Alaska Politics Blog : Vickers breaks out checkbook

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Erika Bolstad

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

Sean Cockerham

Sean Cockerham writes about Alaska state politics. He spent three years based in Juneau for the ADN before joining the Tacoma News-Tribune to write about Washington state politics. He went to Iraq twice for the News Tribune, and previously wrote about Alaska government and politics for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. E-mail Sean at scockerham@adn.com

Kyle Hopkins

Kyle Hopkins covers politics and other stories for the ADN. He covered the 2006 campaign for governor, has blogged extensively about Alaska politics, covered Anchorage city government and was a reporter based in the Mat-Su. He grew up in Southeast Alaska and previously was a reporter at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and Anchorage Press. E-mail Kyle at khopkins@adn.com

Features

SECTION

Alaska political corruption

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

Vickers breaks out checkbook

Posted by Alaska_Politics

Posted: August 18, 2008 - 3:04 pm

From Sean Cockerham in Anchorage--

Vic Vickers says he's upping the ante in his primary race against Ted Stevens.

"I've decided to put another quarter of a million dollars in. So I'm going to end up spending about a million dollars on this, my own money," Vickers told me today.

Vickers said the only question is if he can find enough air time to buy before the Republican primary election a week from Tuesday.

The latest federal campaign disclosure reports show Vickers had given $650,000 of his own money to the campaign by Aug. 6 (he'd received less than $10,000 in contributions from other people.)

Vickers says his money comes from "an accumulation of wealth that I've developed over 38 years." He said he owns real estate in Florida, Arizona and Utah, as well as his home in Anchorage. He said he has a controlling interest in the Florida maritime firm of Eller and Co. Public records list him as a director of the firm.

"And during my 30's, after I had been a bank regulator in Florida, during the 1980's, I formed 60 banks and financial institutions in Florida, many of those I sold," he said.

Dave Dittman, the Anchorage pollster and political consultant who is working on the Stevens campaign, said he thinks Vickers is actually a plant by the national Democratic Party to help Mark Begich.

Vickers was a registered Democrat in Florida before moving to Alaska in January and filing to run as a Republican. He's throwing all this money into the campaign with no chance to win, Dittman said.

“It just smells to high heavens to me,” said Dittman, while conceding that he doesn't have proof to back up the speculation.

Vickers said he is going to beat Stevens and it's “preposterous to say that I’m some sort of stalking horse for Mark Begich.”

“Mark Begich is Ted Stevens on training wheels,” Vickers said. “He’s done I think sleazy deals with the same sleazy people in town.”

Another Republican running against Stevens in the primary, Dave Cuddy, is also financing his own campaign. Cuddy's latest campaign disclosure reports aren't online yet but he said he's spent around $650,000 and "probably 90, 95 percent" are his own funds.

"It's very hard to raise money when you're running against long term incumbents," Cuddy said.

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21 August 22, 2008 - 10:05pm | Kuskdaka

Fuddy, duddy, Cuddy

John Binkley, where are you? I think we need someone much younger than Cuddy. I didn't support John in the last election, but I think I may have been too harsh abut him.

Compared to what we have running at the moment, I'd take John over any of them.

20 August 22, 2008 - 10:06pm | Kuskdaka

Mr. Vickers you are a joke - but thanks for expending money here

I am on the verge of laughing every time I see a Vickers' commercial. To top it off during the Dan Fagan show on Friday, according to KTUU he was put in his place.

He lied (oh, I mean misspoke - no doubt) when Fagan led him into a trap with Gail Phillips. Of course we all know that John Carpenter and Maria Downy aren't public officials as he indicated they were. Congratulations to the caller who helped exposed him for the fakir he is.

My gosh, first it was Lindauer - but hey at least Lindauer probably had an excuse for attempting to buy Alaska. He had the money and he really believed that he could bamboozle us all. But we know crazies when we see them now don't we!

