This statement arrived at noon from the Knowles campaign:
"With outgoing Gov. Frank Murkowski threatening to take unilateral action on a gasline contract in the waning days of his administration, Tony Knowles today called on North Slope producers to refuse to sign any contract presented to them.
"Knowles asked fellow gubernatorial candidates Sarah Palin and Andrew Halcro to join him so the matter is properly left to the next administration and legislature to decide."
...
"'Any contract signed just before midnight will always have the smell of a bad deal that wasn’t in the best interests of the Alaska public,' Knowles said."
27 November 6, 2006 - 8:20pm | coldstrings
Persistent, Tough Leadership – Tony Knowles
Tony Knowles’ call to the petroleum producers to avoid signing a contract is the simple, straightforward solution. True leadership comes forward when the going is tough.
In 1996, Pres. Clinton vetoed legislation to open ANWR. Tony Knowles did not give up. Governor Knowles met with Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt and convinced him to open National Petroleum Reserve Alaska to leasing. Six years later, over 1.3 million acres had been leased in NPR-A due to Knowles leadership in the face of adversity. Despite the ‘stars in alignment’, we are still waiting for ANWR, but we have NPR-A in hand, and that is due to Tony Knowles.
In 1998, low prices did not favor the Alaska Gas Pipeline. Knowles did not give up. Governor Knowles introduced the original Alaska Stranded Gas Act, enabling the State of Alaska and the petroleum producers to negotiate a contract with fiscal tax certainty, reducing risk, and enabling a gas pipeline to be built sooner, before optimal market conditions. The necessary market threshold did not occur until 6 years later (2004). When Frank Murkowski was able to start negotiations, in the second year of his administration, it was Tony Knowles who had set the stage with the Stranded Gas Act.
In 2002, under Pres. Bush, the Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate remained opposed to ANWR. But Tony Knowles did not give up. Governor Knowles convinced Majority Leader Tom Daschle to put a priority for the Alaska Gas Pipeline in the National Energy Act. Two years later, the Alaska delegation used that priority to win approval for federal subsidies for gas pipeline construction.
Leadership comes forward when the going is tough. On Election Day, make your vote count. Support Tony Knowles for Governor.
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26 November 6, 2006 - 6:10pm | lil_hila
waving signs
In response to the comments about "no KnOILes" supporters waving signs in minus degree weather: WAVING SIGNS DOES NOT WIN CAMPAIGNS. What wins a campaign is dedicated grassroots efforts which the Knowles campaign is definitely doing. There is a lot of behind the scenes work: phone calls, canvassing, GOTV efforts, etc. That is a true campaign, not waving signs. It seems that several people on here have their priorities out of whack and that's going to screw the rest of us. Sure, your blessed Sarah will win and then I can thank all of you that voted for her for NO gas line contract, etc etc. Sarah doesn't know which hairpiece to put on next let alone how to negotiate contracts with oil companies and be the true leader that this state needs. WAKE UP ALASKA!! We CANNOT afford another four years of a disastrous governor! We need someone that can do the job NOW not years from now! She doesn't have the valuable experience that Tony has-she hasn't even served in high office! Being a mayor is totally different from being a governor. All you people let yourselves be misguided by that damn R behind a candidate's name. If Tony had the R would you hands down vote for him? If you really care about the future of your families and this state you will NOT vote for Sarah and will vote for someone that is going to pull us forward!
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November 6, 2006 - 8:18pm | akisok2
And speaking of waving signs...
... I noticed this on the Knowles campaign website tonight (click here)
Now I agree with what everyone above and below has said about sign waving (that it doesn't make much of a difference) but I do have to say that I am impressed with Tony getting out in the cold to wave signs himself.
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25 November 6, 2006 - 2:00pm | marty2
Time to vote!
Let's stop all the screaming and just vote already!
Isn't it nice that we get to vote?
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November 6, 2006 - 6:04pm | alasscan
Hey
I can multi-task.
I voted early.
So here is my election day cheer
GO Tony Knowles
GO Diane Benson
Go Katie Hurley
(I like cheering far better than screaming.)Yes, I am very happy I can vote!
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November 6, 2006 - 6:17pm | rfn
Go?
Go where?
Suggestion:
Portland likes environmentalists. A little warmer and definitely on the damp side.
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November 6, 2006 - 6:41pm | alasscan
Sad
I am not an enviromentalist but I do love this country.
Taking care of it is a responsibility we all should appreciate.
They should go to Juneau. That is where!
