Alaska Politics Blog : Live at Election Central

Alaska Politics Blog

This is the place to talk about Alaska politics -- state, local, national. Public life in the Last Frontier has probably never been more interesting than right now -- the governor as candidate for vice president, the broad and still-evolving corruption investigation, a big election, powerful members of Congress under scrutiny, and the usual hardball Alaska politics. Come here for news, tidbits and information, and join the discussion. Keep your comments civil and on point. Avoid personal attacks. Do not use profanity. Posts that violate the Terms of Use will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be banned.

Contributors

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.

Live at Election Central

Posted by Alaska_Politics

Posted: August 26, 2008 - 8:43 pm

Daily News reporters Kyle Hopkins, Erika Bolstad, Wes Loy, Megan Holland and Richard Mauer report from the Egan Center in Anchorage, and campaign headquarters' around town. Check back for updates ...

From Kyle, at 12:28 a.m.:

Goodnight ...

From Kyle, at 12:11 a.m.:

Almost everyone's gone, and workers are packing up chairs in the Egan Center. I tried to find out how much liquor they sold tonight at the cash bar, and got a few curt replies.

I get the feeling we're going to get kicked out any minute.

Meantime, here's an interview with Diane Benson, from a little earlier tonight:

From Kyle, at 11:59 p.m.:

As the room cleared, and a few stragglers still watched the slow scroll of numbers and pie charts, former Assemblyman Dan Sullivan sits across from me.

Somebody should figure out what happens if Stevens is found guilty, he says. Does the Republican central committee decide who replaces him? What if he wins re-election, and is then found guilty?

Sullivan is wearing a gray pullover. As he talks, KUDO talk show host CC walks over, and they share a bag of Matanuska Thunder Chips. CC says Vic Vickers got 4,444 votes.

“I’ll bet he spent $10,000 bucks per vote, or a $1,000 or something,” Sullivan says.

From Erika, at Parnell HQ, at 11:49 p.m.:

Parnell thanked his supporters "for staying up with us," his family and Gov. Sarah Palin, who endorsed his challenge of Young. "I'm just so thankful for her support and her family's support as well," he said.

Parnell said he anticpated a long night: "We're confident about the numbers...but obviously this race is just too close to call."

From Megan and Kyle, at 11:42 p.m.:

As Ethan Berkowitz watched the Parnell & Young numbers, he talked about his strategy for each opponent.

If he runs against Young:

“The direction the state’s going to go. I've always said Don Young’s done good things for Alaska. It’s a question of who’s going to be there for the future. And it’s a question of who’s going to be effective not just today, but five years from now and ten years from now.”

If it’s Parnell?

“I think Alaska needs someone who can fight for Alaska’s interest, I think I could be a much more effective fighter than Sean Parnell could be.”

From Erika at Parnell HQ, at 11:32 p.m.:

Parnell field coordinator Cathy Giessel: "I have new numbers! Sean is at 45.58 percent and Don Young is 45.58," she said, with the room erupting in cheers. "361 votes separate them."

From Erika, who is at Parnell HQ, at 11:30 p.m.:

Kids playing outside, running along the street with Parnell signs. A big, very tired black dog (a newfoundland?) is wiped out in front of the door, draped with Parnell signs. Inside, Cathy Giessel, his field coordinator is staring at the computer, waiting on numbers. Parnell's daughters asked for an update: "There's no new numbers yet but it's 724 votes," Giesse said.

(Oddly, Democratic convention is playing on the big TV screen.)

From Rich, at 11:26 p.m.:

Quotes from Sen. Ted Stevens:

Yes it is good I'm pleased to see that (his percentage of victory), I went around the state. — People told me they would support me. I’m pleased to see they did come out and did vote. It means a lot to me.

I'm doing my job — everyone knows that. There’s a cloud out there. It’ll go away but it has to take time. Alaskans trust me. That’s what this vote says. I’ve trusted them and they trust me.

Begich has a good following? Do you think he’s a strong as James Wendell Kay was, or Gene Guess? Or the attorney general? Come on now, you’re believing all these opinion making polls they’re throwing out.

This is still a Republican state. You think they’re going to go for
Obama? You think they’re going to go with Schumer who’s against
drilling in the arctic and offshore?