No Vickers' you aren't crazy just incredibly naive about Alaskans. We know our politicians even it we aren't certain whether they're crooked or not. You are not one of us! Please get out of our family imbroglio.

19 August 21, 2008 - 1:27pm | me1979

who is this guy

We've got stories upon stories about candidates not good enough for Alaska....and here's Vic Vickers...who's moved to Alaska 8 months ago.
Has he even been to rural Alaska? Has he met and been a part of any community?
There's no way that this guy has a chance in any election. Wasting 650K.
In this story here....you see Florida....Florida...Florida. That's great and all, you helped form 60 banks in Florida..what does that have to do with Alaska?
1st and foremost...No Alaskan will ever vote for a candidate that they are not familiar of. Paying thousands of dollars on a campaign only focusing on someone that has built a standing ground for today's political arena....will not get you any winning votes.

18 August 20, 2008 - 10:03pm | nickolas

Vickers was twice asked

About Gull Island in a recent talkshow, for which he contended he would get to the subject, but ultimately refused to go there....do you realy think he is any different.? I dont think so////

August 21, 2008 - 12:59pm | akmooster

what about gull island?

Even as short of time as he's been an Alaskan, he already has begich figured out.

If begich gets in, stand by for Alaska Senator Indictment II.

17 August 19, 2008 - 2:59pm | jkilvik

Given Alaska's growing

Given Alaska's growing reputation for corrupt politicians it wonderful to find anyone willing to run who's not under indictment or investigation. Who cares if he used to be a Democrat?

August 19, 2008 - 3:26pm | Emperor

I don't care...

...if what party he is. What I care about is the man only moved here 8 months ago. What does he know about Alaska and Alaskans? Nothing.

August 19, 2008 - 4:21pm | staufen

Vic knows the some of the most important things...

Besides living before in Alaska, being inspired when he worked as an aide to a judge here (brother of his high school football coach) to seek a law degree to help others, research shows he has written several books on bank fraud. Rather dovetails with his sincerity on fighting corruption - especially when learning he told a Florida reporter that if he served in the Senate he'd work for far greater transparency and openness of bank records for the sake of all Americans. You know, the kind of stuff that prevents real estate schemes that create a financial bubble based on false values.

He's got a doctorate in historical economics, co-owned a stevedoring/shipping port services firm and took on G W Bush's administration and the Sultan of Dubai, exposing in 2006 the risk of United Arab Emirates holding contracts in 22 U.S. ports, questioning that it might be a problem for the USA's security, as well as a bad business deal to allow such levels of concentration or monopolization.

He's visited Alaska, since leaving it long ago, over 40 times, and then moved back here in January. As former deputy comptroller for the state of Florida, being a banking industry lawyer and businessman, and other reasons, he is highly qualified. He clearly understands real estate and the related banking transactions need to be handled with openness and transparency to protect all citizens. If you want Alaska to grow and avoid massive foreclosures etc., he looks like a good protector.

And you are going to have to welcome - as Frank Murkowski certainly wanted - hundreds of thousands of others, instead of labeling them as "outsiders". Vic knows that we need talented people from elsewhere to move here (as so many have before!) to work for Alaska and to help us get beyond our tolerance of corruption. And beyond the stupid attitude about "outsiders" (what the hell does that mean anyway, that you want to keep the corruption to yourself, and avoid sharing the spoils with others, or getting caught by them?).

Vic's a far better person to cast your vote for than Ted the crook, who won't even be around to sit in the Senate.

August 19, 2008 - 5:29pm | parsly

Sounds familiar

geez.............. the Democrats very own version of........
JOHN LINDAUER

August 20, 2008 - 11:55am | akmooster

sounds familiar II.....

geez......... the republicans very own version of........ HILLARY CLINTON

August 19, 2008 - 5:29pm | Emperor

He's a political...

...opportunist of the worst kind, switching parties and moving to a new election district just 8 months before the election. I don't buy the "sincerity" at all. He has no track record of public service in Alaska or as an elected official at any level in any jurisdiction as far as I am aware. Let's not forget that Mr. Murkowski came from a banking background as well. That turned out well didn't it?

