The Trail : A blog on the 2006 Alaska governor's race by Kyle Hopkins

About the blog: The race to become Alaska's next governor is on and it's about to get muddy. Grab your boots and follow the Daily News along the winding campaign trail.

Contact: thetrail@adn.com

Blog : Alaska Politics

Happy trails - 11/8/2006 8:05 pm

Forty-two - 11/8/2006 8:01 pm

Election hangover - 11/8/2006 10:25 am

Tonight (updated) - 11/7/2006 12:18 pm

Full Moon - 11/6/2006 7:11 pm

Fishy photos? - 11/6/2006 12:08 pm

Smelly deal? - 11/5/2006 3:31 pm

Sunday best (part two) - 11/5/2006 3:18 pm

head-to-head

The latest Knowles ads all orbit around the issues of experience and the pipeline. The latest two are pretty direct – saying that Palin is too risky a bet for leading such a big project.

Click here for the one about poker chips, and here for the one with former DNR commissioner John Shively.

In fact, Palin’s experience has been at the forefront of the race for maybe the past two weeks, beginning with the questions about what meetings and forums she was or wasn’t attending.

The other campaigns, who think their candidates know their stuff better than Palin and need to make up ground, want to debate her as often as possible. Palin’s camp says they’ll get their chance. Today, they said they’re putting together a calendar for the public and the press to show the various head-to-head match-ups Palin will be attending over the next few weeks. (14 between now and the Election, says the Palin campaign, counting tonight’s health care forum.)

As for the Native corporation CEOs meeting last week, I was as surprised as anybody to read in The Ear the excerpt of Palin advisor John Bitney’s letter about why she didn’t attend.

(When we talked about the meeting last week, Palin spokesman Curtis Smith talked about Palin’s hectic schedule and the demands on her time, not preparedness. Today he said that statement was true then and now. Also: I accidentally referred to him as "Curtis Thomas" in a subsequent story. I'm sorry about that.)

Bitney said today that the letter was to a Native leader in response to a question about why Palin didn’t show. Here’s what the whole thing said:

Late on Friday, our campaign reviewed an email from Vicki Otte outlining the questions anticipated for a meeting on Tuesday with regional tribal organizations.

I printed off the questionnaire on Monday morning and saw that these questions appeared to be very in depth issues of state, federal and tribal Indian law. We do not know why we received such an extensive questionnaire so late just before the meeting. Sarah would have been prepared to discuss regional native corporation issues but as her issues coordinator I felt we needed more time for the complicated tribal issues if that was who the audience was to be.

On Monday afternoon, I recommended to Sarah that we cancel the appointment since there was no way we could do justice to the serious issues raised. Most questionnaires that come to our office – especially if they are as substantive as the questions prepared for this appointment – arrive here at least a week in advance.

Due to the nature of the questions and the issues raised, a thoughtful response time was needed to brief Sarah on these important and in depth issues. A message was left with Vicki Otte on Tuesday morning (approx. 8:30 AM) to let her now that Sarah wouldn’t make it.

The responsibility and the error of canceling this meeting are totally and solely mine. Our campaign has been wanting to open dialogue with the Alaska Native Regional Corporations and I am embarrassed that I did not inquire more before recommending a canceling of the appointment.

We did try to provide notification prior to the meeting.

If there are any further opportunities to meet with the regional corporations and open up a meaningful dialogue, I know Sarah recognizes their substantial contribution to Alaska’s economy and wants to work together. We will also provide a written response to the questionnaire.

I apologize for this mistake.

John Bitney, Issue Coordinator
Sarah Palin for Governor

  11     October 13, 2006 - 6:29pm | leslie

And the Negative Campaigning Continues

From the RGA.

The RGA continues to spend thousands on behalf of the "Frugal Candidate" Sarah Palin. Part of her grassroots campaign apparently includes a glossy mailer from the RGA to countless thousands of voters in Alaska.

It was my understanding that the RGA is not allowed to campaign for candidates after October 8th, but I have a call in to the APOC to check it out. It arrived in mailboxes today.

Sarah's "grassroots" campaign continues!!!

  October 17, 2006 - 7:43am | salo

RGA Ads

Grassroots indeed, and lacking originality. Anyone who has done some traveling during this campaign season has seen the same ad in other states -the message is the same - there's just different people walking backwards. However, on the bright side there is a new outcropping of bumper stickers that say "Enough is Enough - Vote Democratic".

