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.
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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
'It's going to be madness' - 11/4/2006 8:33 pm
Final push - 11/4/2006 8:26 pm
Ivan Moore - 11/4/2006 1:45 pm
Furrowed brow - 11/3/2006 2:20 pm
New poll (updated) - 11/3/2006 2:00 pm
Berkowitz - 11/3/2006 10:29 am
Predict the future - 11/2/2006 10:53 pm
Live debate (updated 9:37 p.m.) - 11/2/2006 8:19 pm
More on the e-mails - 11/2/2006 7:14 pm
Channel 7 debate (updated) - 11/2/2006 7:12 pm
Round two - 11/2/2006 4:20 pm
Read the e-mails - 11/1/2006 9:45 pm
TV debate tonight (updated) - 11/1/2006 11:02 am
Anchorage Rotary debate - 10/31/2006 4:58 pm
Posted by thetrail
Posted: November 4, 2006 - 1:45 pm
Anchorage pollster Ivan Moore said today that Palin’s stance on issues like stem cell research, creationism and game management have been underplayed in this election, and that if Knowles loses it will have been a mistake not to focus on them more. Much of Knowles’ message has centered on his experience and his plans for a gas pipeline.
“Experience didn’t win the race for Binkley and Murkowski in the primary, did it?” he said.
As for Halcro, Moore said Halcro appeared to be pulling more votes from Knowles recently, and that there had recently been suggestions that Knowles should have looked to reach out to Halcro voters by telling them he would find a place for Halcro in his administration.
(Not long ago, I asked Halcro if he would take a job in either a Palin or Knowles administration. He said it would have to be a role in which he could make a difference - such as chief of staff.)
The Knowles campaign recently sent out an e-mail, criticizing Halcro’s stance on the gas line, the Longevity Bonus and veterans issues, among others. (“Halcro on veterans: AWOL”, reads one of the items.)
Halcro reacted with a press release saying: “I think this is clearly the sign of a campaign in trouble and confused about which way they should proceed.”
While Knowles spokeswoman Patty Ginsburg said yesterday that Halcro “is not in the game” in this election, she also said he hasn’t been subject to the same level of scrutiny as the other two candidates.
As for whether the e-mail criticizing Halcro was a sign of weakness, she said it’s important to note the medium they used - the Internet. “If we were desperate, we would do it in advertising.”
Mainly, Moore described the race as fairly fluid: “There’s all kinds of last minute second-thoughts that people could have. This isn’t a race where it’s pretty much set in stone.”
Incidentally, Moore has a bet with Rep. Don Young riding on Tuesday’s election. If Democrats take Congress, Young owes Moore a dinner, he said. If the Republicans retain control, Moore is paying the bill.
He also said he asked Palin a yes or no question on his radio show yesterday: Has she ever posted anonymously on this blog?
Palin replied that her staff won’t even let her read it, Moore said.
(Note: I just got off the phone with Jean Craciun, another pollster and researcher. I'll try and update with her take later tonight, plus others, if possible.)
17 November 5, 2006 - 11:33am | jaws
Look, on Tuesday morning the majority of voters in Alaska are going to black-in the oval for Sarah. Its not about Experience. Frank Murkowski had about 26 years of it and it cost him dearly in the end. Tony Knowles has a bundle of it too, but the toothy Ken-Doll is not longer popular with the majority of Alaskans. And its not about Money. John Binkley has a lot of it, but Alaskans don't want a liar and a fraud (not to mention a traitor to his own party). What ALaskans want is a complete change in leadership. They are willing to give Sarah Palin a shot at it, hoping that she will be a strong voice for integrity and for the little guys who aren't members of the usual social club. Sarah is a populist and will govern for the average Alaskan. That's it.
November 6, 2006 - 10:15am | jacekone
Don't be naive. Sarah has her own social club, you and I just don't know all of her members, yet. Her "integrity" will not last long. Do you really think she's the female "Mr. Smith goes to Juneau"?? Again, don't be naive. If elected, she has many political debts to pay. Furthermore, exactly which "little guy" is she for? Don't believe that because she is from a "little town" that she is for the "little guy." People like you give pubbies a bad name.