Perhaps if he would put out a positive message of his vision for the future of the State and the Country, I could be convinced to overlook his lack of political experience and minimal Alaskan experience.

If he loses the election will he stay in Alaska or move back to Florida? I want someone committed to Alaska for good or bad, win or lose.

August 20, 2008 - 1:27pm | kwalters

Emperor! Massive Difference Between Frank the Fascist and Vic V

You can't compare Fascist Frank with Vic Vickers. So they share a backround in banking? That's like saying the warden and the prisoner share a backround in the prison industry! Frank's goal was to white collar steal money through fraudulant banking deals and cover it up. Frank was in it for Frank. He is a crook. He will always be a crook. Vic Vickers goal was to make the banking industry more transparent and accountable. Yeah....they're the same. This OUTSIDER tag is BS! An excuse to ostracize someone. Judge Vic on his policies. What he stands for.

August 20, 2008 - 9:40pm | Emperor

8 months!

He doesn't even qualify for a PFD and yet he's going to represent Alaskan's in D.C.?

Sorry, I'll write in NOTA before casting my vote for either one of them.

August 19, 2008 - 5:09pm | LilysDaddy

Vic and Frank,

nice company. Why not have them over for dinner?

No? Me neither.

16 August 19, 2008 - 1:18pm | kwalters

Dave Dittman? The Sheister? Mr. APOC VECO Pollster???

Well....if Dave Dittman says something ain't right...well something must not be right! Isn't Dittman the CORRUPT pollster that VECO hired and he claimed ignorance of APOC regulations with the lame ass excuse, "I just figured VECO knew the rules. I'm just a caveman pollster. D-Oh!"

Yeah...Mr. Credibility David Dittman! Mr. Soon to be indicted and future Corrupt Bastards Club Member David Dittman!

ADN quote of the week: “It just smells to high heavens to me,” said Dittman, while conceding that he doesn't have proof to back up the speculation....Dittman could have been referring to his own polls...FBI FBI FBI!!!

August 19, 2008 - 11:15pm | concerned1voter

Wow, Walters....Settle down

Dave Dittman is the gold standard for polling. The others are wishful thinkers.

Do you work for Ivan Moore or something....if not, you need meds.

August 20, 2008 - 9:59am | kwalters

Gold Standard???

Bull. Dittman's name came up during the VECO trials...multiple times. If he's the gold standard, and he's IGNORANT of APOC regs...the pollsters of Anchorage are in trouble...Are you David Dittman????

August 20, 2008 - 12:03pm | akmooster

K...

ivan moore... bends polls on behalf of the d's
david dittman... bends polls on behalf of the r's.

Neither are believable, they are tools of propaganda for their respective party handlers. They want you to think their work is based in science and their numbers are credible. Not the case in either case.

I guess it could be considered a science to take the desired outcome and then formulate questions and demographics to reach the predefined desired result.

15 August 19, 2008 - 11:49am | trespinchehuevos

Laughing at ALL of you..

Looks like Vic Vickers is living rent-free in a LOT of people's minds. His carpet bombing of advertisements must be working!

All you hens carry-on your clucking.

14 August 19, 2008 - 7:50am | palmeranian

I'm voting Cuddy in primary

If Cuddy doesn't make it, I'm voting for Bird in the general.

I'm a 30 year R who hasn't voted for Stevens in...lets see, 18 years or so.

It's time that true conservatives vote their true principles, if they have any left. Getting more money for their state is not the job of a senator. If you think it is, go back to civics class.

Vickers is obviously here to hurt someone. Either that or he is just plain stupid to think he can move to Alaska and buy a seat in the senate.

13 August 19, 2008 - 5:31am | Tpayne

Stevens isn't the one being hurt...