Competition with begich? He's my competition. The Democrats have selected a candidate, the Republicans have selected a candidate. But this is a Republican state — don’t forget that. And we know why we’re Republican — because the Democrats have opposed our development every inch of the way. … Biden voted against the oil pipline 5 times.

Senator. How are you going to campaign during the trial? (didn’t answer)

From Kyle, at 11:14 p.m.

Blinded by the light: This is what it looks like on the floor of Election Central ...

11:13 p.m.:

Bob Hallinen / Anchorage Daily News US Senator Ted Stevens and Democratic Challenger Mark Begich shake hands at the Egan Center on election night Tuesday August 26, 2008.

From Erika, at 11:03 p.m.:

If corruption plays a role in the campaign, it won't be from Begich. The trial is "something for him to handle," Begich said of Stevens.
"I want people walking into voting booths voting for something," Begich said. "I want them to vote for something, and we're going to give them something to vote for."

From Wes, at 10:47 p.m.

Ted Stevens lit up when he saw the stoop-shouldered old gentleman step into the senator’s Fireweed Lane campaign headquarters tonight. Stevens strode up to him with a big handshake.

The visitor wore a ball cap that said, “Chaplain.”

“I’m Father Elliott,” the old fellow told me later. “I’ve known Ted since he was a district attorney in ’52.”

That would be Father Norman Elliott, a retired Episcopal priest living in Anchorage.

Elliott said he’s solidly behind Stevens, that the senator’s recent indictment doesn’t cause him to lose faith. Not at all.

“So many people are convicting him before he’s even been tried,” Elliott said.

10:46 p.m.

Bob Hallinen / Anchorage Daily News Sandy Parnell and Sean Parnell at his headquarters on Tuesday August 26, 2008 after Sandy Parnell gave a television interview.

10:44 p.m.

Erik Hill / Anchorage Daily News Jim Duffield encourages drivers to vote no on ballot measure 4 surrounded by supporters of the measure, during Tuesday night's rushhour at Northern Lights and the Seward Highway. Four ballot measures as well as primaries for US House representative and US Senate were on the ballot August 26, 2008

From Kyle at 10:35 p.m.:

All the chanting finally died down for a moment. Wait.

There it goes again. Are you watching the Young/Parnell numbers?

From Kyle at 10:32 p.m.:

Stevens' turn in front of the cameras.

From Kyle & Erika at 10:18 p.m.:

Begich arrived just as the Associated Press called his win in the primary ...

A small but vocal group of six Stevens supporters stood outside with signs, chanting "four more years!" They were outshouted by Begich supporters chanting "Go Mark, go!" A group in an SUV drove by, holding a Stevens sign, shouting "Ted Steeeeeeeevens!"

10:15 p.m.:

test: ERIK HILL / Anchorage Daily News Sen. Ted Stevens, flanked by former House speaker Gail Phillips, left, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, watches early returns at his campaign headquarters election evening Tuesday August 26, 2008 on Fireweed Lane. test: ERIK HILL / Anchorage Daily News Sen. Ted Stevens, flanked by former House speaker Gail Phillips, left, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, watches early returns at his campaign headquarters election evening Tuesday August 26, 2008 on Fireweed Lane.

From Kyle, at 10:05 p.m.:

Obama supporters swamp the TV set.

From Erika, at 10:04 p.m.:

Ted Snider, 44, of Anchorage came down to watch returns he doesn't work for any campaigns, but comes down to Election Central for fun early every election. It's a good way to meet people, Snider said.

He was pleased with the way the ballot initiatives were trending, especially the aerial hunting vote, which he wanted to see defeated. "I've never seen all the initiatives go down," he said.

From Megan, at 10 p.m.:

Ethan Berkowitz made a loud entrance coming into Election Central with more than a dozen supporters. Media immediately swamped him.

"I think your going to see change coming into this state, change coming in a lot of different ways. It's going to be coming from new people, new solutions," he said.

"I'm expecting to win," he said.

From Wes & Kyle, at 9:55 p.m.:

Stevens, with Sen. Lisa Murkowski, just addressed a cheering crowd at his HQ. Stevens raised his hand like a boxing champion and the crowd chanted “Six more years! Six more years!”