16 November 5, 2006 - 2:09am | christineofkodiak
Isn't there a new Ivan Moore poll circulating somewhere? What are Ivan's numbers?
15 November 5, 2006 - 1:57am | Black3
to tinfoil raining down for days when all the Moonbat heads explode.
14 November 5, 2006 - 12:09am | signwaver
do your homework before posting b.s. out of date numbers.
apology coming?
November 5, 2006 - 1:14am | Beachwriter
This...just in: Signwaver rides the shortbus
Get over yourself girlfriend!
www.rasmussenreport.com
I won't ask for an apology, I have more respect for myself.
13 November 4, 2006 - 11:49pm | alaskastraightalker
Palin skips Sitka; Newspaper endorses Knowles
Have you seen the endorsement in Friday's Daily Sitka Sentinel? It speaks for itself.
"Our choice for governor in Tuesday's election is Tony Knowles.
"His proven leadership and his record of high-principled administration in his previous two terms more than qualify him for a return to the governor's office.
"The contrast between this candidate and his Republican opponent could hardly be greater. We know where Knowles stands on revenue sharing, early childhood education, subsistence, the state ferry system. His record as governor speaks for itself.
"Since before the August primary we have been waiting for the opportunity to ask Sarah Palin her views on these and other issues, but she never showed up.
"That's right. She never showed up. Her campaign never responded to the Sentinel's voice mail message requesting a phone interview. We heard after the fact that she got off the plane at the airport for a few minutes one day during a flight from Ketchikan to Anchorage. That was the extent of her personal campaigning in Sitka.
"That could mean any of a number of things: she doesn't care about the Sitka vote, she doesn't want to answer questions about Sitka issues, or she thinks she has the Sitka vote sewed up.
"We are left with what we have gathered from her tissue-thin resume - mayor of a town smaller than Sitka and a few months in a $122,000 patronage job - and the generalizations and happy talk that have characterized her statewide campaign.
"Not everyone believes, as we do, that the sun rises and sets on Sitka. But we do expect any candidate seeking statewide office for the first time to do us the courtesy of telling us where they stand on issues of importance to us.
"For example, as governor would Ms. Palin appoint a qualified expert to run the ferry system? With the disastrous mismanagement of the system by former Sen. Robin Taylor an ongoing affront, we believe that would be a fair question. Ms. Palin's record as Wasilla mayor, from what we have learned from reliable sources, offers scant comfort on that count.
"If Alaska is to return to the principles of sound, progressive social and fiscal policies, which have been so soundly abused by the Frank Murkowski administration, it would be foolish indeed to settle, as so many voter have indicated they will, on a candidate whose platform consists of "Trust Me." Murkowski got away with it four years ago, and we are appalled at the prospect that it could be happening again.
"All indications are that the outcome on Tuesday will be close. The Sitka vote could make the difference. Tony Knowles knows where we are and what we need, and he deserves all the support Sitka can give."
November 6, 2006 - 10:21am | jacekone
An interview on Sitka issues would have required Sarah to actually think, and thus far, this candidate has shown little evidence of that type of activity. She would rather flash a smile and talk about the "constitution", which is on par with campaign tactics used by the the average high schooler running for student council.
Where are the fresh ideas to accompany the oh-so-fresh-face? (Hint, there are none).
12 November 4, 2006 - 11:46pm | alaskastraightalker
I heard that Palin mailer on Alaska fishery issues prominently features a photo of CANADIAN fishermen.
The mailer includes a picture of fishermen working in a wooden skiff off a rocky shoreline. The picture is of Canadian fishermen.
If Palin can't tell the difference between an Alaska and Canadian fishermen, how will she represent us in upcoming Pacific Salmon Treaty negotations. Knowles has a strong record representing Alaskan issues in treaty talks; will Palin be representing us, or Canada?
If Palin can't tell the difference between an Alaska and Canadian fishermen, how will she represent us in gasline negotations if it involves a Canadian route?