Since you know quite a bit about Portland you can go there if you like. Otherwise, you are more than welcome to stay and see how to clean up the mess and do goverment right. Tony, Diane and Katie will be more than happy to show you the right way.
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24 November 6, 2006 - 1:25pm | coldstrings
Tony Knowles, A Positive Problem Solver
Governor Knowles knows how to get things done. Tony Knowles’ request to the petroleum producers is timely-and-right-on-the-mark, and that’s how Alaskans spell Leadership.
Tony Knowles is right, "The stakes have never been higher." The Alaska Gas Pipeline is our best hope for jobs and a bright future. Tony Knowles is the best candidate to get the Alaska Gas Pipeline rolling forward. The Knowles campaign is energized, drawing statewide support, and ready for Election Day.
On Election Day, make your vote count. Support Tony Knowles for Governor.
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November 6, 2006 - 1:27pm | Black3
Do you have a machine
spinning out all the soundbites?
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November 6, 2006 - 1:35pm | coldstrings
Energized
Just enthusiastic, Black3. Just enthusiastic. Tony is a good man, and he will do a good job.
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November 6, 2006 - 1:37pm | Black3
I experienced his getting
that experience he and you like to tout. It isn't an experience I'd care to repeat.
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November 6, 2006 - 1:32pm | SuperVoter
Instead Of Predicting Who Wins
Let's predict how many posts coldstrings, mike and straightalker can make in the next 24 hours.
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November 6, 2006 - 3:43pm | akisok2
100
100
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23 November 6, 2006 - 12:53pm | alaskastraightalker
Grassroots?
Hey "signwaver"- driving around I noticed that Palin has some people on 1 corner- pretty low by past Republican standards, while Knowles signwavers are on 3 corners. Hmmmm.
You better get back out there instead of posting here.
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November 6, 2006 - 9:31pm | captrichie
Best signwavers money can buy
Yeah, and the noles signwavers in Palmer were job-corps types doing their "community service."
Overheard: "Uh, where do we stand?" (Were they paid to do that?) While all the ones with the red signs were volunteers. Interesting.
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November 7, 2006 - 11:50am | leslie
Again...
We don't pay sign wavers. Never have. Never will. Go Tony!
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November 7, 2006 - 10:56am | akisok2
Only on the internet...
... can you get away with making up a complete falsehood like that and still get published (albeit on a blog.) Thanks for reassuring my sneaking suspicion that Palin supporters are on vacation from reality.
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November 7, 2006 - 10:57am | akisok2
Oh and one last thing
Thanks for reaffirming my suspicion that Palin supporters can't spell. It's not like his name isn't on a hundred other posts in here (you could have just copied it...)
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November 7, 2006 - 3:16pm | mike_l
the question is
what the hell are these people smoking? I've never seen such outlandish statements from folks like tlamb99503, Black3, rfn, etc. This is reflective of the entire Palin campaign. Nice to look at, but nothing going on upstairs.
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22 November 6, 2006 - 12:51pm | coldstrings
Alaskan Seniors Can Count on Knowles
Tony Knowles is the only candidate that supports a complete plan to provide for our senior citizens and elders.
- Restoral of the Longevity Bonus Program.
- Restoral of Muni Revenue Sharing, for senior & vet tax relief.
- Continuation of SeniorCare.
- Expanded prescription drug program, originally started by Knowles.
- Will demand increased VA delivery of in-state vet health care.
- Will fix Medicare “doughnut hole”, resulting in lower drug costs.
- Will work with doctors to improve physician access for seniors on Medicare.
- Continue solid support for community-based care and assisted living centers, and nursing homes.
- Increase training of personal care attendants.
- Continue solid support of UAA nurse training program.
Tony is showing leadership to build the Alaska Gas Pipeline. But Tony will not leave our seniors and elders behind. Lets work to support our seniors and elders. On Election Day, make your vote count. Vote for Tony Knowles for Governor.
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21 November 6, 2006 - 11:33am | truthseeker
Even more corruption......Jet 2?
Will it ever end? Now I hear tony is flyiing all around the state today on millionaire Bob Gillam's jet. Frank two???? Doesn't he have any morals? How can anyone justify this?
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November 6, 2006 - 12:57pm | alaskastraightalker
If Palin can have the RGA run attack ads at no cost
Knowles can travel however he wishes- at least his campaign is paying.
I thought you were getting your party dress ready. If everything is good, why worry? Why be so negative?
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November 6, 2006 - 12:01pm | akisok2
Truth may be what you seek...