The real person that is feeling the blow of Vicker$' bombast is Dave Cuddy, a legitimate contender and conservative option within the GOP. Instead of gaining momentum these past weeks, attention is instead being drawn to Vicker$. Vicker$ isn't going to challenge in the primary, Alaska hates carpet baggers. And without the challenge from Dave Cuddy, Stevens is going to walk through this primary. If you ask me it's STEVENS, not BEGICH who is benefiting. Dittman's just generating publicity and sympathy for his corrupt employer by calling "conspiracy". If anyone's conspiring, maybe it's the one person in the race who is under indictment. Make yourself the victim, Ted. Right.

Throw the bums out. Vote Bob Bird.

12 August 19, 2008 - 1:11am | Thunder_Rolls

Vickers.......

Go back to Florida! Your corruption commercials are old already. You don't stand a chance in this state. What is your motive to gain office anyway? It is definitely not because you want to help Alaskans. Why not run against Begich, he's in your party?

Arrogant enough to blow a million and think you actually have a chance? Wish I had a million to flush! Dittman could be right about you, why else would you embarrass yourself like this? More likely planted by the DNC though, if there is any conspiracy.

Pulling a Bobrick for the party?

11 August 19, 2008 - 12:58am | Emperor

He's doing the dirty work...

...for someone, who benefits? Vickers has no real shot of beating Stevens in the primary, but if he keeps up the negative attacks, who else in the Republican primary may benefit?

10 August 18, 2008 - 10:31pm | rfn

Vickers has set

a new standard for conspicuous consumption.

More futile than piling money up and setting it afire in public.

Who will outdo him?

If Vickers gets enough publicity from this look for Donald Trump to "move" to Alaska to run against Lisa next time around. So long as he brings money. Lots of money.

If this catches on maybe we could have a competition for celebrities to vie for publicity by throwing advertising dollars into "running" in Alaska. ADN might even be able to re-hire all those reporters...... All the TV stations might be able to upgrade to full-power HDTV!

Of course, as the insurance salesman says "May God Forbid" one of them should win.....

The possibilities are without limit!

August 18, 2008 - 11:30pm | akallegro

just wait

if ballot measure 3 passes we will not only have many more little Vics running (pun intended) around but the state will be footing the bill.

August 19, 2008 - 1:00am | Emperor

Yeah...

...the last thing we want to do is diminish the power of political parties and special interest groups. After all the status quo has really served Alaskans well hasn't it.

9 August 18, 2008 - 9:27pm | TheSdog

Vickers

has done nothing but go after corruption with Stevens. There has not even been an attempt to put anything else in the campaign.

A former D comes out of Florida and spends a lot of money with zero chance of winning. And all of the eggs are in the corruption basket?

His comments about training wheels are almost too convienent. It is as if he is a bad late night monologue.

Dittman sounds a bit like a conspiracy theorist on this one but it is hard to get a read on what the motivation is behind Vickers.

8 August 18, 2008 - 6:07pm | LilysDaddy

Forget the $650k

of his own money. Who are the "other people" who donated $10k?

Vic appears to have his own agenda. What about the others?

Just clueless?

7 August 18, 2008 - 5:42pm | johnnycat

The R's have their's too..........

A demo's smokescreen..............Vickers? The Repubs have their's too. His name is John Binkley, who got his ass kicked by Sarah Palin in 06. Binkley feigns staunch support for Uncle Ted, but the truth be told....... Binkley is waiting out the primary for Ted's resignation so the R Party can install him as the general candidate against Begich. This is exactly the reason Binkley moved from Fairbanks to Anchorage last year. This is classic dark campaigning, a tactic employed when the individual has no chance of succeeding on his own merit. By the way, check out Binkley's personal use of taxpayer's money via the Ted Steven's earmark process. It seems a few million in federal dollars were steered to Binkley's tour-boat business back in the late 1990's by none other than ........Uncle Ted. Oh, the politics of hypocracy and back-stabbing.