He called tonight’s results a validation of his candidacy. “People said, ‘We’re with you.’”

He said after tonight, it’s now clear who his opponent is.

“We’re running against a person who’s lined up with those who have been against Alaska for a long time.”

Erika says Begich is at the Anchor, speaking to supporters as I write this.

From Kyle, at 9:46 p.m.:

A couple clips from Northern Lights and Boniface, from the drive over:

From Kyle, at 9:40 p.m.:

Wes just called in from the Sen. Ted Stevens' campaign HQ. It’s full of VIPs: Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Bill Sheffield, George Wuerch, Gail Phillips (who I saw waving a Stevens sign along Northern Lights on the way over here) and Carl Marrs.

There’s a big spread of salmon, watermelon slices and so forth. Stevens is wearing a black cowboy boots and a navy tie speckled with little American flags.

When Sheffield showed up, he greeted the former governor with: “Uncle Bill!”

The Stevens team plans to come here to the Egan around 10:30 p.m.

Meantime, a few whoops and cheers at the Egan as Rep. Les Gara, and then Ethan Berkowitz, appear at the door.

From Erika & Kyle, at 9:27 p.m.:

A guy in a hat keeps asking people to buy him a beer. No dice. "Everyone in this place is a Republican," he says.

9:25 p.m.:

Bob Hallinen / Anchorage Daily News Hannah Berkowitz, 7 years old, only has eyes for her dad Ethan Berkowitz who is running for the US House of Representatives seat currently held by Rep. Don Young. Hannah and her friend Cybelle Wolters, 6 years, are at a primary election party for Berkowitz at Snow City Cafe.

From Megan, at 9:20 p.m.:

Fisherman Tim Troll is not happy about the Ballot Measure 4 numbers. “Have you ever seen the salmon run out there?”

From Kyle, at 9:17 p.m.:

With the first results appearing on the big screens, a crowd is forming. The buzz: Parnell & Young.

From Erika, at 9:06 p.m.:

It's pretty celebratory so far at Ethan Berkowitz's party at Snow City Cafe. About 100 friends, family and supporters are here; the crowd includes some Democratic legislative candidates. They're very optimistic.

Berkowitz said he started his day in Fairbanks, where he waved signs, talked to a lot of people and drank a lot of coffee. Based on the return hand waves and honks, he joked, "it seems pretty good."

There's a lot of national interest in this race -- while I was waiting to talk to him, he was fielding a call from a reporter with the LA Times.

9 p.m.:

ERIK HILL / Anchorage Daily News Sen. Ted Stevens poses with supporters Shari Spitzer, left, Allison Spitzer, 17, and Royce Harrell at campaign headquarters while awaiting results election evening Tuesday August 26, 2008 on Fireweed Lane.

-- From Megan, at 8:55 p.m.:

Asked why he was at Election Central, Rep. Carl Gatto -- who is running against two opponents for his Palmer seat -- said "because I'm psycho."

He said he couldn't imagine being anywhere else. He left his family at Glacier Brewhouse because he was so excited to see the returns as they come in.

Besides, he said, the Olympics are over.

-- From Kyle, at 8:40 p.m.:

Whew. After some Internet troubles, we’re online at Election Central. The TV crews are warming up, the cash bar is open and a gadfly named Paul Kendall is talking the ears off of Carl Gatto and Paul Seaton.

login or register to post comments

23 August 27, 2008 - 2:16pm | Stags_Leap

Palinbots oversee the counting of absentee ballots

"Parnell, as lieutenant governor, is the state official in charge of overseeing the Division of Elections. He appointed Fenumiai, a longtime Elections Division employee, to her position. He recused himself from oversight of the primary when he became a candidate and that is still the case, she said. She is overseeing the election."

NO offense, but due to the ongoing special investigation -and history of Palin staffers using their positions of authority inappropriately -this requires a rigorous review process to ensure every vote is counted. The Justice Department is watching.

August 27, 2008 - 3:45pm | Cartman3_15

Blog editors

Put up or shut up about your rules.

The above post contains serious charges of malfeasance without any supporting evidence except a bogus claim of "a history" that is nonexistent.

It should be removed immediately.

August 27, 2008 - 4:09pm | AK_Lady

IT IS TRUE!