The photo can be found on the web site of a stock photo company, Alamy Images, and is titled “cod fishing west coast of Newfoundland.” The photo is available on the web at Alamy.com:
http://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?pv=1&n=NaN&imageid={C711A8CA-E99B-4733-A914-90C3069D1F78}&Stamp=2&srch=qt%3Dcod%2Bfish%2Bnewfoundland%26lic%3D7%26ipn%3D1%26apn%3D1%26cpn%3D1%26cdpn%3D1%26cdsrt%3D0%26pn%3D1%26st%3D0%26a%3D%2D1%26cid%3D%26s1%3D0%26s3%3D0%26s5%3D0%26s7%3D0%26cn%3D%26cdid%3D%26cdn%3D
11 November 4, 2006 - 11:39pm | Beachwriter
Rasmussen Report released Nov 3, 2006
Alaska Survey of 500 Likely Voters
Conducted October 29, 2006 by Rasmussen Reports
Alaska Governor:
Palin Lead Dwindles to Two Points
Palin (R) 42%;
Knowles (D) 40%
Halcro (I) 12%
Republican Sarah Palin
Alaska's gubernatorial race has grown more competitive. Republican Sarah Palin now leads Democrat Tony Knowles 42% to 40% (see crosstabs). Twelve percent (12%) prefer "other," which in this poll would most likely be Independent candidate Andrew Halcro.
With leaners added to the mix, it's Palin 45%, Knowles 44%.
Former Governor Knowles, trying to get his job back in a Republican-leaning state, caught an unlucky break when the unpopular incumbent lost the GOP gubernatorial primary to Sarah Palin this August. Polls showed Knowles both way ahead of the incumbent and way behind Palin. After winning the nomination, Palin zoomed out of the starting gate with a fourteen-point lead, about the same lead she had just before the primary.
But by October Knowles was lagging by just seven points. And now the race is a toss-up.
A couple days after Rasmussen Reports conducted the current survey, the two major-party candidates and Halcro met in one of the final debates of the campaign. As it has been throughout the campaign, a major theme was the natural gas pipeline in the works, and the oil and gas industry generally.
Knowles has shored up his base since August. He then had 89% of Democrats with him when he was matched up against the incumbent, Governor Murkowski. But Knowles attracted only 72% of Democrats in a match-up with Palin. In the current poll he draws 82% of fellow Democrats.
Palin attracts about the same number of Republicans now as she did then (70%). But she has lost her narrow advantage with unaffiliated voters, among whom her opponent now leads 46% to 28%.
Palin is viewed favorably by 65%, Knowles by 55%. Those numbers are about the same as they were in August. But Palin was then an unknown to 10%, now only to 3%; her unfavorable numbers have increased a bit.
November 5, 2006 - 12:01am | lwilson
At least post the latest results. Palin 48/Knowles 43
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2006/governor/ak/alaska_governor_race-68.html Conducted 2 nov 06
10 November 4, 2006 - 8:14pm | coldstrings
Where does right-wing extremism take us? It is a mixture of religion and politics, force fed into government and families, and resulting in exactly the sort of divisiveness, tension, fighting, and gridlock of which we Alaskans are so weary.
9 November 4, 2006 - 6:32pm | rfn
Quiet desperation is, well, sorta cute.
But when it becomes frenetic (see long string of same-theme posts below) it suggests a sort of monomania has set in.
I do think attributing any of that to an orchestrated campaign by an actual candidate would be grossly unfair.
But not impossible?
8 November 4, 2006 - 6:32pm | celtic_diva_ak
Wake up and smell the special interest...
I've been screaming for months about the fact that Board Members of Alaska Right-to-Life are in leadership positions within Ms. Palin's campaign, as well as writing and directing some of the PR that is downplaying their own involvement.
When a big chunk of Alaska-Right-to-Life can be seen standing on street corners in the cold waving Palin signs, don't you think that they'll be expecting some serious payback?
She's dangerous...her impulsive demand for Randy Ruedrich's resignation on the heals of her primary victory proves that she allows her opinions and feelings to easily overwhelm good sense.
