbacca."]
Source: The Homer News on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Mar 30, 2021
Kelly Tshibaka:
Constitution provides no religious test for public office
Religious liberty is enshrined in the text of our United States Constitution. The First Amendment protects freedom of religious expression. And Article VI of the Constitution provides that no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to
any office or public trust under the United States. The United States Supreme Court has explicitly warned against the danger of presuming that a person's faith might present a danger in the context of holding public office.
Source: Must Read Alaska on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Mar 6, 2019
Kelly Tshibaka:
Employees are free to express their religion or nonreligion
All employees of Alaska have a protected freedom to express their religion or nonreligion. Alaskans' rights of free exercise are not limited to their doors of their churches, their synagogues, their mosques, or their temples. They carry those rights
with them wherever they go, and wherever they are, including in the halls of our state legislature or at their desks at the State of Alaska agencies. Their rights of free exercise of religion have to be honored and protected and observed.
Source: Must Read Alaska on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Mar 6, 2019
Kelly Tshibaka:
I'm for America first, always
I will be a strong voice in opposition to illegal immigration and, as the proud descendant of Americans who fought in virtually every major American conflict from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War, I will be a tireless advocate for our military
and our veterans. I will fight to preserve our Second Amendment right to bear arms and, as an unapologetically pro-life Alaska conservative, I will be a voice for the unborn. And I'm for America first, always.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Mar 30, 2021
Lisa Murkowski:
I will remain a Republican & will keep committee seniority
Sen. Murkowski declared that she will remain a Republican if she wins her write-in bid to retain her seat. "I am Republican. I have been a Republican since I was 18," said Murkowski. "I will always be a Republican."Murkowski's assertion is a mixed
blessing for national Republicans, who support the man who defeated her in the GOP primary, Joe Miller. On the one hand, her continued candidacy stands to hurt Miller by siphoning off votes from him, making way for Murkowski or Democrat Scott McAdams to
win.
On the other hand, Murkowski signals she will continue to caucus with the Republicans in the lame-duck session and, if she wins reelection, throughout the next Congress.
Murkowski vowed that she would return not only as a Republican but with her
seniority intact--including her plum committee leadership spot--next year. "In January, I will return with the most seniority on the Natural Resources Committee," she said. "I will not lose a minute of seniority and I will continue to build on that."
Source: Politico.com coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 7, 2010
Lisa Murkowski:
Aligned with Alaskans; not aligned with party positions
Q: the chairman of the Alaska Republican Party, has said you could be more of a danger to McAdams than Miller. True?A: If this is not a Republican state, it's certainly more of a conservative one. Though we have [Democratic] Senator Mark Begich, it's
certainly not a Democratic state. I think Alaskans are looking at me as one who has clearly demonstrated that I can represent all Alaskans and I think the real question is whether Miller could really represent all Alaskans.
Q: If you win, would you
consider caucusing with the Democrats?
A: No. I'm a Republican. I'm running as a write-in Republican candidate. So, I'm not my party's nominee. Does that give me a little more flexibility & independence? Perhaps, yes. Keep in mind, over half the people
in this state chose not to align themselves with any party at all. So, in order for me to represent them, I have to have that approach: you're not going to find me 100% in alignment with the party position but I'm 100% aligned with Alaska's position.
Source: Time magazine coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Sep 24, 2010
Lisa Murkowski:
Not conservative enough for Tea Party, but I am for Alaska
Q: Senator Lisa Murkowski is one of many victims of the anti-incumbency wave this election season. The freshman senator lost to Tea Party favorite Joe Miller in a contentious primary battle. The Republican establishment has made it clear they won't
support Murkowski this time around. [To Murkowski]: When you decided to become a write-in candidate, Senator Jim DeMint called you a big-tent hypocrite, saying these people all talk about how they want people in the Republican Party, and then the minute
they lose, they go on out and run as independents. Your response?MURKOWSKI: Well, let me tell you, Jim DeMint or the Tea Party Express, far be it for them to determine whether or not the senator representing the people of Alaska is conservative enough
for them. I'm trying to do is represent the people of my state. Maybe from Jim DeMint's perspective, you know, I'm not conservative enough for him. But the question is, do I represent the values of the people of the state that I represent?