The Palin administration is being investigated.

August 27, 2008 - 4:09pm | Stags_Leap

history

at least 12 staffers made at least two dozen phone calls re Trooper Wooten. I would call that history. Should I cut-n-paste the old press releases?

Accessing someone's confidential workers comp or personnel file illegally....I would call that history.

Look -you missed the point, which is that we need to ensure a fair and objective review of the absentee ballots is guaranteed by an independent third-party -like the Feds, to avoid the perception that the process was somehow tainted. Sigh.

August 27, 2008 - 4:13pm | rfn

The feds?

If you want fair and objective oversight you need, at minimum, Jesse Jackson and Jimmy Carter. Or better yet, blue-helmeted United Nations troops but beware their black helicopters!

August 27, 2008 - 2:51pm | rfn

I have no doubt

this election will end up in court.

And that's a GOOD thing, isn't it?

I mean, all those loyal Democrats who trooped into court in Florida weren't wrong to do so, were they? How could they possibly object if it were to happen again! Well, not without branding themselves the most extreme of hypocrites.

Or is is that Mr. Vickers was sent to Alaska by Floridians in some sort of madcap retribution?

August 27, 2008 - 3:02pm | Stags_Leap

the point is this

the public perception is this: with little guy Parnell in charge of the Division of Elections -and with a Parnell appointee overseeing the absentee ballot counting process, it does not appear fair or just. For the sake of avoiding anohter special investigation, and ensuring that every vote is counted, the feds should oversee the final vote counting process.

If Parnell wins -the vote counting process will appear to be tainted -no matter what. Parnell and Palin hate Don Young. Palin has already used her office to try and get a Trooper fired (allegedly). Why wouldn't she or another Palinbot try to influence the vote count?

August 27, 2008 - 3:13pm | rfn

No doubt election oversight is a good thing.

Especially when a small but shrill portion of the populous is obsessed with hatred for the governor and is unable to think in any other terms.

Given that mindset, it would certainly constitute a major disappointment if there were NOT an attempt to manipulate the outcome.

Even once it is disproved it will make no difference; there's a new topic over which to whine and that's all that really matters.

But let us not forget, if this comes down to a court battle,though this is a Republican primary, no law prevents Republicans from following the Democrat Party precedent and taking anything and everything to court.

Next two weeks are going to be fun! Of course some will lose sight of the fact that the ballots have been cast and no amount of gnashing of teeth (in the presence of any) will cause anyone to rush to a polling place and change their vote.

Truly amazing, the amount and degree of fear loose in the land!
Mr. Berkowitz-Pelosi may have to face an actual candidate not under investigation. Or, perhaps, the prospect of a victory for Mr. Young and then having to do it all over in a special election reasonably soon. Spendy, too! But those San Francisco multi-millionaires have deep, deep pockets to match their desires for gun confiscation and turning Alaska into a gigantic national part for the elite.

August 27, 2008 - 3:34pm | Stags_Leap

the other prospect

is Parnell winning, and Don Young running as an Independent in the General election.

No one hates anyone, RFN. Get a clue. We just demand accountability and transparency on the part of our public officials. And when we don't get that, we're not happy. That's not hate -or obsession.

August 27, 2008 - 4:20pm | rfn

It is true

that Mr. Young could decide to run as an independent.

That would guarantee Mr. Berkowitz-Pelosi election and confirm what so many have suspected all along. That Mr. Young's Liberalism, as evidence by his assault on average Americans through his proposed immense increase in gasoline taxes is not just a passing fancy. Rather, part of a deep leftish philosophy.

It's just my opinion, of course; when I continually see totally unrelated issues being perverted to somehow involve the governor then I detect the distinct odor of \ either hatred or obsession. They are rather similar.

Just perception, but not mine alone. Or, should we be debating the right to hold opinions? And then there's denial. Not just a pipeline anymore!

August 27, 2008 - 3:42pm | Cartman3_15

What about Begich?

Where's your call for accountability and transparency with him?

I wonder why Mark Begich doesn't think anyone should know what's in his 2002 tax return??

22 August 27, 2008 - 12:55pm | watchman

Kyle

What is the holdup in those last few precincts? I see one Nome precinct is late. Which are the others? Thanks.

