Mark Begich on Principles & Values

	Mark Begich on Principles & Values Democratic Jr Senator

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

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

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

Served 10 years on Anchorage Assembly and 5 years as Mayor

Mark Begich is in his fifth year as mayor of Alaska’s largest city. Begich, the city’s first mayor born in Anchorage, is the son of Alaska’s third congressman, Nick Begich, whose airplane disappeared in the Gulf of Alaska during his 1972 re-election bid.

At age 26, Begich was first elected to the Anchorage Assembly where he served nearly 10 years. He was three times elected by his colleagues as chairman, the city’s second highest office.

Source: 2008 Senate campaign website, www.begich.com, “Bio” , Apr 4, 2008

Voted YES on confirming of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court.

Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee kicked off the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Nominee, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. In her opening statement, Judge Sotomayor pledged a "fidelity to the law:"

"In the past month, many Senators have asked me about my judicial philosophy. It is simple: fidelity to the law. The task of a judge is not to make the law--it is to apply the law. And it is clear, I believe, that my record in two courts reflects my rigorous commitment to interpreting the Constitution according to its terms; interpreting statutes according to their terms and Congress's intent; and hewing faithfully to precedents established by the Supreme Court and my Circuit Court. In each case I have heard, I have applied the law to the facts at hand."

Reference: Supreme Court Nomination; Bill PN506 ; vote number 2009-S262 on Aug 6, 2009