Alaska Politics Blog

This is the place to talk about Alaska politics, state, local, national. Public life in the Last Frontier has never been more interesting -- Sarah Palin, a new governor, a new Anchorage mayor, the political corruption investigation, 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.


Erika Bolstad

Erika Bolstad covers Alaska issues, including the congressional delegation, from Washington, D.C., for McClatchy Newspapers. Before joining the bureau in 2007, she spent seven years as a reporter at the Miami Herald, where she covered politics, government and the state legislature. E-mail Erika at ebolstad@adn.com.

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

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Sarah Palin

Follow the former Alaska governor's actions as she embarks on life outside of office.

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Alaska political corruption

The FBI raided state legislature offices in Aug. 2006, and the fallout since has been epic in Alaska's political world.

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Begich pushes to limit corporate contributions; Alaska campaign finance regulators wait for direction - 2/5/2010 11:14 am

Palin e-mails show Todd Palin was active participant in administration (Updated with how to search) - 2/5/2010 7:57 am

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Democrats: Alliance ads on oil taxes "dishonest" - 2/2/2010 12:49 pm

Millett files bill to lower oil taxes - 1/29/2010 6:43 pm

Sitka Assembly member: Kookesh also pressured that city - 1/29/2010 10:12 am

Push in Legislature to oppose Cook Inlet beluga habitat plan - 1/27/2010 12:33 pm

Sealaska CEO: unfortunate that media is focusing on Kookesh controversy - 1/26/2010 6:02 pm

Democrats protest Cohen's removal from cruise science panel - 1/26/2010 1:40 pm

Chenault wants to use permanent fund earnings for in-state gasline - 1/25/2010 12:03 pm

Oil industry launches ad campaign calling for oil tax reduction - 1/25/2010 11:18 am

New Wheeler report - 1/24/2010 8:46 am

Judge sides with Palin on emails - 1/22/2010 4:54 pm

Leg. ethics dings Cowdery - more than a year after he pleaded guilty in court - 1/22/2010 9:06 am

Wielechowski and McGuire: fund Susitna dam and Chakachamna - 1/21/2010 7:07 pm

Galvin:oil industry jobs and investment up but drilling down - 1/21/2010 3:49 pm

Begich: Allow 2009 tax credit for 2010 Haiti donations - 1/21/2010 3:22 pm

Murkowski remarks on EPA regs - 1/21/2010 12:24 pm

Palin's comments on first grandchild

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From Kyle Hopkins in Anchorage --

The governor's office just sent out this statement:


Governor Sarah Palin Welcomes Her First Grandchild

December 31, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin has welcomed her first grandchild, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, born to Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston on December 27.

“We are over the moon with the arrival of this healthy, beautiful baby,” Governor Palin said. “The road ahead for this young couple will not be easy, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Bristol and Levi are committed to accomplish what millions of other young parents have accomplished, to provide a loving and secure environment for their child. They are both hard workers, they’re very strong, and have faith they’ve made the right decision in setting aside their own interests to make this child their highest priority.”

Palin added, “When Bristol and Levi first told us the shocking news that she was pregnant, to be honest, we all at first looked at the situation with some fear and a bit of despair. Isn’t it just like God to turn those circumstances into such an amazing, joyful blessing when you ask Him to help you through?”

Bristol Palin said she “obviously discourages” teen pregnancy and knows that plans she previously made for herself will now forever be changed. “Teenagers need to prevent pregnancy to begin with – this isn’t ideal. But I’m fortunate to have a supportive family which is dealing with this together. Tripp is so perfectly precious; we love him with all our hearts. I can’t imagine life without him now.”

Bristol begins her final semester of high school next week where she’ll get her last credit needed to graduate. She looks forward to continuing her record of good grades and high achievement. Levi is continuing his online high school work in addition to working as an electrical apprentice on the North Slope.

Bill McAllister, the governor’s office communications director, adds: "The governor's office previously declined to comment to honor the family's wishes that the event remain as private as possible. However, the high volume of press inquiries, along with some erroneous information that was published, prompted the governor to make a statement.


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