21 August 27, 2008 - 9:52am | Stags_Leap

Parnell is NOT from Alaska

Palin-Parnell have raised taxes on Alaska industry by BILLIONS. They have allowed state government to grow by 23% in Year One of their administration. And Parnell's campaign is funded (about three quarters of all campaign funds) by an east coast and anti-senior citizen PAC.

The DEMS will eat Parnell for breakfast...if he survives Don Young. Thankfully, Parnell has the support of Palin.

I wondering if anyone is doing any medaling yet with the vote counting. Hopefully, that process will be on the up-and-up and insulated from Palinbot abuse.

August 27, 2008 - 1:07pm | LilysDaddy

"Medaling" with the vote counting?

What? Gold, silver, bronze?

Proving once again, stags: liberals are brain dead. You weren't allowed to vote yesterday, were you? Is it too late to bring back literacy tests?

August 27, 2008 - 8:53pm | blue_in_AK

Love those hyperlinks, LD.

...

August 27, 2008 - 12:01pm | lezrol64

Not quite Stags

Generally you're wrong, but that’s mostly your opinions. Today you're factually wrong. I know your obsessive hate for the Governor prevents you from checking the facts, so I thought I might help you out today on this one.

The 23% increase in State spending you quoted is total spending. Actual State Spending grew 5%. The difference is PFD, Federal Funds ect ect. You can locate all this on the State website. www.alaska.gov

Eddie Burke

August 27, 2008 - 1:27pm | not2green

...ok

So can we all agree then that the governer isn't a True Conservative now that we have an accurate number on how much public spending grew?

August 27, 2008 - 1:35pm | rfn

Seems at least somewhat conservative

in light of the national inflation rate and the very generous labor contracts extended through the courtesy of the previous "administration" and the largess of the legislature. Now, when there's a moderate attempt at trimming costs, the whiners are out in full cry. Like the old song title: "When You Get What You Want, You Don't Want It Anymore".

August 27, 2008 - 10:33am | rfn

Obsession!

It's not just a perfume anymore!

I've repeatedly explained that it's the legislature that sets taxes and it's up to the governor to sign, veto, or sit back and chuckle. Lieutenant governor has nothing to do with the process.

Now it's mostly up to the absentee ballots and it's not impossible that Mr. Young might eke out a win. Not one to be very arrogant over. His chances in November, should that happen, will be marginal at best. But that's what all the Parnell bashing was about....having Republicans run the weakest possible candidate against The San Francisco Threat.

I believe the Pelosi-Reid stain is sufficient that most Alaskans will not vote to ban their own firearms. Also not a vast amount of enthusiasm for having to buy a National Park Pass to return home after a visit outside. But it could happen.

The warm and fuzzy part of a Young victory in the primary and in November is that we'll likely have a special election shortly thereafter and all will right itself. Otherwise, after four years of a crippled economy, Alaskans will return to our senses with the cost of only two years seniority aborted.

Meanwhile, on the Democrat Side, the predicted has happened and Ms. Benson, who put her heart and soul into defeating Mr. Young when the going was tough has been thrust back under The Great Democrat bus. Funny, though, unlike The Great Mat-Su Valley withdrawer, I don't think she'll stay there long.

BTW: "Medaling" is a sort of noun corrupted into a verb for Olympic TV-speak. This is the first time I've heard of anyone withing to have medals awarded in connection with an election.

August 27, 2008 - 12:35pm | blue_in_AK

Right you are, rfn

Diane may be down, but she's not out. It has been an honor for me to volunteer both this year and in 2006 for that rarest of creatures -- an ethical and untainted politician.

August 27, 2008 - 1:26pm | rfn

Not being a lawyer.....

I am uncertain of the rules and regulations. However, it seems to me that Ms. Benson, having been cast under The Great Democrat Bus by her own party, should feel no obligation to them. It would be most fitting for her to run as an Independent in November. No, she might not win but there is a chance, particularly with uncertainty in Republican ranks. In any case, she'd be firmly making the point that women are not to be lightly cast aside.