  October 13, 2006 - 9:20pm | tlamb99503

Brochure

Leslie,

I got one.....

Are you saying that the RGA is paying for it directly?

  October 14, 2006 - 8:54am | leslie

The Disclaimer Says

Paid for by the RGA. Unless they're lying...

  October 14, 2006 - 9:43am | tlamb99503

Don't be so obscure

Thank You for the clarification.

I got an e-mail from a very close friend who is voting for your guy. The friend reads your post and tells me "see Sarah is taking money from the RGA."

While saying this referencing to a "glossy brochure" recieved yesterday along with his voter's guide.

The brochure is a "Thank You Alaska." I got the same brochure and I read your post and I am thinking, what is she talking about and how is this negative.

I am happy to say that the brochure does say Frugally paid for by the Palin campaign.

And I want to thank you for pointing out that Sarah did not pay for the brochure by the RGA.

Are we to expect you and Metcalfe coming out with the statement that she coordinated with the RGA on the mailer?

I did get a chuckle out the Times attack on the RGA.

Given the climate of the FBI investigations and your stance on the RGA and the poker chips (money) being pushed to Knowles, do you want to know what some people think when they see the commercial?

  October 14, 2006 - 10:20am | leslie

there are 2 brochures

one paid for by palin and one by the rga. sarah's is fluffy and pretty. the RGA's is negative on Tony and positive on Sarah. just like the tv ads.

  October 16, 2006 - 4:15am | sue_wright

R U forgetting the past??????

How much money has the Democratic party spent on Tonys ads in the past. APOC reports show it clearly. Starting in 1990 its clearly documented. You are opening a can of worms.

  October 13, 2006 - 6:39pm | marty2

today is October 13

Five days after Oct 8.

  October 13, 2006 - 6:44pm | leslie

Lucky 13 for Our Campaign

It was a good day on the Knowles Campaign. Right up until the illegal mailer arrived.

  October 16, 2006 - 4:17am | sue_wright

Explain how this is illegal

Explain how these are illegal ads, and how they differ from past campaigns when Tony had soft money pay for ads. (apoc 1990 - present)

  October 14, 2006 - 7:20pm | sue_wright

THE UNEXPLAINED

L-

Did I miss you explaining the spending issue or Maxcom in Davis or the $5,000.00 National Democratic donation???? Gosh, should I go back and do some research on spending during the Knowles Administration, or perhaps the reasons the gasline didnt get built during the time Mr. Knowles was in office.

Should we address the PERS and TERS issues that went unchecked for years during the Knowles Administration?? Its all documented you know.

$336,000 is alot of money to send directly outside when it could very well have been spent here. The Knowles Campaign sent at least that much to California, Boston and DC. And gosh if I remember right the National Democratic Party might have spent money here on every campaign of Tony's. Maybe some one should look into it..........

  October 16, 2006 - 8:01am | akisok2

The REAL unexplained...

... is how you can come up with this stuff. What does spending during the Knowles administration have to do with getting a gasline built? Your post makes no sense.

Unless of course you are drunk blogging (which is by far the best way to do it...) Then it ALL makes sense.

  October 15, 2006 - 11:19am | leslie

I didn't answer because

1. You don't make sense.
2. I have no idea what Maxcom is
3. Our money spent "outside" was used to buy tv time (in Alaska!)
4. The $5K was for database access with the ALASKA Democratic Party
5. A lot is ALWAYS two words. NEVER one.

  October 15, 2006 - 8:40pm | redpike

Please Explain

You state that "our money spent 'outside' was used to by tv time (in Alaska!)"

Now what exactly does that mean?

Part of the $336,000 was spent on ads (in Alaska!)?

Are they (your DC & Massachusetts consultants or whatever they are supposed to be)funneling the inside money they received from Knowles back to the inside?

Inside to outside then back inside........Hmmmm. Starting to smell fishy!!!

  October 16, 2006 - 10:08am | redpike

Still Waiting....

Leslie, You accuse Palin of ducking issues now please show how you are better and please answer my question.

  October 16, 2006 - 11:58am | leslie

Busy

Sorry, I don't have time to read the blog everyday. I get pretty busy. The money was used to buy our ad time on tv.

  October 15, 2006 - 9:00pm | opal

No doubt you and Sue

are looking into Palin's campain expenditures as closely? Trying to create an issue where is none? A little sleight of hand? Yes, because it deflects attention from meatier topics like Palin's meltdown in Girdwood with some union stewards or her absence meeting with the Native Corp CEO's--all due to unpreparedness? Boy, that gives me confidence in her.