Source: CNN "State of the Union" coverage: 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Sep 19, 2010
Lisa Murkowski:
Running against Tea Party to give Alaskans a choice
Q: In the Alaska Republican primary, they voted you out; doesn't it look like sore loser to now launch this write-in campaign?MURKOWSKI: What happened in my particular race, you had the Tea Party Express, this California-based group, come in at the
last minute in a mudslinging, smear campaign, with lies and fabrications and mischaracterization. They dumped $600,000 into a small market here in Alaska, and they clearly influenced the outcome of that election. But you have a process here where so many
Alaskans did not have an opportunity to speak up and vote for the person that they wanted to.
Q: But isn't that how the process works? And you're now kind of undermining the Republican Party?
MURKOWSKI: It's not about undermining the Republican Party
or the Democratic Party. It's about representing the people of the state of Alaska. And if the people of the state of Alaska are going to stand up and say, Lisa, you've got to give us an opportunity to participate, to give us a choice.
Source: CNN "State of the Union" coverage: 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Sep 19, 2010
Mark Begich:
Reputation as mayor for getting things done
Since being elected mayor of Anchorage in 2003, Mark Begich has acquired a reputation for getting things done. On his watch a shiny new convention centre has gone up. Roads are being repaired and heating elements laid under pavements to melt snow during
the long Alaskan winter. Miraculously, much of this has been paid for by bonds, not federal earmarks.On Aug. 26th Begich sailed through a primary election. Now all he has to do is defeat a man who will soon go on trial for failing to report gifts from
oil companies and he will become Alaska's first Democratic senator for 28 years.
40% of all Alaskans live in Anchorage, so Begich has a strong base of support. He also has a good surname: his father, Nick Begich, was a popular congressman who
disappeared in 1972 while flying in a small plane.
Best of all, Begich is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and supports drilling in the ANWR. Woe betide any Alaskan politician who stands in the way of guns and oil.
Source: 2008 Alaska Senate Debate reported in The Economist
Sep 4, 2008
Mark Begich:
Democrats advertise Stevens' calls secretly recorded by FBI
Begich and Steven's haven't debated face-to-face yet, and two debates are scheduled for later this month. But with Stevens' trial underway in Washington, D.C., it's uncertain if they will meet in-person to debate. And while he is away at trial,
Stevens' own words are being used against him in the battle for the Senate.A new attack ad from Democrats uses some of the FBI's secret recordings that have been played at Stevens' trial. "Worst that can happen to us is we run a bunch of legal fees
and we might have to serve a little time in jail," said Stevens to former VECO CEO Bill Allen in a phone call recorded by the FBI.
At the Stevens' headquarters, they aren't too happy about the tone of the ad and are annoyed the Democrats are spending
about $1 million here to get Stevens out of office. "Alaskans are rejecting the ads," said a Stevens campaign spokesman. "If Mark Begich wants to keep this about the issues, he would stand up to these groups and say pull them off the air."
Source: 2008 Alaska Senate Debate reported on KTUU News
Oct 16, 2008
Mark Begich:
Created Northern Compass Group: consulting on Alaska issues
In January, Begich created a consulting company called Northern Compass Group, a four-person firm that provides strategic consulting mainly on Alaska-centric matters, allowing him to spend about 40 percent of his time back in his state.
As part of a swing through tribal Alaska recently, for instance, Begich helped a small aviation company hold town hall meetings with Alaska Natives who rely on the airline.
He is also serving as a policy adviser on Native issues for the law firm Sonosky Chambers.Back in Washington, Begich became president and CEO of the Foundation for Hospice and Homecare.
And last month, he signed as a strategic policy adviser to the law and lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt, working mainly on energy and natural resource issues.
Source: Politico.com coverage of 2016 Alaska Senate race
May 6, 2015
Mary Peltola:
Adamantly Pro-Jobs, Pro-Fish, Pro-Family and Pro-Choice
I'm a Yup'ik Alaska Native, salmon advocate, and Democrat who represented the Bethel region in the Alaska House of Representatives for 10 years. I served on the Orutsararmiut Native Council Tribal Court and the Bethel City Council, and on the boards
of the Nature Conservancy, the Alaska Humanities Forum, the Alaska Children's Trust, and the Russian Orthodox Sacred Sites in Alaska. As a lifelong Alaskan, I am adamantly Pro-Jobs, Pro-Fish, Pro-Family and Pro-Choice.
