UPDATE: By now you've seen the debate or (hopefully) read our story.
Here are documents:
-- Click here for Binkley's transcript from Western Michigan
-- Click here for the Lathrop High letter
-- And here for an anonymous letter we received on the topic
John Binkley said today that Gov. Frank Murkowski questioned his education resume yesterday at a roundtable debate at KTUU Channel 2 – saying that Binkley didn’t graduate from Lathrop High in Fairbanks or attend Western Michigan University, as Binkley claims on his Web site.
(The debate airs today.)
Binkley’s camp says the accusations are baloney and that they can prove it.
Russ Kelly, Binkley’s spokesperson, added that Murkowski said he would publicly apologize if proved wrong.
And so he did, said John Tracy, the KTUU news director.
Binkley’s people provided a letter that seemed to prove Binkley received a diploma from Lathrop, and a transcript from Western Michigan. (He got an A in “Machining Metals,
Important warning about e-mails purporting to be from the adn.com staff.
9 October 26, 2006 - 5:37pm | swiftrivervets
Binkley Lied and Got Caught by Murkowski
Former gov candidate John Binkley won't be able to out-hustle the truth this time. And he isn't too bright either. How many candidates are dumb enough to post their miserable academic records on the internet? Binkley was never an Engineering student at Western Michigan University (even though he clearly states that he was in Engineering School on his web page). He took no Engineering courses anywhere, but wanted us to believe that he was like a qualified Engineer. Even in his debate, after being admonished by Frank Murkowski on tv, Binkley was still pitching his lie about being an Engineer. What a low life. As for his high school credentials, Frank Murkowski asked valid questions on tv. Its doubtful Binkley could produce a high school diploma, let alone a college degree in Engineering.
John Binkley is a so-called party man with the Republican Party, but the record shows strong leanings towards the Democrats. Complete with fundraisers for Tony Knowles and others like Bill Sheffield and Willie Hensley. So Binkley plays both sides. Well, that's also known as being a traitor.
So be happy we got rid of John Binkley. Remember, Binkley is still a man who never got elected to office anywhere except in the Bethel area of Alaska. And its doubtful he ever will get elected again.
flag this »
8 August 10, 2006 - 2:04pm | akpoliticalanimal
I finally watched the Debate
Yes, I'm a freak. I taped it. Tony Knowles was the winner of that debate. Actually it was a scream-a-thon and everyone looked bad. See my other post about Republicans who have lost their focus about what's important in favor of yelling at each other.
flag this »
7 August 9, 2006 - 2:19pm | fitch575
A travesty
After forcing myself to watch the full hour of last night's gubernatorial roundtable I can honestly say that no one won that debate. It left me even more perplexed on who to vote for as a republican.
flag this »
6 August 9, 2006 - 9:06am | thetrail
Signature
Another thing that may be noteworthy, is that Murkowski seemed to say he wouldn't sign the pipeline contract without the Legislature approving it.
-- Kyle
flag this »
5 August 9, 2006 - 8:26am | quixoticneophyte
It was *very* entertaining
Hopefully I can write a few more thoughts about this later, but I did think this was interesting. I wish they all didn't sit at that small table with the black background. I like the description of it as "claustrophobic."
Murkowski should not have worn that tie. When that striped pattern is on camera, it creates that constantly changing rainbow effect. Again, it could just be my screen...
flag this »
August 9, 2006 - 8:31am | JohnLocke
Murkowski was the best debater!
QuixoticNeophyte,
Murkowski was the best debater there. He was prepared and showed that he has leadership and experience. Even if you don't agree with him on everything, he is the only one who can get the gas line. He is also the only one who can beat Tony Knowles.
Binkley is a traitor to the party. He supported Knowles, and is just running because those dishonest polls say that Murkowski is vulnerable.
Palin is a good for nothing politician. She's just trying to grab as much power as possible and has absolutely no experience.
Mark my words, Murkowski should win, and he will.
John
flag this »
August 9, 2006 - 9:51am | QueenBee
ARE YOU SERIOUS?
Murkowski was terrible. He was yelling and interrupting. I can't say much more for Binkley. John Tracy lost total contol of the debate serval times,bceause Murkowski and Binkley were fighting like little kids, and it was Palin who seemed to be the moderator and the peace maker. It was intersting to see the cat-fight between Murkowski and Binkley. Palin truly shined. She was calm and knew her stuff. Murkowski was defensive and then pointing fingers at Binkley. GO PALIN.Thanks Murkowski for making that so easy. I have made my decision.
QB
flag this »
August 9, 2006 - 5:21pm | JohnLocke
YES, I'M SERIOUS - GO FRANK!!
QB,
Yes, I am serious. Frank is a wonderful governor. He should be reelected. Binkley is nice, but is an opportunist. Palin is just stupid.
If you support Palin, maybe you are just as stupid as she is.
John
flag this »
August 10, 2006 - 9:36am | QueenBee
Rudeness
There is absolutely no reason to call me stupid. If you are going to contribute then do it in a respectful way please. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. On a better note. Murkowski is almost the most disliked governor in the nation. There is one ahead of him I believe. So it's not just me that believes that.
QB
flag this »
August 9, 2006 - 7:37pm | lauriejo_6
FRANK, WONDERFUL ?
I have heard frank described many ways, by many different people, and wonderful was never one of the adjectives used. Sarah Palin has been described by every journalist, pundit, and gasbag, in this state and you're the first to proclaim her stupid. I think your comment says more about you then it does about her.
flag this »
August 9, 2006 - 7:08pm | julia_thorne
Umm... That was really rude
Hey John - Ummm... That was really rude. Most people here try to maintain a nice discussion usually about the issues and candidates.
Just try to be a little bit nicer next time! Thanks! :)
flag this »
4 August 9, 2006 - 6:59am | fsrjl
The best TV I've seen in a long time...
Whooeee! That debate was laugh-out-loud funny. I kept wanting to see what everyone was writing on their little tablets of paper. (Especially when the Gov. was writing in really big letters and circled it - emphatically - several times.) The moderator asked some tough questions, but he also could have done a better job trying to rein in some of the discussion. Still, it made for great TV.
flag this »
3 August 9, 2006 - 6:35am | quixoticneophyte
Come on Frank...
Is this the best that Frank can do?!? Question people's transcripts from years ago?
Binkley deserves better. Still, I hope that Sarah Palin will clean up his mess!
Enough is enough!
flag this »
2 August 8, 2006 - 9:25pm | lauriejo_6
Binkleys credentials.
Seems obvious one of murkowski's henchman or women, sent a anonymous letter to try and smear Binkley. They should have told the boss, because now he looks even more like an idiot. Face it, today's republican party is capable of anything. Maybe Palin can clean house in this state. I would start with randy ruedrich.
flag this »
1 August 8, 2006 - 3:36pm | akpoliticalanimal
He Only Got B in Golf?
What kind of Republican is he? I don't know that I'd want those mayor endorsements. They were losers for Frost.
flag this »