  October 16, 2006 - 7:31am | wakeup

What did happen?

Since the Anchorage Daily News has its reporters on far more impactful, important issues such as, um... well... feline ownership spats and the like, there has been precious little reporting on the governor's race (for shame). Pray tell, what did happen in Girdwood at Palin's meeting with union leaders? I've seen this meeting/meltdown referenced on numerous blog entries but don't know what occurred. Does anyone know?

  October 16, 2006 - 8:41pm | opal

I heard

Knowles and Palin were guest speakers at the Shop Steward Leadership conference in Girdwood. Once Knowles began speaking Palin realized the event wasn't what she thought it was. Caught off guard and unprepared she was heard bawling out a staffer over the phone. Apparently when it was her time to speak, Palin composed herself and made it through her speech. Anyone else have more details??

  October 16, 2006 - 8:11pm | christineofkodiak

I have asked the same question

I asked the same question last week. Nobody responded.

  October 16, 2006 - 10:17pm | justintime

Meltdown at IBEW

Reportedly Palin expected 15-20 people at a meeting and when she showed up and there were 200 she went into the restroom, screamed at her staff, and burst into tears. My friends in attendence were not impressed at all, and they were undecideds.

  October 17, 2006 - 1:01pm | akisok2

That is the same report...

... I got from my IBEW friends who were at the event. And like your firends, mine were very unimpressed.

  October 16, 2006 - 4:19am | sue_wright

Look at the APOC records

Look at the APOC records yourself. I am just pointing out what's in the reports.

  October 15, 2006 - 9:06pm | redpike

Still waiting...

Leslie, who is a Knowles campaign spokeswoman, stated it. I just want a clarification. You are pretty defensive about the question. Do you know the answer?

  October 15, 2006 - 7:42pm | sue_wright

TONY SPENT $374,000.00 OUTSIDE ALASKA

YOUR CAMPAIGN ELECTED TO SPEND 43% OF TOTAL CONTIBUTIONS OUTSIDE THE STATE OF ALASKA. ARE YOU FOLLOWING ME NOW???????

Now I will do this s l o w.

The 30 day APOC report from the Knowles Campaign had two expenditures in Davis California.

The business name was left blank (without information or incomplete)The address for the expenditure was 712 5th Suite G Davis California.

A business named MAXCOM leases space at 712 5th Street Davis California. Suite G I believe. Took a bit of time to figure out who occupied the address, but it was done.

D A V I S

C A L I F O R N I A

The APOC form says its for phone research. Another fine service provided right here in Alaska.

Amazing thing, one can buy media right here in Alaska, Anchorage I think. Did they produce the commercials too. That is still money that went outside first and did not turn over 7-10 times in the local economy.

The conclusion is the Knowles Campaign chose to spend money outside when it could have been spent in Alaska. Now do you understand?

I do understand ***a lot***, but I have a little disability that is getting worse and it affects my typing. Something I don't share unless someone gets personal. Perhaps you would like that explained publicly too.

Fortunately I work for a kind boss compassionate enough to understand my problem. Its out of line to paint as corrupt or a bastard. He is the nicest person I have worked for in the Legislature or otherwise, and he doesn't deserve any grief over a stupid joke.

And its not funny, it wasn't funny the first time I heard it and it's not funny now. It was taken out of context. Thanks to you everyone knows who I am and where I work. It would be easy to hide behind a blog name, but I have every right to have a personal opinion. Unless you have a problem with it.

Now if theres something here you dont understand call me. Either that or lay off the personal attack and keep it on the campaign and facts you can verify.

  October 15, 2006 - 9:01pm | alaskastraightalker

Look at Y O U R employer's APOC reports

Before you criticize other people, why don't you tell us what an examination of your employer's APOC report shows? He got at least $3,000.00 from Veco executives in 2006 alone.

Furthermore, the contributions from Bill Allen and Pete Leathrod (sic)- hopefully not a misspelling to throw APOC off the scent- do not disclose- in an apparent violation of the law- that their employer is Veco. Shame on you for not making sure your employer's report complies with the law before criticizing someone else's legally reported expenditures. Please get that fixed before someone files a complaint with APOC.

Mark Foley, Jack Abramoff, and Ralph Reed are nice compasionate people too. It's ethics that counts. They didn't understand that- and that's why they will probably be behind bars soon.

