Mark Begich in Politico.com

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 Energy & Oil: Drill in the Arctic Ocean; drill in National Forests

"Even though Washington keeps trying to stop Alaska from developing our natural resources, I'm pushing for more oil drilling and mining because it means thousands of new jobs that you can raise a family on," he says in the 60-second spot, "and because it's our land, and we know best how to use it."

Begich began running radio ads early. Each ad presents him as an outsider fighting against the unpopular status quo in Washington. Previous topics include education reform and decrying the government shutdown.

Begich notes that he got the Forest Service to open up 11 new drill sites at Greens Creek and to expand the mine to keep it open for an additional 30 years. "And next year, Shell Oil is coming back to the Arctic Ocean, bringing new and upgraded drill ships so we can finally start drilling after decades of waiting," said Begich.

On Government Reform: Adviser to lobbying firms, but not interested in lobbying

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."

On Principles & Values: Created Northern Compass Group: consulting on Alaska issues

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.