Alaska Politics Blog

This is the place to talk about Alaska politics, state, local, national. Public life in the Last Frontier has rarely been more interesting -- a full slate of federal and state elections, the influence of former Gov. Sarah Palin, the usual hardball Alaska politics. Come here for news, tidbits and information, and join the discussion. We encourage lively debate, but please keep it civil and stay on point. Don't use profanity, make crude comments or attack other posters. Posts that violate the Terms of Use will be deleted. Repeat offenders will lose their ability to post comments.

Sean Cockerham

Sean Cockerham writes about Alaska state politics. He's worked for the ADN in Anchorage and Juneau, covered the legislature for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, and covered Washington state politics for the Tacoma News Tribune. E-mail Sean at scockerham@adn.com

Kyle Hopkins

Kyle Hopkins covers rural affairs, general assignments and politics for the ADN. He covered the 2006 campaign for governor, has blogged extensively about Alaska politics, covered Anchorage city government and was a reporter based in the Mat-Su. He grew up in Southeast Alaska and previously wrote for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and Anchorage Press. E-mail Kyle at khopkins@adn.com and also find him on our rural Alaska blog, The Village.

David Hulen

David Hulen, the ADN's state and local news editor, is responsible for political coverage. He has been an editor and reporter at the ADN for more than 20 years. E-mail David at dhulen@adn.com

SECTION

Alaska political corruption

When the FBI raided state legislature offices in Aug. 2006, it publicly launched an investigation that ultimately reached the highest levels of Alaska politics, and continues to this day.

Video: Sheffield, Sullivan on Honeman's fundraising calls - 1/11/2012 7:11 pm

Sullivan proposes killing I/M program six months early - 1/11/2012 11:44 am

Mayoral candidate accuses Sullivan of 'cronyism' over consulting contract - 1/6/2012 9:54 am

Two finalists for Anchorage school superintendent's job announced - 12/15/2011 9:38 am

Murkowski has "great concerns" about Obama consumer watchdog pick - 12/6/2011 3:36 pm

Lisa Murkowski wants investigation of why feds won't prosecute Bill Allen on sex charges - 11/28/2011 12:03 pm

Palin: I'm not running for president (Updated with video) - 10/5/2011 2:50 pm

Elections round-up: Taxes and bonds, plastic bags and politicians - 10/5/2011 10:49 am

Statement from ATF on Wasilla church fire (Updated)

This was issued this morning from the Seattle field office of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Below is a statement put out Monday afternoon from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

Updated news story here.

ATF JOINS CHURCH ARSON INVESTIGATION

WASILLA, Alaska. – Acting Special Agent in Charge Douglas R. Dawson, Seattle Field Division, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) today announced that agents from the Anchorage Field Office joined the Wasilla Bible Church arson investigation.

On December 13, 2008 the Central Mat-Su Fire Department and the Alaska State Fire Marshals Office contacted ATF Anchorage Field Office and requested assistance in investigating the fire that occurred on December 12, 2008. The on-site investigation revealed an ignitable accelerant that had been poured on and around the exterior of the church in multiple locations, to include the entrances and exits. Evidence recovered from the fire scene was collected and retained by members of the Alaska State Crime Laboratory. The initial damage to the structure is estimated at about $500,000.00. No injuries have been reported.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has been known to attend this church in the past. Governor Palin and her family attended the church the Sunday before her selection as the Republican Vice-Presidential Candidate.

"ATF will continue to work diligently alongside our local partners and will make every effort to find the person/s responsible for this fire”, stated Acting Special Agent in Charge, Douglas R. Dawson. “Most importantly, there were no injuries or deaths related to this incident ".

This is an ongoing, joint investigation with the Central Mat-Su Fire Department, the Anchorage Fire Department, the Wasilla Police Department and the State Fire Marshals Office.

***
From the Mat-Su Borough:

Federal ATF says accelerant poured on church

MAT-SU–The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said an accelerant had been poured on and around the outside of the Wasilla Bible Church in multiple places, including the entrances and exits, according to an ATF news release today.

Evidence that could help determine the type of accelerant that was recovered from the fire scene is being examined by the state crime lab. Results could be returned within two weeks.

On Friday Dec. 12, when the fire started five women were inside the 35,314 square-foot church on Nicola Ave. behind Burchell High School. Responders were dispatched at about 9:40 p.m. Friday. Temperatures were below zero. No one was injured. One woman said their vehicles were plainly visible near the main adult entrance where fire began.

"It's an open investigation. As soon as possible, we'll update you on the results," said Fire Chief James Steele, who was the Incident Commander on the fire."

The church is attended by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her family. The church appeared in national press during her campaign for Vice President. Borough Mayor Curt Menard, and three state Legislators are also members.

"There is no information that the fire was politically motivated," Steele said.

Initial estimates indicate about $1 million in damage to the metal-framed building,which is valued at $4 million to $5 million dollars.

© Copyright 2011, The Anchorage Daily News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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