Source: 2022 Alaska House campaign website MaryPeltola.com
Sep 1, 2022
Mead Treadwell:
Involved in Alaska state politics since 1978
Treadwell, 57, first came to Alaska as a teenager and worked summers. After graduating from Yale, he helped former Gov. Walter Hickel's unsuccessful gubernatorial bid in 1978. He then joined Hickel's gas line company in the early
1980s after earning a Harvard MBA. When Hickel won the governor's race in 1990, Treadwell became deputy commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Later, he was senior fellow at Alaska Pacific University's Institute of the North, also founded by Hickel. Treadwell served two terms as the
U.S. Arctic Research Commission's chairman and joined some successful high-tech companies before being elected lieutenant governor in 2010. His wife, Carol, died of cancer in 2002. Treadwell has three children.
Source: Daily News-Miner on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Nov 10, 2013
Mike Dunleavy:
We are Alaska, envy of the world
The issues I've laid out this evening, if acted upon, will move Alaska forward. By solving these issues, we create opportunities for tomorrow. We can achieve so much by working together that the state of our State will be even stronger in the years
to come. This is Alaska. We are Alaska. We are the envy of the world for our beauty, natural resources, and strategic location. We are given this one moment in time to do what's best for Alaska. Let's take advantage of it.
Source: 2020 Alaska State of the State address
Jan 27, 2020
Mike Dunleavy:
Alaskans are a different breed: we don't run and hide
Alaskans are a different breed. Our history and culture has been honed by our close proximity to nature and our distance from our fellow states. This frontier experience, this ability to rely on ourselves and each other, is what gets us through
everything from earthquakes, to floods, to volcanic eruptions, and the same goes for this pandemic. We don't run and hide as Alaskans. We've inherited that same mentality that helped build this country and helped build this great state.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 28, 2021
Mike Dunleavy:
Our purpose is to be servants of the people
Fighting for Alaskans' share of our resource wealth will always be a top priority of mine. I've asked the Legislature to follow the statutory formula. If these bodies will no longer follow that law, they should change the law with approval of Alaskans.
I've offered the Legislature solutions that I believed would honor Alaskans and solve this issue for the long-term. Isn't that why we're here? To honor the people who sent us here and work on their behalf? Our purpose is to be servants of the people.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 25, 2022
Ray Metcalfe:
Don't use religion to justify discrimination
Q. A bill has been introduced to prohibit the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act from being used as a means to exempt a person from compliance with some laws. What are your thoughts on this?A: Called "The Do No Harm Act" introduced by two
Democrats, if passed the Act would prohibit using the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act to justify discrimination in housing, employment, health care, children's welfare, and equal access to government services. I support this bill.
Source: 2016 Alaska Senate campaign website on NationBuilder.com
Jun 24, 2013
Ray Metcalfe:
1986: Formed Moderate Party to oppose religious right in GOP
Metcalfe was twice elected to the Alaska House of Representatives as a Republican. He formed the Republican Moderate Party of Alaska in 1986, to oppose the religious right who he felt had invaded and taken over the Republican Party.
Shortly after Metcalfe formed the RMP, the leaders of the Republican Party sued him for forming a group using the term "Republican" without their permission. Metcalfe won in Superior Court and the Republican Party did not appeal.
Source: Wikipedia article: Alaska political party history
Nov 8, 2016
Sarah Palin:
Denies all allegations in Department of Public Safety affair
Governor Sarah Palin today released the following statement regarding allegations that she acted improperly."To allege that I, or any member of my family, requested, received or released confidential personnel information on an Alaska State
Trooper, or directed disciplinary action be taken against any employee of the Department of Public Safety, is, quite simply, outrageous. Any information regarding personnel records came from the trooper himself.
I question the timing of these false allegations. It is unfortunate, as we seek to address a growing energy crisis in this state, that this matter has been raised now."
"I do not interfere with the day-to-day operations of any department.