That should concern those uninformed "independent" voters who are voting for that smile.
November 4, 2006 - 9:45pm | jmcgaughran
HOW CAN SOMEONE WHO IS "PRO-LIFE" BE THE ONLY CANDIDATE WHO ALSO - WOULD SUPPORT A "DEATH PENALTY"...?? OH, SORRY, GUESS PALIN CANNOT MAKE UP HER MIND ON WHAT SHE "REALLY" MEANS..
November 5, 2006 - 12:10am | fbks_girl
how can someone who tells us that the government should stay out of our lives then tell us she'd sign into law something that has the government storm into the room when I'm having a conversation with my doctor about what to do with my body? Someone explain that one to me. Bottom line- the only reason Sarah Palin is a viable candidate right now, and not written off as a fanatical right-wing nut, is because she has a pretty face and a likeable demeanor. Geez, even most Republicans support stem-cell research. That's a no-brainer except for right-wing extremists.
The Republicans were brilliant- they devised a way to use religion, gay marriage, abortion, and gun rights to get regular, middle class Americans to vote for "traditional" values. Then when they got voted into office, THEY SCREWED US!! Workers' rights are being eviscerated, we're giving tax breaks to the richest of the rich, we're stuck in a war over OIL MONEY, and they're lining the pockets of their friends with sole-source government contracts. And you know what? The nation finally had enough, and I think the color of Congress is going to change. Enough scandal, enough duping, enough being screwed by the ruling party. So what the hell is happening here? Why can't the rest of us- regular, working class Alaskans take back our state?
I've just about had it with the Republican party, and Sarah Palin is as extreme as it gets. This regular girl is proudly casting her vote for Tony.
November 4, 2006 - 11:36pm | lwilson
How can you "Pro-Choice" libs, who support abortion on demand in all cases, who also support assisted suicide and still find it in yourselves to oppose the death penalty for the most dangerous predators in our society? I guess that you can't decide what you really stand for.
November 6, 2006 - 12:07am | jmcgaughran
Personal Choice = Life indeed. Anti-Life is sucking the personal choices out of people, I think you have it backwards. Never said I was against the death penalty either; but you will read into what I say, what you want to see. There was a point I was making, but I guess you missed that - too busy seeing what you wanted to see - extremism - good luck on your quest.
November 5, 2006 - 12:20am | fbks_girl
Be careful before when you throw around labels
I'm pro-choice and support death with dignity because I think the government should butt out of my private life. Period. And I personally oppose abortion- but I don't think it's right for me to impose my own beliefs on someone else (just like my religion, unlike you Palinbots). I support stem cell research for the sole reason that I have a family member who could deeply benefit from this research, like many of us. And I support the death penalty. Don't go sticking labels on me!! I know just where I stand.
And calling someone "anti-life" is just dumb.
November 4, 2006 - 10:11pm | akisok2
Didn't she at one point (when talking about the death penalty) say something like "we should string 'em all up?"
November 4, 2006 - 7:16pm | celtic_diva_ak
Unfortunately, as shown during the Channel 7 debate, the Knowles campaign got distracted by the "experience" issue and never finished the wash cycle.
Sarah's campaign skipped wash and rinse and went directly to spin, hoping we wouldn't notice.
Halcro sent his stuff to the dry cleaners.
7 November 4, 2006 - 6:02pm | coldstrings
Pay No Attention to the Candidate Behind the Curtain...
Candidate Sarah Palin has stated that she would sign into law a complete ban on abortion, including a ban in the event of violent rape. Our government does not have the right to intrude into this most private decision of a woman and her family
The Palin campaign will try throw a smokescreen over her stand on abortion, and her stands on other issues. But Ivan Moore is right - the pattern of her stands belies her attempt to appear reasonable. First will come the smokescreen, and then the call to the Christian fundamentalists. Christian fundamentalists do not have the right to use our government to impose their beliefs on all Alaskans
November 4, 2006 - 6:16pm | franan
......that so called fundamentalist extremist viewpoint of the campaigner Palin will give way to the realities of governing. It is entirely possible for a leader to be 100% unequivocably against abortion and totally unwilling to actually do anything draconian about it. BUT...Alaskan R candidates have only one overwhelming need - to get elected and keep the Alaska Indepence Party kooks at bay in the process. This is a major problem for 'conservatives' running for office across the country - that and the amazing number of self serving idiots on the R side who have made it into office.