... but nonsense is what you spew. What on earth is the connection between Frank Murkowski deliberately going against the public's wishes (not to mention the Legislautre's) to use state funds to purchase a jet and Tony Knowles paying for use of a private jet?
I think the better post would have directed your baseless accusations towards Gov. Murkowski -- he's the one who recently got spanked by APOC for using state resources on the campaign trail... i.e. the jet. Read about it here.
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November 6, 2006 - 12:53pm | SuperVoter
Tony Is Not Paying For A Jet
He is paying what the commercial ticket would cost. The jet costs considerably more. Do you think Bob Gillam expects something in return?
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November 6, 2006 - 1:02pm | akisok2
My mistake...
... Tony is not paying for the jet. If I implied that he was paying for the jet in my post, I apologize. He is paying the price of airfare - use of the jet.
Why on earth would he be paying for the jet?
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November 6, 2006 - 1:00pm | mike_l
Free
is what Dan Fagan gave her for three hours on Friday. How that guy sleeps at night is beyond me.
Free is also what the RGA did for her to the tune of $250K in media.
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November 6, 2006 - 11:48am | alasscan
And?
It is declared on APOC.
Tony pays commercial rates.
It is not free, it is not corrupt.
It is getting around in Alaska.
Now, if we want to talk about Jets.....let's talk about the good old Republican Murkowski Jet.
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November 6, 2006 - 11:43am | coldstrings
Sad to Watch
It is not fun when you quit a job, Susan. All of us know it is tough. But you knew an election was coming up the year you quit, and you knew that Tony Knowles could not run for another consecutive term. If you had stayed another 8 months, you would have continued your career under a Murkowski administration. Presumably, the workplace politics would then have been more to your liking.
Every young adult makes a career mistake when they are young. But most get over it, learn, and move on. You have not. There is too much wounded pride, too much saliva-flecked vitriol, and too much clever timing designed to wound in your statements to be credible. No, you are supporting Palin out of pride and for your own vengeance, and it shows.
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November 6, 2006 - 3:30pm | truthseeker
yes...........
people have always said I had great timing.
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20 November 6, 2006 - 10:54am | coldstrings
Nationwide Momentum for the Democrats
Across the United States, voters are preparing to send a Democratic majority to one, possibly both houses of Congress.
Here in Alaska, with Tony Knowles’ leadership, we will be contributing a new Alaska Gas Pipeline to the national energy budget.
Alaskans are practical and wise. Alaskans need a voice in both the Democratic and Republican sides of the U.S. Congress. Our state has always been stronger when we are represented by both parties. As Governor, Tony Knowles worked well with the Alaska delegation for Alaska's best interests.
On Election Day, make your vote count. Support Tony Knowles for Governor.
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19 November 6, 2006 - 10:08am | coldstrings
Tony Knowles Knows How to Work the Oil Patch for Alaska
Governor Knowles stands up to the oil companies when needed, works with the oil companies when needed, and always stands for Alaska's interests. Tony opposes the new state Petroleum Profits Tax, though that tax is supported by the oil companies. The wellhead production tax supported by Knowles is in Alaska's best interests. On the other hand, Tony Knowles supported the petroleum industry on opening leasing in NPR-A, and he got it accomplished. Knowles knows how to get things done for Alaska.
Don't fall for last minute slogans. Tony Knowles will get the Alaska Gas Pipeline rolling on Alaska's terms. Make your vote count on Election Day. Support Tony Knowles.
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18 November 6, 2006 - 9:31am | akallegro
new ad
showing the empty chair says it all for me. When BP and Connoco tell Tony and Andrew to be somewhere, they line up like rows of corn for them. Sarah chooses to run her own schedule and decides the previous meetings where enough. Pretty clear to me Sarah is the one we need advocating for our interests.
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November 6, 2006 - 12:05pm | akisok2
Actually it was disrespectful...
... for Sarah to not show up at the BP meeting. That wasn't a meeting for BP executives, it was a meeting with the rank and file BP employees. If you worked in the oil patch and you were told you'd have an opportunity to listen to / meet with the candidates at 7:30am (that is way too early by the way) and then one of the candidates doesn't show, I don't call that leadership - I call that disrespectful.
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November 6, 2006 - 11:13am | mike_l
Palin supporters
on this blog remind me of the former Iraqi Information Minister. I forget his name. But his claims became so incredulous, it was funny.
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November 6, 2006 - 9:45am | GeordieBC
So true!
Right on - Tony's cow-towing to the oil companies for 8 years got us...well...Bee Pee.
I liked what Hickel said in the paper recently : We are an independant state, we are not a colony owned by oil companies. They won't take their toys and leave...they only threaten to.