I have and will continue to support our line troopers. They have my utmost respect. Since taking office, I have proposed to the legislature millions of dollars in budget increases for more troopers, equipment and training."
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: press release, "Acting improperly"
Jul 17, 2008
Sarah Palin:
Top priorities for AK include ethics & balanced budget
"One hundred days ago, I outlined my top priorities for the state: a natural gasline, a balanced budget including temporary relief for the unexpected PERS/TRS burden, ethics reform, and workforce development," said
Governor Palin. "I am proud of our accomplishments to date, but we still have a lot of work to do."
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: press release, "100th Day"
Mar 13, 2007
Sarah Palin:
Leadership is a responsibility to prepare for tomorrow
We are on the same team, if we have got the same goal. With so much opportunity in Alaska, let's look at challenges like we do in our own families: save money, spend wisely, and we will secure our tomorrow. Invest in solid foundations like education and
deferred maintenance. Pull together, not tear down. Be positive. Respect our treasured past, but look forward now. These are leadership characteristics expected by those who elect us to lead, to serve, to work for Alaskans. What a responsibility we have!
To look beyond partisan and geographic differences. To slow government growth, so we don't tax hard working families and hand future generations a budget they can't afford. To restore trust in government. To develop our resources responsibly,
including a gasline to meet our long-term energy needs. To equip our students for work and help them commit to personal responsibility and good character. United leadership to do the will of the people, with vigor.
Source: 2008 State of the State Address to 25th Alaska Legislature
Jan 15, 2008
Sarah Palin:
Fight for freedom of religion and freedom of expression
Q: How would you feel if you walked into a church and heard a pastor endorse a candidate for governor?KNOWLES: Freedom of speech. I don't mind what is said from the pulpit.
PALIN: A pastor, a priest, a rabbi, certainly they have the freedom to say
whatever they want to say. And you know, thank the lord that we do have that freedom of speech. Faith is very important to so many of us here in America, and I would never support any government effort to stifle our freedom of religion or freedom of
expression or freedom of speech. I would just caution a pastor to be very careful if they're in front of a congregation and they decide to endorse one candidate over another. There may be some frustration with that candidacy endorsement being made
manifest by fewer dollars in the offering plate. But, no, I'll tell you, freedom of speech is so precious and it's worth defending and of course freedom of religion and freedom of expression will be things that I will fight for.
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: KAKM-7 with Michael Carey
Oct 25, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Decries "politics as usual" of attacking opponents
Knowles rallied in the third round when talk turned to Palin's habit of skipping campaign events. Though Palin tried to move the conversation in another direction, decrying the topic as "politics as usual,"
she derailed her effort by engaging in a politics-as-usual debate over the definition of the phrase "no-show." The moderator cut them off to end the silliness.
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: ADN coverage of radio debate
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Endorsed by Sen. Ted Stevens
Campaign advertisement in Alaska gubernatorial race: Senator Ted Stevens speaking: We have a state that needs new management. [Palin & Parnell] represent a new generation. And they represent a new vision, new energy. They represent the kind of people
that ought to come along and take our places.
And it needs a new agenda for all of use to get behind. Think of this -- when you go to vote, don't go to vote alone, and you'll help Sarah become the next governor of Alaska, which we all want to see.
Source: AdWatch of 2008 presidential race: Alaska Governor ad
Oct 30, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Declare a National Day of Prayer in Alaska
- WHEREAS, the Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer in 1775. In 1863, Pres. Lincoln established a proclamation for a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer." And in 1988, Pres. Reagan set aside the first Thursday in May as the
National Day of Prayer.
- WHEREAS, following the devastating event on Sept. 11, 2001, Pres. Bush called on citizens to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to honor the religious diversity our freedom permits by recognizing this day annually.
- WHEREAS, it is not the intent of this proclamation to promote a particular religion, but rather to encourage thoughtful reflection and to honor our freedom of religious expression whether that is prayer, meditation, peace activism, or another form of
contemplative action.
- NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gov. Sarah Palin, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2008, as National Day of Prayer in Alaska and encourage Alaskans to keep the health, prosperity, and peace of our state, nation, and world in mind on this day.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Proclamation, "Day of Prayer"
Apr 15, 2008
Sarah Palin:
Recognize America's historic and founding Christian heritage
- WHEREAS, the celebration of Christian Heritage Week reminds Alaskans of the role Christianity has played in our rich heritage. Many truly great men and women of America, giants in the structuring of American history, were Christians of caliber
and integrity who did not hesitate to express their faith:
- WHEREAS, the Preamble to the Constitution of the State of Alaska begins with, "We the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation..."
- WHEREAS, George
Washington enunciated, "animated alone by the pure spirit of Christianity... we may enjoy every temporal and spiritual felicity."
- WHEREAS, James Madison, father of the United States Constitution advocated "the diffusion of the light of
Christianity in our nation" in his Memorial and Remonstrance.
- NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gov. Sarah Palin, do hereby proclaim October 21-27, 2007, as Alaska's 9th Annual Christian Heritage Week in Alaska, and encourage all citizens to celebrate this week.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Proclamation, "Christian Heritage"
Sep 14, 2007
Sarah Palin:
The Bible has profoundly influenced America
- WHEREAS, since the earliest days of our democracy, Americans have turned to the Bible for divine guidance, comfort, and encouragement.
- WHEREAS, the Bible has profoundly influenced art, literature, music, and codes of law.
- WHEREAS, the
Bible has motivated many to acts of compassion, humanity, and charity.
- WHEREAS, the Bible continues to provide motivation, inspiration, hope, and comfort for countless Alaskans.
- WHEREAS, the
National Bible Association reminds Alaskans and people of all faiths of the Bible's unique place in American life.
- NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim
November 18-25, 2007, as:Bible Week in Alaska, and encourage interested citizens to participate in this observance.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Press release, "Bible Week"
Oct 17, 2007
Scott McAdams:
OpEd: consensus builder who understands needs of Southeast
Alaskans will be making an important decision at the polls. Whether to elect a man with no political background supported by outside interests and money to represent Alaska, take a risky bet on a write-in candidate or vote for a person who understands th
needs of Southeast Alaska and the rest of the state, Scott McAdams.McAdams has a solid background helping his community as a leader. He is a consensus builder with an understanding of the needs of Southeast. I trust him to represent me in Washington.
Source: Juneau Empire Op-Ed on 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 6, 2010
Sean Randall Parnell:
Americans are moving North to the Future
Americans aren't just looking North to the Future, they are moving North to the Future--and for good reason. While other states run unsustainable deficits,
Alaska has billions in budget reserves. While America saw its credit rating shamefully downgraded, we have seen ours upgraded to AAA.
The question before us tonight is not: What is the state of Alaska? The question is: How can we keep the state of Alaska strong? Make no mistake: Our present prosperity does not guarantee our future security.
The choices we make during this short session will have long-lasting consequences. So let us choose wisely and well.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to 28th Alaska Legislature
Jan 16, 2013
Ted Stevens:
Uncle Ted voted "Alaskan of the century"
Begich was just six years old when his opponent, Ted Stevens, was appointed to the Senate and began to shower money on his home state. Some years ago Stevens was voted "Alaskan of the century". In the run-up to the primary,
Stevens's supporters put up more and bigger signs than Begich's, even in Anchorage. It is a measure of "Uncle Ted's" popularity that Begich has so far tiptoed around the federal indictment, issuing bland statements of regret.
Stevens's opponents in the Republican primary were much harder on him, and he beat them handily.A day after Stevens's indictment on July 29th, polls put Begich 13 points in the lead. Astonishingly, it also revealed that two-thirds of
Alaskans believe Stevens to be at least as ethical as most politicians. This seems to prove that Alaskans do not care much about corruption, as long as their representatives keep the dollars flowing.
Source: 2008 Alaska Senate Debate reported in The Economist
Sep 4, 2008
Ted Stevens:
Calls secretly recorded by FBI played at corruption trial
Begich and Steven's haven't debated face-to-face yet, and two debates are scheduled for later this month. But with Stevens' trial underway in Washington, D.C., it's uncertain if they will meet in-person to debate. And while he is away at trial,
Stevens' own words are being used against him in the battle for the Senate.A new attack ad from Democrats uses some of the FBI's secret recordings that have been played at Stevens' trial. "Worst that can happen to us is we run a bunch of legal fees
and we might have to serve a little time in jail," said Stevens to former VECO CEO Bill Allen in a phone call recorded by the FBI.