November 4, 2006 - 6:34pm | coldstrings
There was the smokescreen, right on schedule.
The extreme right of the Republican party understands Sarah Palin to be their best chance to accomplish their agenda. With certain ratification in the Governor’s office waiting, the Christian fundamentalist voters will insist on their due, and then comes the fight over abortion, and likely the rest of their agenda as well.
The agenda preferred by most Alaskans is the Alaska Gas Pipeline, Education, and Health Care, and not extremist stands on abortion, creationism, and stem cell research.
November 4, 2006 - 8:13pm | coldstrings
Sarah Palin’s set of stands are an all too well established pattern of extreme-right politics. In her stand on abortion she has publicly invited the legislature to act, guaranteeing their fight will be rewarded with the prize that has for so long eluded them.
I will be signing off for this evening, for our Saturday family tradition of dinner, a movie, and a little of our favorite music. Tomorrow morning, like many of you, our family will be attending our Church, where the grace of our religious beliefs, our community of families, and our service roles in the community will be celebrated. Like many of you, this is our personal time together, renewing our family, a place where a forced government presence has no place.
Alaskans, make your vote count on Election Day. Tony Knowles has earned our trust on the issues as a moderate, bipartisan candidate who will never support government intrusion into the personal lives of Alaskan families. Thank you for your consideration. ‘Good evening’ from this blogger.
6 November 4, 2006 - 6:01pm | alaskastraightalker
Palin's Own Words: Creation vs. evolution
From: Palin for Governor [mailto:palins@gci.net] Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2006 10:33 PM
To: (name deleted to protect the innocent)
Subject: Re: creation vs evolution
(name deleted),
Thank you for sending us your question.
Sarah believes in creation.
Please join me in supporting Sarah Palin for Governor, Anita Halterman for Sarah Palin
Palin for Governor
www.palinforgovernor.com
907-339-7967
"New Energy for Alaska"
5 November 4, 2006 - 5:31pm | franan
It's always important to differentiate a candidate's personal views (which says more about what they think it takes to win) - and what the politician in them believes is reasonable to do. All 3 of these candidates are very reasonable people and not given to unilateral imposition of personal preferences. That's certainly true of Palin and her public abortion stance. She desperately needs the christian 'bible based' fundamentalists to come out and vote for her - just as Tony needs many of the far left 'kooks' to support him. The reason independent candidacies don't work well is that people clearly tend to differentiate themselves based exclusively on the messages coming from the media machines of our 2 major parties. It's not particularly fair or representative of our ability to think in complex fashion - but it is a reality of how little time people actually have for politics.
November 4, 2006 - 5:55pm | alaskastraightalker
Palin wants to impose her extremist "personal views"
Unfortunately, Palin doesn't just have personal views. Palin has extremist views which she wants to impose on all of us.
First, she opposes abortion in cases of rape or incest, and supports a constitutional amendment to that effect, i.e. would make outlaws of rape victims and medical professionals who don't believe that rape victims must have babies of their brutal attackers.
Second, she disagrees with Nancy Reagan, Ted Stevens, and Lisa Murkowski on stem cell research. She's against it, and wants government to prevent it rather than develop a reasoned, safe and ethical approach to research which, in the words of Lisa Murkowski, "holds such promise for the health and betterment of people worldwide."
4 November 4, 2006 - 4:55pm | coldstrings
The Channel 7 debates really brought Ivan's point to light. The whole set of Sarah Palin's stands places her on the extreme right of conservative politics. An “extreme right” view is advocacy of government intervention to force adherence to particular religious beliefs, a position contrary to mainstream conservatism.
