What was Murkowski talking about when he asked Binkley about unpaid taxes at last night’s debate? Stefan Milkowski, at the News-Miner, explains it in his story today:
“(Murkowski campaign manager Mike) Scott, at the news conference, criticized Binkley for supporting Knowles and for the refusal by his family’s riverboat business to enter into a lease with the state for a 1-acre parcel on the Chena River that the business uses.
Binkley acknowledged that the business has turned down multiple requests to enter leases, which would have required regular payments. He said the requests were unfair because the state does not levy fees equally among users across the state."
Click here to read the full story.
Meantime, if you're in Anchorage or Fairbanks, Amanda Coyne at the Press has a profile of Palin that includes more on the infamous Republican picnic.
Congressional Quarterly has a pretty lengthy analysis of Murkowski’s tenure here.
And, finally, my take on the debate last night was pretty short. The Juneau Empire's Elizabeth Bluemink has a comprehensive story here.
2 August 18, 2006 - 3:24pm | akpoliticalanimal
What a Snoozer!
Last night's debate was a total yawner. Sarah was sweaty, John looked like Howdy Doody and Frank looked like his head was going to blow off. No one said anything of consequence. EXCEPT Frank was the ONLY one who answered what they regret. The other two gave the most mamby pamby answers ever.
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August 19, 2006 - 11:24am | avery
Binkley Shined
John Binkley shined against "Sarah the Soundbite Drama Queen". Did you know that she has pages of "soundbites" that she brings to the table? I am serious! Wow --- and could she be any more dramatic? And Frank's just done.
Is anyone paying any attention? I can't believe that she's now bringing up Pt. Thompson. Did she even know about that issue prior to hearing John explain why it shouldn't be part of Gas Line contract with the Producers? Wow. I mean, come on people think about it. . .
John Binkley is poised, relaxed, doesn't need "cheatsheets" to articulate a clear intelligent answer. . .
And what's with Sarah NOT "taking a stand" on anything but not continuing to use that as her slogan? Is she going to take this long to make up her mind other important decisions? Why can't she just answer simple questions? Either you do, or you don't support a proposal. As the CEO of a multi billion $ entity you can't continue to waffle on important matters. . .
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August 19, 2006 - 1:37pm | akpoliticalanimal
Because her Handlers haven't given her the answer
that's why she sometimes doesn't have an answer and then later does. she's a sponge. listen to her take up the opinions of those talking around her. She is NOT a leader. Binkley--he didn't shine either. None of them did.
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1 August 18, 2006 - 12:01pm | tvaska
Alcohol Abuse
Not a single question about how Binkley's attitude of alcohol abuse in rural Alaska is totally wrong because who supports him are the many bootleggers in villages. Everyone knows prohibition doesn't work; and yet, the social and medical problems associated with alcohol and other substance abuse was not even a mention. The current system is broken and needs fixing.
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August 19, 2006 - 11:12am | avery
What?
Your message doesn't even make sense. Perhaps if you knew more about Binkley's accomplishments or had paid any attention to the piece you'd recognize that John Binkley was the pioneer of fighting the alcohol problems in rural Alaska.
John Binkley clearly has the most experience and is by far the most well-rounded candidate and IS the ONLY one of the three R's that can win in November against Knowles. So, you better get on board and don't waste your vote. Or maybe you are a Dem and don't want Tony to go down in November? Hmmm . . . . .
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August 18, 2006 - 2:52pm | northeastbear
Off base?
Hey the KTUU profile of Binkley discussed the great efforts John Binkley went fight for the FAS laws here in AK and he fought the boose boys in the capitol and he WON! looks like Palin's still failing. Smear away!
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