Why don't you start a campaign that keeps all legislators and their staff from flying out of state on junkets, when there are plenty of qualified Alaskans on whom, and wonderful locations from Barrow to Ketchikan where, you and your bosses could spend state money. Make sure that no out of state consultants and attorneys are hired by the legislature when there's plenty of the same in Alaska!

Or do is it just more fun for you and your bosses to spend our money in London and Las Vegas?

Finally, why don't you tell us why PALIN- your candidate- WANTS OUR DAUGHTERS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF RAPE OR INCEST TO BE FURTHER VICTIMIZED by the state. That is certainly a change to look forward to!

I hope you and your husband don't have any young (or older) daughters. They are in trouble if Plain gets elected.

ps Like your boss, I think the Corrupt Bastard Club thing is funny. I'm waiting for the punchline (aka indictments). HAHAHAHAHA

  October 16, 2006 - 4:52pm | redpike

Been waiting for someone

to go off the deep end. Would have bet on you. Rape? Incest? Daughters in danger? The radical left can't keep hiding as the election comes closer and closer and Tony still is behind. Look out for the next three weeks!!!!!

Next time you need to shout -HALLIBURTON!!!

  October 16, 2006 - 8:07pm | akisok2

What's the connection...

... between Halliburton and the November election? I mean here in Alaska, not the rest of the country. Do you know something that none of us knows?

  October 16, 2006 - 4:29am | sue_wright

I don' think the CBC is

I don' think the CBC is funny, just a bad joke, and he didn't tell it. I could attack your employer but I choose not to. Tony has received money from special interests to the extent I tired of writing it down. While I am laid up the next couple of days I can figure it out. But its more fun sending people to APOC to read everthing in the reports. My boss has nothing to hide, but perhaps you do.

The message is still clear.

Tony had his chance.

He didn't get the pipeline done.

He, or his exempt hires put children in peril.

And its time for a change.

Time for someone who remembers who she works for, Alaskans.

Its time for Sarah Palin.

  October 15, 2006 - 11:53am | lauriejo_6

Remember Leslie

Always log in as Sportsfan before you give commentary on the proper usage of English. Thanks.

  October 15, 2006 - 12:25pm | AlaskaSportsFan

Not "Leslie"

I'm a man. I was born here and I like sports - so AKSportsFan. I'm not Mr. Knowles' campaign manager.

Unlike "Leslie" I don't think it's rude to correct people's grammar/spelling in public. We all make typos, but unlike this site in life we're all judged on how we write and I think it's a kindness to correct people so they can learn. And some people here need to learn A LOT!

  October 15, 2006 - 12:07pm | leslie

I'm Not Sportsfan

But I am a former 8th grade English teacher and the ALOT issue is a major pet peeve of mine. I'm not the best typer or capitalizer, but alot kills me.
Believe me, I don't have enough time to log in as someone else. and it's kind of freeing to log in as me.

  October 15, 2006 - 12:21pm | leslie

Irregardless

My other major pet peeve. But, it is rude to correct grammar in public and I shouldn't fall for that. So irregard my ALOT comments please!

  October 14, 2006 - 10:05pm | alaskastraightalker

THE EXPLAINED

Maybe someone should look into...

what you and other Republican staffers in the Alaska Legislature knew about what your bosses did for Veco money this year during the PPT debate....

what you and other Republican staffers did to make sure your bosses never investigated any "consulting" contracts routinely received by Alaskan legislators...

why you and and other Republican staffers never did anything about PERS; is it because you are covered by its great benefits, and didn't want to rock the boat?

why you don't say anything about Outside money from the RGA- whose sources include corrupt individuals like Jack Abramoff, Ralph Reed, Tom Delay, and others-funding the Palin campaign....

why you don't say anything about corruption chair Ruedrich keeping $25,000.00 in Veco money in Republican Party accounts, while putting similar amounts into Palin's campaign. Is that called laundering?

Gosh, I gotta go and do some more research......on the Sue Wright/Republican "More of the Same" Gang. The Blame Game sure is fun.

  October 16, 2006 - 4:58am | sue_wright

By the way, staff has no

By the way, staff has no authority to investigate consulting contracts. That is the Ethics Committee purvue. PERS and TERS is administered by the Governor and his Commissioner of Administration.

Jack Abramoff, Ralph Reed and Tom Delay are in DC, not in Juneau.