We must have someone who stands up to oil, not Tony.
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November 6, 2006 - 1:37pm | bmcdaniel9
Prop 2
That's a good argument for voting in favor of Prop. 2.
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November 6, 2006 - 11:35am | alasscan
Stand up? What in Armani suits? R's can afford it.
Sure are a lot of R for Republicans in the investigations....I keep forgetting after reading this...what was your point about Tony?
Alaska 02-1985
VECO political contributions ruled illegal
Plans to secretly funnel thousands to handful of REPUBLICAN Senate Candidates
Alaska 10-1984
VECO should be fined, investigated
Six politicians who may be subjected to criminal investigations:
Paul Fishcer R, Pappy Moss R, Richard Eliason R Don Bennett R, Jerry Ward
Alaska 08-1984
(VECO) Company raises campaign funds with payroll plans……..An Alaska oil-field service raised thousands of dollars for REPUBLICAN senators……
ADN: http://www.adn.com/news/government/veco/story/8149379p-8042343c.html
Follow the money to governor’s (Murkowski-REPUBLICAN) gas deal….
2002-collected more than $41,000 from Veco employees to help Murkowski-REPUBLICAN beat Knowles
Rep Don Young-REPUBLICAN collects VECO and DeLay contributions
Palin-REPUBLICAN-2001-2002 rec’d $5000.00 from VECO officials for her unsuccessful run for Lt Gov in 2002
I voted for Tony! I voted for Diane Benson, and I voted for Katie Hurley.
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November 6, 2006 - 11:13am | celtic_diva_ak
There is a difference...
...between "standing up" and throwing a tantrum.
Sarah doesn't understand the distinction.
I predict that if she is elected, within 2 years there will be a strong...possibly successful...campaign for her recall.
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November 6, 2006 - 11:05am | mike_l
hello McFly
Yep -she will stand up to them and KILL the gasline contract. That kind of thinking is bad business and bad for the state. That is exactly why a number of conservative Republicans won't vote for Palin: she and her inner circle are anti-oil, and support Prop 2 and the LNG route. This would ruin the state financially. Take a stand indeed.
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November 6, 2006 - 9:56am | SuperVoter
Yup
I do not trust Tony when it comes to negotiating with oil companies. If the Veco ran Voice Of The Times endorses Tony, I'm voting for Sarah. There is no way they would endorse a Democratic candidate unless they thought he was controllable.
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November 6, 2006 - 10:33am | realist
empty chair
Hey, I'm no fan of Big Oil, no fan at all, believe me. But the event was not something arranged for the benefit of management. It was an employee forum. As much as I get mad at oil companies, I don't think it's right to dis their workers.
I think it was an effective ad.
I do have to say that today's Palin ad with the tongue stuck to the lightpole was pretty funny, actually, laugh-out-loud funny. However, I disagree with its premise. The ad blames Knowles for economic conditions that he did not control. Governors do not create economic conditions, especially conditions in places like Alaska that are super-dependent on commodities prices, especially oil prices. The most any governor can do is respond appropriately to those conditions.
In the period when Knowles was governor, Alaska faced, for the most part, low commodities prices -- great for the rest of the nation (helped fuel the booming Lower 48 economy) but bad for Alaska. It's no surprise that Alaska slipped relative to the Lower 48 in various economic rankings (and it's no surprise that Alaska had the nation's highest unemployment rate at one time, because Alaska's seasonal labor market always means periodically high unemployment rates, especially relative to what was a booming Lower 48 economy in the go-go 90s).
To blame Knowles for the particular economic realities facing Alaska at the time he was governor would be like crediting Frank Murkowski for the subsequent stroke of great fortune that came to Alaska (and ill fortune for the Lower 48) when oil prices skyrocketed and budget surpluses accumulated. Sure, Murkowski tried to claim credit, but the voters knew better.
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November 6, 2006 - 10:59am | truthseeker
Even more smelly......
The entries on this blog are a perpetual source of enlightment and truth for truthseeker, some unversal and beautiful and some really smelly. Since tony's blogsquad pointed out how "clever" tony's empty promises ad was, making it look like it was against him when in fact it was really for him, I had to go look at it again. Guess what I found?
What happened to the big BP logo on the wall behind them and the BP logos on the nameplates? Don't tell me they were doctored out of the photo and now even BP doesn't want to be associated with tony.
Boy those oil companies sure are fickle. Ashley reed is going to have to go back to the drawing board on this one. Hurry up! time is running out. tick tick tick tick tick tick................