August 19, 2008 - 1:06pm | parsly

Something to this

Yeah, I heard about this too. The Republican state chair would love to see Cuddy disappear after the primary and then convince Sen. Stevens to step down before the general election. But I doubt many of the pillars of the Republican Party would support a John Binkley late-minute entry. That tactic wouldn't fly. Besides, isn't Binkley missing a few necessary credentials like a high school diploma and a few college courses?

August 19, 2008 - 1:12pm | rfn

For better or for worse,

there are NO educational requirements to serve in the senate. Were it so, the "college courses" part would disqualify the leading Liberal candidate.

August 19, 2008 - 5:08pm | parsly

Got me there.

ur right. I heard that Binkley used to race snowmobiles before he inherited his old man's successful business. That means he has something in common with Sarah Palin's husband. Maybe Binkley's WIFE should run for the U.S. Senate. I understand that she had some college course work under her belt.

6 August 18, 2008 - 5:33pm | Denali_king

Generation Blue PAC

It seems that Vic Vickers has removed the reference of "Generation Blue" from his website. This is a PAC that supports Democratic Party candidates across the country. I call upon Vic to publically publish his APOC candidate disclosure.

5 August 18, 2008 - 5:01pm | rayrocks

Begich and Vickers

Is anyone surprised by the connection?

4 August 18, 2008 - 4:53pm | Stags_Leap

Dittman -what are you smoking?

Vic has no chance in hell. I agree. As such, I fail to see any harm Vickers can cause....even with $1 Million of his own money.

Lots of wealthy people who want to get into politics do what Vickers has done. They switch parties and move to a state where their money might help buy some name recognition. I'm sure this is only an effort to establish name recognitions for some future campaign he has his sights on...in 2010 or thereafter.

Anything to tarnish the boy wonder...sigh. At least make your conspiracy theories a smidge believable.

3 August 18, 2008 - 4:47pm | juliehasquet

Vickers is not a Democratic agent

Vic Vickers is not an agent of the Democratic Party nor of Mark Begich. It's an interesting theory, but not one based in fact. Vickers appears to have very little knowledge of Alaska or of Mark Begich. He's just throwing grenades to see what happens when they land. Meanwhile, Begich will keep campaigning on the issues Alaskans are talking about like energy, education, ethics, health care, veterans care, etc. That's what Alaska voters expect and deserve.
Thanks. Julie Hasquet, Begich Campaign

August 19, 2008 - 11:20pm | concerned1voter

If Julie Says it....

it has to be true......just like the Fourth Avenue Theater Scandal so good for the voters and the AWWU scandal which is still in progress.

Julie, for being such a liberated female, you blindly follow in a male's footsteps.

August 19, 2008 - 2:26pm | seewhy

the avowed, out of the closet democrats

are doing just fine... i don't see why the state or national party would resort to some weird trojan horse democrat.
i mean, i can see why AK democrats might have developed an inferiority complex the last few years -- but those days are coming to a close.

August 19, 2008 - 2:36pm | Emperor

The reason...

...is that negative campaigns are a double edge sword, often cutting the contender off at the knees. People won't vote for Vickers, but they also won't forget the images of Stevens indictment. Chances are they will choose an alternative to Stevens and Vickers. The question is who does that benefit? Cuddy in the primary? Begich in the general?

Do you really think this character Vickers suddenly decided to move to Alaska in January to run for Stevens seat without any hidden agenda and back room support?

August 19, 2008 - 1:02am | Emperor

Those are pretty...

...expensive grenades he's tossing just for effect.

There's more to his participation. Perhaps it's on a strict need to know basis and you don't have the clearance.

August 19, 2008 - 1:18am | Thunder_Rolls

I agree, those are.......

very expensive grenades. There is more than meets the eye on this one. I doubt anyone in AK has that "clearance."

2 August 18, 2008 - 4:09pm | Abarger

GO HOME

We dont like carpetbaggers in alaska!!! Go Home Vickers! Go Home Berkowitz!!!!

August 19, 2008 - 11:46am | trespinchehuevos

ROFL...