Sandwiched between folksy aphorisms, and with a straight face, Sarah Palin states she would ban all abortions in Alaska, even in circumstances of violent rape.
The picture emerging is of a candidate who somehow has managed to avoid scrutiny of extreme stands which are unacceptable to the majority of Alaskans.
3 November 4, 2006 - 4:51pm | coldstrings
Sarah Palin's Extreme-Right Conservatism
The Channel 7 debates provided a complete view of Sarah Palin as an extreme-right conservative, to the detriment of Alaska families. Palin's stands on issues add up to government intrusion into family decisions, with more legal and court fights ahead.
On abortion, Palin's stance is extreme - not even in the case of rape of a family member. Palins views are contrary to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v Wade. Tony Knowles and the majority of Alaskans are pro-choice, and do not favor government intrusion in this area.
On stem cell research, Palin's stance is more conservative than most of the Republican party. Like the American Medical Association and the National MS Society, Tony Knowles supports stem cell research, and understands its potential in treating significant diseases like Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis.
On subsistence, Sarah Palin stands with Ron Sommerville, and the other members of the Alaska Outdoor Council, many of whom are on her campaign staff. No wonder the Alaska Native community is upset. Along with the majority of Alaskans, Tony Knowles supports the rural subsistence priority amendment.
On creationism, Palin's views are contrary to a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision banning the teaching of creationism in public school science classrooms. Tony Knowles supports keeping the teaching of religion out of public school science classes.
On health care rights, Palin tries to obscure the issue of fair medical coverage underneath the definition of marriage. Tony Knowles supports equitable health care coverage for all State employees.
Palin supports the use of school vouchers, a position contrary to the Alaska Constitution. Tony Knowles opposes school vouchers and would uphold the Alaska Constitution.
The majority of Alaskans do not share Sarah Palin's extreme stands on the issues. It is important that Alaskans make their vote count on Election Day. Support Tony Knowles, and keep government out of Alaskans' personal lives and personal choices.
November 4, 2006 - 5:13pm | realist
Sarah, in her political philosophy, is basically the same as Loren Leman. Sure, she's nicer, prettier and more cheerful, but the stances are the same.
Now, I realize that many people love Loren Leman and all his beliefs, but probably most Alaskans do not.
November 5, 2006 - 2:53pm | gurfren
Prettier doesn't even cover it
I'm not voting for Sarah, but man, give her a break! Even comparing her looks to Loren's is the worst insult the woman could have.
2 November 4, 2006 - 4:18pm | realist
To win, Knowles had to run a nearly perfect campaign. The campaign, though, was far from perfect.
One of the many mistakes: What's the deal with the last-minute anti-Halcro attack? That certainly backfired.
But the biggest mistake may have been focusing on "experience," which voters discount (probably unwisely), instead of Palin's arch-conservative views, which most voters would dislike if they only knew about them. Creationism in schools? Outlawing abortion? "More study" to determine if global warming exists? Enshrining discrimination against gays? Lock-step approval of all of George Bush's policies?
There are many voters who go for all that, but I believe most do not.
1 November 4, 2006 - 3:43pm | steve15
I agree with Moore that the election is fluid. I also think Halcro may pull off a victory. I bet the Knowles camp starts marketing the "don't waste your vote on Halcro" message big time because Halcro is not only pulling from Palin but Knowles as well.
Please listen to Halcro who asks that you vote for your first choice and not against your third. If everybody who wanted to vote for Halcro does he'll win.
Speaking of bets... I heard Fagin said he would do his show naked for a month if Halcro wins.
November 4, 2006 - 7:40pm | akisok2
You head must still be reeling...
... from the thought of nude Fagan if you think that Halcro will pull of victory.
Unless your definition of victory is breaching 7%.
November 4, 2006 - 11:58pm | Beachwriter
Halcro's numbers are well over 20%
akisok I've posted the results from Rasmussen Reports for your reading pleasure. Additionally,
the polling was done for a two party race and did not include Andrew Halcro. His poll number was 12%, without being included....just think what it will be when he IS included.
Uh oh....I think somebody is shaking in their little space boots.