I am not privy to any VECO funding of the Republican party. I am sure APOC reports show it if it exists.
APOC also clearly shows all the special interest money Tony has received since 1990. Its too much to add without an excel file.

So both of us know you seem to have a personal issue with me. If thats the case give me a call. I am not hiding behind a blog name, although I know who you are. I have a very long memory, and refuse to launch a personal attack against a blogger. You are entitled to your opinion and so am I.

The difference is I don't make inferences, my blog is backed with clear facts which can be verified by APOC reports, and records left in Tony's Administration. Period.

  October 15, 2006 - 8:01pm | sue_wright

Check Tonys APOC Reports

Tony received thousands of dollars from VECO. In 1990 alone.

It is not staffers jobs to address PERS and TERS. In the event you don't know the administration is responsible for the oversight of the retirement accounts. The Knowles Administration did not oversee and verify very well. PERS and TERS was a problem throughout the 1990's. The legislature had no authority to administer the retirement system. Directors were hired by the Governors Commissioner. And I do believe if you look at the 1990 APOC reports for Tony Knowles a number of Republicans you have mentioned donated to his campaign. Do better research.

I was still a registered D at that time. I have a long memory.

The message is still the same.

Tony had his opportunity. Now lets vote for someone who remembers who she works for, Sarah Palin.

  October 15, 2006 - 8:36pm | opal

Can't find and issue? Make one up

Palin recieved more from VECO during her run for Lite Gov than Knowles did during his last run for Gov. And you say you have a long memory. Your message is still the same vote for Palin because its "her turn" not for any specific reason, but because. I think Palin remembers who she works for--Sarah Palin.

  October 16, 2006 - 4:35am | sue_wright

LOOK at APOC ask for records

Add all the years since 1990 and tell me what you get. Tony has received more special interest money without even considering VECO. It will be interesting to see the report to be filed at the end of the month. APOC reports do not lie. Look and post a total from any group you chose. Tony has so many. And the money adds up quick. He is the sum of contributions of special interest. Lots of it.

And now its time for change. A look to someone who will remember who elected her. Who reponds to Alaskans. Sarah Palin, a governor to lead us into a good stable future. She has a stake in our future, her family, her children.

  10     October 13, 2006 - 4:30pm | bmcdaniel9

Did Martin Buser Move?

I just got a brochure in the mail from Ms. Palin. The Page 2 headline is "On The Level With Alaskans." Ironically, on the back is a photo of Martin Buser and his quoted statement that includes: "She was our city council member and mayor for a total of 10 years . . ." When, if ever, did Martin move his home from Big Lake into the City of Wasilla?

  October 13, 2006 - 8:23pm | arajack

Did Todd leave BP?

I normally would have no concern about, and be none of my business, who Todd Palin is employed by. Truly happy for him to have good employment, and wish good will for him and his family. In all articles I can find indicate he is or was? a production operator for BP. Now he is listed as a "North slope worker". (just the common working man, of course) His wife wants to be the Governor, the person to negotiate billons with BP. Obviously it is true that Todd works on the slope, but are we told the whole truth? On the level.

  October 13, 2006 - 4:40pm | akisok2

Just like...

... the way Sarah lists PTA as one of the organizations to which she belongs yet everyone else on the PTA says that she has never even shown up for a meeting.

Oh wait -- not showing up for meetings is what she's good at...

  October 13, 2006 - 8:00pm | justintime

well...

I think not showing up is a heck of a lot better then showing up, pitching a fit, and crying in the ladies room. Maybe Palin disagrees though...

  9     October 13, 2006 - 9:14am | metanoia2k

IF SHE IS GOVERNOR SHE WON'T ALWAYS HAVE 'TIME TO PREPARE'

...how well can you think on your feet?

It is very relevant that Candidate Palin seems to be 'cherry picking' her appearances.

If a candidate doesn't know all the answers, that's okay. People are very accomodating to candidates who say they don't know something, but show an interest in the subject and provide a general response while promising 'to get back' on that issue.

It is critically important to show up. That is a matter of showing 'respect'.

I feel sorry for Sarah. I think she is getting some lousy advice from a gaggle of advisors who think that the campaign is all about 'looking good' or image control.

Sarah should follow her instincts and her heart and ignore all the clammoring voices vying for her attention.

  8     October 13, 2006 - 9:10am | disenchanted01

Where were "they" last night?