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17 November 6, 2006 - 9:09am | coldstrings
Knowles: Positive and Getting Things Done
Tony Knowles leadership is at the forefront, with his call to the petroleum producers. Governor Knowles knows how to get things done.
Tony Knowles is right, "The stakes have never been higher." The Alaska Gas Pipeline is our best hope for economic growth and a bright future. Tony Knowles is the best candidate to get the Alaska Gas Pipeline rolling forward. The Knowles campaign is energized, drawing statewide support, and ready for Election Day.
Knowles understands Alaska family priorities, with practical plans for the Alaska Gas Pipeline, Education, and Health Care. On Election Day, make your vote count. Support Tony Knowles for Governor.
flag this »
16 November 6, 2006 - 8:54am | mike_l
Palin campaign desperate
they are needing more shameless help from the RGA and Dan Fagan. Prepare to hear their propaganda machine at full volume today. I'm sure Fagan will give them more free media today -with that ole "conservative only" bit he did on Friday. It made me want to puke.
Palin is anti-privacy, is anti-stem cell research, and will kill any chance of the gasline contract getting done. Why would be Big Oil negotiate with someone who is so hostile towards them and is surrounded by Prop 2 and LNG Route supporters? They won't. She may be conservative, but she is a fiscal disaster waiting to happen.
As a veteran, I am proud to be voting for Knowles tomorrow.
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November 6, 2006 - 9:37am | signwaver
the last day?
Palin supporters out sign waving in Anchorage, Palmer flats, Eagle River, Juneau, Fairbanks in minus temps.
No knOILes /VECO folks to be seen.
Sarah herself sign waving in frigid temps.
Tony?
Not to be seen waving signs even once.
Jet setting on Gilliams private jet all over today.
Palin by 7.
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November 6, 2006 - 8:23pm | akisok2
Ummm... might wanna check your facts...
Not only did I see Knowles supporters waving signs all day, but I saw the big man himself waving signs (albeit over the internet.)
Supposedly Sarah herself was waving signs, but I haven't heard or seen proof of that.
Tony Knowles - however - managed to visit constituents all over the state and make it out for sign waving.
Don't believe it? Click here.
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November 6, 2006 - 9:15am | coldstrings
Desperate is Right
Mike_l is correct. Today, the Palin campaign will work even harder to blow a smokescreen over Sarah Palin's extreme stands. The risks are too great to hand the future of Alaska to Palin.
Make your vote count. Vote Tony Knowles for Governor.
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November 6, 2006 - 11:22am | celtic_diva_ak
On the positive side...
Sarah's campaign has chosen to focus their media on Anchorage, while the Knowles campaign is focusing it outside Anchorage - including the Bush.
Which is the wiser move?
Tony's campaign, while I disagree with how low-key it was, is experienced enough to know that no governor has ever won in Alaska without garnering the majority vote in the Alaska Bush, while governors have won without getting the majority vote in Anchorage. One reason why: many of the villages pride themselves on regularly having close to 100% voter turn out.
It could be that, while I concede that Sarah's campaigners have youthful enthusiasm on their side, old age and wisdom may win out in the end.
Speaking of old age and wisdom, GO KATIE HURLEY!!!!!
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15 November 6, 2006 - 8:43am | alaskastraightalker
Maybe it won't just be the RGA doing dirty tricks
Maybe it will be Palin campaign operatives like truthseeker and truthminer, both of whom I would urge to continue counseling sessions with Ted Haggard.
He'll help them find the "truth."
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14 November 6, 2006 - 7:58am | truthseeker
Knowles campaign in tailspin.....
Just a few observations on election day eve. who was the genius who came up with the ad with headlines around it empty chair, empty promises? I had to read it closely, which many people don't, to see that it was an ad for tony instead of against him. And when you read the copy it said she had no specifics on a gasline proposal, which anyone who has been paying attention knows is patently false. She has been more detailed on this issue that almost any other, rejecting stranded gas law, supporting law of general application which would truly open competition,etc. Another low point for the campaign and a really poorly designed ad. Who reviews this stuff before it goes out? This wasn't an ashley reed idea was it, using the BP forum to set it up?
Now here comes another email highlighting the VECO Times editorial supporting tony. What about all the bloggers here that spent all the time flaming VECO, and now VECO is tony's biggest friend? Where is their shame? Or will they honestly come out now and decry tony's obeisance to VECO?
Just like binkley, the campaign couldn't get any traction against sarah and just keeps digging the hole deeper and deeper. Quite a spectacle.
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