Walker-Mallott fundraiser reportedly brings in more than $40,000

Gov. Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott kicked off their reelection campaigns on Tuesday night in Anchorage at a fundraiser hosted the Atwood Mansion.

Campaign spokeswoman Lindsay Hobson said more than 250 people attended the event (though 125 individuals or couples co-hosted the event) and more than $40,000 was raised between the two candidates. The duo plan to run together on an unaffiliated ticket next fall, but they’ll both have to run separate campaigns through the primary process.

At this time, the incumbents only have Sen. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, as competition for the seat though there have been rumblings not everyone in the party is happy with his candidacy. Former U.S. Sen. Mark Begich and current state Sen. Bill Wielechowski have both toyed publicly with potentially running on the Democratic ticket, though Begich told his supporters to “keep your powder dry.”

The event focused plenty on bipartisanship and bringing together differing sides, with Walker and Mallott talking plenty about their mutual respect formed after the campaign and three years on the job.

Also Chena Hot Springs Resort owner Bernie Karl was reportedly at peak Bernie Karl during the event.

Here’s some photos courtesy of the campaign.