None of the gubernatorial candidates showed up at the big "prison location" meeting in Wasilla last night. The largest ($320 MILLION PLUS)construction project in the valley in years, and not one of them came to hear what was said. The next governor is likely to sign dozens of laws increasing penalities and prison sentences, one would think the candidates would have just a little interest in this incredibly expensive and expansive project. The prison population in Alaska has doubled since the 90's, as have the laws that incarcerate Alaskans for longer periods of time. Soon the cost of "corrections" in Alaska will rival the national debt. Our money would be better spent fine tuning our FAILING education system instead of banking Alaska's economic future on the incarceration of an increasingly high number of Alaskans. Building prisons is not economic growth, it is the boot of government falling on the heads of citizens. Not one of these candidates for governor had time for last night's meeting, but rest assured, who ever is elected will make sure more Alaskans go to prison and the cost of operating those prisons will fall directly on taxpayers. Crime and poverty go hand in hand, when will our silver spooned leaders figure that out? Economic development based on human misery is a real bridge to nowhere.

  October 13, 2006 - 5:43pm | Peggy_A

I know where the candidates were last night.....

East high school for the Alaska Public Employees Candidate Forum.

It was the first one I had attended during this election and what an eye opener it was.

I was embarrassed for Sarah Palin, she was out of her league and knew it. Instead of valid answers she offered advice from great grandma, or launched into a narrative that had no relevance to the question. I waited for her to redeem herself but after each question her voice got higher and her speech became more rapid. The crowd responded to her with silence and subdued clapping.
At the end she bolted for the exit as Tony and Andrew met with the crowd.

Tony Knowles did great, I liked his answers. He had the best answer to the question asked by a member of the audience about prescription medicines from Canada. He had a genuine smile throughout the night and seemed to be enjoying himself.

Andrew Halcro was exceptional. Truly exceptional. Beth Bragg’s article published in Wednesday’s paper was right on. Andrew exudes confidence, his responses are excellent he’s articulate, intelligent, and the audience loved him.

I’ve known Andrew since he was born, so my opinion might be considered biased to some. To them I say, just wait till you meet him.

  October 13, 2006 - 10:59pm | disenchanted01

oh sarah....

I'm afraid she may have been out of her league in Wasilla too, but she would have had plenty of company. It's very disappointing to think MatSu borough would under take a $320+ Million state prison project while its schools are crumbling, financially strapped, and resource poor. The proposed sites include land at the Glenn/Parks intersection next to Kepler Lakes, Mile 47-49 ParksHy, Knik-GooseBay, the current prison site at Sutton, and a parcel in Houston. It must be very important to Houston, Assembly person Betty Vehrs withdrew from the borough election at such a late moment there was no time for a replacement challenge to her sole opponent in the race. Bad timing or calculated move, voters might wonder. MSBorough policy is to get public input and then do whatever it wants. Can't wait to see what happens. I wonder if Palin will have any thing to say..

  October 13, 2006 - 7:33pm | mike_l

Help Wanted

it's been obvious for some time, but the gal needs some new handlers. She is not prepared and is getting bad advice.
It's only the third quarter and she keeps taking a knee -nursing the lead, instead of being proactive. Problem is, you need to get a first down every now and then so the other team doesn't have enough time to come from behind. Now the RGA sends out a mailer on her behalf? Good grief. There must be panic in the midst -because reason isn't prevailing...

  7     October 13, 2006 - 7:42am | twoolley

interesting...

The overall tone here is that everyone is quite upset by the fact that Palin did not show up for the meeting. If you were unprepared you wouldn't show either. Being part Yup'ik myself, there is so much to know, to learn of the dynamics of how such a native corporation should change within the present day. Of course we all know what Knowles stance is; obviously he's been here before. But the point is to give the lady a chance. All of you who like to pose opinions, wouldn't have the strength to get to her spot today- not even myself. So take some sympathy and look at all the well -round facts before judging...

  October 13, 2006 - 3:18pm | ilovelucy

She's getting her chance now.

If you were a teacher and your student didn't show up for the test, would you give her sympathy and accept her lame excuses? No, you'd give her an F. And you wouldn't let her take the test when she was good & ready.

If she's not prepared to answer a lot of questions important to Alaskans, why is she running for the biggest job in the state? We don't need someone who isn't prepared. It's too big a job, especially after the corrupt and incompetent job the current Republican governor is doing.

  October 13, 2006 - 5:32pm | heman

Elective

If she didn't show for an elective subject would she still graduate ?

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