I know this is going to sound like heresy given the times we Alaskans find ourselves, but there is a real public good argument to be made that its time the state of Alaska ran the presidential primaries.
Alaska Republicans will elect a new party chairman at their convention in Fairbanks, April 28-30. In the last two days two people have announced their candidacy to replace outgoing Chairman Peter Goldberg, who recently announced he would not be seeking re-election.
The Alaska Democratic Party (ADP) is very aware of this very human tendency. Their move this week to sue the state so they can change their party rules and let those who aren’t registered members of their party run on their primary ballot is a blatant attempt to use this fact to manipulate the system and make their candidates more electable.
The Alaska Democratic Party today announced the three names they are giving Gov. Bill Walker to replace former Rep. Max Gruenberg. Governor Walker will have 30 days from the date of the vacancy to make his appointment. He does not have to choose one of the three candidates nominated by the Democratic Party. His choice will have to be approved by the House Democrats.
Good job to Liz Raines of KTVA for challenging leaders the way journalists should.
The Alaska Democratic Party (ADP) announced today they have filed suit in Superior Court in Juneau to overturn the Lt. Governor’s decision denying their application to open their primary ballot to independent candidates.
Max Gruenberg’s Widow Announces She Is Seeking To Replace Him
The latest round of campaign finance disclosures are out, and they matter. A lot. Candidates, parties, and flacks are all full o’ bluster and spin about their campaigns and their performance, but pesky statutorily-required campaign finance reports give citizens an unspun window into exactly where things stand. No one can hide from the numbers. They are cold, precise, and ultimately unflinching. To paraphrase the great football coach Bill Parcells, you are what your fundraising numbers say you are.
Your Saturday Funny In Alaska Politics
Here is a statement from the Alaska Democratic Party detailing how those interested in applying to replace Rep. Max Gruenberg in the state legislature can go about it.