November 4, 2006 - 10:29pm | mike_l
for turning his back on the business community and the gasline contract.
He sold out for his golf buddies. Forget that she will set this state back 20 years and be a death blow to the pipeline. Dan will ride her "conservative" name tag all the way to the grave -even devoting entire radio shows to a shameless pimping of a candidate who is hostile towards the oil and gas industry and surrounds herself with nuts. Shame on Fagan. What a sellout.
November 4, 2006 - 6:31pm | qtwkids
Gross Dan Fagan naked anywhere
But I will work for Beans Cafe for 50 hours if Halcro wins... And a vote for Halcro is not WASTED. What is a shame is that we as voters have become so complacent that we actually buy into voting R or D just because we do not value what third parties offer or they have more money. Third parties offer options and representation that is not bought and paided for by special interests. They are our Constitutional right to have and we keep smacking them down. Let the little man who spends less than 100,000 win and we the people win. It makes me physically sick to hear candidates spend 500,000 and excess on campaigns when we have starving cold children, uneducated and low paid parents and lower paid teachers. Where are our community values. What has happened to representation by someone who might actually be in touch with those who make or earn less and do not have kick back guarantees waiting in the wings. Where is the trust in the Freedom of Choice our Constitution gives us. Just because Halcro is not R or D we brush him off.. or are we depriving ouselves of REALLY good knowledgeable ethical representation. He is as connected and smart as Tony thinks he is but far more ethical and has tons more experience than Sarah. So you tell me what is it that makes a vote for Halcro wasted... he knows subsistence, tourism, legislative processes and oilfield / pipeline issues plus more. Lets upset the field VOTE ANYTHING BUT R and D and see what happens there is always impeachment.
November 4, 2006 - 4:17pm | mike_l
she was quoting stuff directly from this blog on the Channel 2 debate. So she either reads it and posts here, or one of her "intelligent" advisors do.
Knowles -like Moore said, supports stem cell research, supports a woman's right to privacy, and is against bringing the church into the public schools -unlike Palin and her fanatical insiders.
November 4, 2006 - 10:31pm | lewisandclark
Write down what comes off there at the blog and poster it.
November 4, 2006 - 10:32pm | mike_l
like Big Mama 2. I used to have an ounce of respect for the guy, but not since he has shamelessly sold out his fiscal values for a conservative Miss Alaska who is surrounded by nuts. They will set this state back 20 years. Shame on Fagan for doing what the RGA did -giving Palin free media. What a sellout.
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18 November 5, 2006 - 4:45pm | coldstrings
Sarah Palin's Extreme Stands Not For Alaskans
The Channel 7 debates last week set out a complete picture of Sarah Palin's extreme right stands. Palin's politics add up to government intrusion into personal and family decisions, with more legal and court fights ahead.
On abortion, Palin's stance is extreme - not even in the case of rape of a family member. Palin’s views are contrary the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v Wade. Tony Knowles and the majority of Alaskans are pro-choice, and do not favor government intrusion in this area.
On stem cell research, Palin's stance is more conservative than most of the Republican party. Like Nancy Reagan, the American Medical Association, and the National MS Society, Tony Knowles supports stem cell research, and understands its potential in treating diseases like Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and diabetes.
On creationism, Palin's views are contrary to a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision banning the teaching of creationism in public school science classrooms. Tony Knowles supports keeping the teaching of religion out of public school science classes.
On subsistence, Sarah Palin stands with Ron Sommerville, and the other members of the Alaska Outdoor Council, many of whom are on her campaign staff. No wonder the Alaska Native community is upset. Along with the majority of Alaskans, Tony Knowles supports the rural subsistence priority amendment.
On health care rights, Palin tries to obscure the issue of fair medical coverage underneath the definition of marriage. Tony Knowles supports equitable health care coverage for all State employees.
Taken together, Sarah Palin's 'stands' add up to the agenda of the extreme right.
On Election Day, make your vote count. Prevent government from forcing a narrow set of extreme views into our lives. Support Tony Knowles for Governor.
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