At the Stevens' headquarters, they aren't too happy about the tone of the ad and are annoyed the Democrats are spending
about $1 million here to get Stevens out of office. "Alaskans are rejecting the ads," said a Stevens campaign spokesman. "If Mark Begich wants to keep this about the issues, he would stand up to these groups and say pull them off the air."
Source: 2008 Alaska Senate Debate reported on KTUU News
Oct 16, 2008
Tony Knowles:
Religious political beliefs are part of freedom of speech
Q: How would you feel if you walked into a church and heard a pastor endorse a candidate for governor?KNOWLES: Freedom of speech. I don't mind what is said from the pulpit. I also look at ways at which we can, to public policy, in a positive way,
bring religious beliefs. I did so with a subsistence summit that I held here in Anchorage. And I wanted to get beyond the stakeholders which for decade it seemed like had been fighting tooth and nail. So I [brought in] business leaders and religious
leaders. I think it's important to remember that kind of sense and understanding brought good public policy.
PALIN: A pastor, a priest, a rabbi, certainly they have the freedom to say whatever they want to say. And you know, thank the lord that we do
have that freedom of speech. Faith is very important to so many of us here in America, and I would never support any government effort to stifle our freedom of religion or freedom of expression or freedom of speech.
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: KAKM-7 with Michael Carey
Oct 25, 2006
Tony Knowles:
Raise the level of conversation in political debates
Palin told Knowles that his second term as governor turned into gridlock in part because of his design to put legislators "in a box" and render them ineffective.
Knowles responded by appealing to them to raise the level of the conversation.
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: AP coverage of public TV debate
Nov 3, 2006
Lisa Murkowski:
Bipartisanship: a good-faith effort to listen to one another
Q: Let's start with the infrastructure bill. How did that succeed where previous attempts at bipartisanship failed? MURKOWSKI: It came about because you had a small group of people that said, we need to get something done, rather than just send a
message. There was a good-faith effort to work through the hard things. Sometimes, when the going gets tough we retreat to the party messages. We listened to one another, gained an understanding, and said, the country needs this.
Source: CNN SOTU interviews on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Feb 6, 2022
Lisa Murkowski:
When the party says something wrong, I'll speak the truth
I'm not here to be the representative of the Republican Party. I'm here to be the representative for Alaskan people. And I take that charge very, very seriously. So, when there is a conflict, when the party is taking an approach or saying things that
I think are just absolutely wrong, I think it's my responsibility, as an Alaskan senator speaking out for Alaskans, to just speak the truth.
Source: CNN SOTU interviews on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Feb 6, 2022
Mike Dunleavy:
Supreme Court should decide 2020 election, but accepts Biden
Dunleavy supported the Texas lawsuit that tried in December 2020 to get the Supreme Court to overturn Biden's victories in four states. When asked in December 2020--a month after television networks unofficially declared Biden the winner--how he would
manage Alaska's relationship with "President-elect Biden," Dunleavy said that "I'm not there yet, that there's a new president." He added that there was an "outside chance" that there would be a Biden administration--though, in fact, that was
overwhelmingly likely."If there is any suspicion of fraud, which there is, that really needs to be looked into. That really needs to be investigated," Dunleavy said, though there was no evidence at the time of widespread fraud that could have changed
the outcome. "That really needs to be determined, I think by the courts, that if it does exist, then it needs to be rectified. If it doesn't exist, then that needs to be proven as well."
Source: CNN on 2020 Election Denial in 2022 Alaska Governor race
Sep 9, 2022
Pat Chesbro:
Make this world a more inclusive place
I will join with our marginalized persons, no matter the color of their skins, their country of origin, or their
LGBTQ+ identities, in making this world a more inclusive place."Our diversity is our strength. We must not only tolerate, but also respect those with different backgrounds, traditions, and world views."
Source: 2022 Alaska Senate campaign website ChesbroForAlaska.com
Oct 7, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023