August 27, 2008 - 2:10pm | LilysDaddy

Ms. Benson's television performance

last night, via Steve MacDonald and KTUU-TV2, was redolent of "entitlement." Her statements ranging from (paraphrasing) "no one campaigned more than I did," to "the native vote is not in yet, we'll see" to "we need progressive women in Congress," to "women's representation is important" was, I think, simply a litany of reasons Mr. Berkowitz-Pelosi beat her by 17 or so points. (She may also have talked about being a truck driver on the slope, breaking barriers, fighting prejudice; I don't know, it was late and I may have dozed.)

Alaskans have no qualms electing qualified women, I feel. Alaskans absolutely will not vote for a candidate simply because she's a woman and happened to pull 40% against Rep. Young in the 2006 Congressional race.

I don't think Ms. Benson understands that distinction.

20 August 27, 2008 - 8:53am | Stags__Leap

Ethan Berkowitz is not from Alaska.

His liberal California ways are not what we need here.

That's why I'm continuing to support Don Young. I especially like his plan for a dollar-a-gallon tax on gasoline.

August 27, 2008 - 11:00am | AKvet

Don Young, being born,

Don Young, being born, raised and educated in California, doesn't seem to have the "ways" we want here in Alaska either. I for one, am very much not proud of having an arrogant, self-righteous, pompous loser being my sole representation in the House. I, being a native Alaskan, do not like native Californians dictating policy up here. That's why it is time for Young to take a hike and head back down to Cali, where he is from.

19 August 27, 2008 - 5:01am | Stags_Leap

Congrats to Don Young

now if we can only keep the First Dude, Sarah Palin, her senior staffers, and Palinbot allies away from the Div. of Elections while they count all absentee ballots -we should have a valid final result later today, with the loser (Parnell) demanding a recount.

The Parnell campaign was a joke. They should thank the gods if they actually win, as they literally lost a double digit lead in the polls in a matter of 2-3 weeks.

Don Young out campaigned Parnell.....and Parnell was bankrolled (about 3/4 of his total contributions) from an east coast PAC (technically not a PAC -but it's a PAC). Stunning ineptness on the part of Parnell and his campaign.

This is going to get interesting. Palin has a few pals and ladder clibers over at Division of Elections. Who is actually counting those remaining ballots? Kyle -this is the story...it is going to blow up before Noon.

18 August 27, 2008 - 1:33am | Stags__Leap

Parnell, Menard and Gatto

Congratulations. It's good to see the right candidates win.

August 27, 2008 - 4:45am | bigrange

You are so funny because you are appallingly unoriginal

The guy chose an excellent wine as his alias, and you have to copy him. I have personally toured the vineyard and have savored many of their offerings for over twenty years. You really should refer to yourself as Thunderbird.

August 27, 2008 - 7:06am | rfn

It's just not possible

to make good wine from sour grapes.

So far my Nostradamus-like predictions are batting .666. Measure 4 has sunk to the bottom and Carl Gatto (I don't recall why somebody brought him into this a few days ago) is handily ahead.

Berkotwitz-Pelosi has done his part in seeing the very deserving Ms. Benson thrown under The Great Democrat Bus...but that's just an observation, t'was not a prediction.

At the moment Parnell is leading the San Francisco Threat though the lead is tenuous. Should Parnell prevail I'll be at 1.000!

If not; another prediction: If it's Young against B-P, Republicans will swallow hard and unite for a squeaker for Mr. Young. Then we'll have a special election for one reason or another during what will prove itself to be Mr. Young's final term. At that point Republicans will heave a sigh of relief and unite behind Mr. Parnell. Also, it it takes long enough for the eventuality to play out, the entire nation will have had enough of the Democrat majority in Congress and entirely turn away; back to reality a little on the early side.

I won't deny that Mr. Young's combination of campaign/legal defense fund may have really alienated enough voters that, should he emerge from the primary as a contender, he might actually lose in November (I think that unlikely, either way). Should that happen (another preciction!), Alaska will enjoy the full benefits of Obamanation and all talk of opening ANWR or offshore areas will quietly fade along with the national economy.

It will take work but it's remains possible to prevent the box-score from becoming:

California 54
Alaska 0

August 27, 2008 - 2:50am | bobbyc

Menard was unopposed.

Gatto winning is a total shocker.

Not so fast on Parnell. He's only 142 ahead right now, and there's 4,000 absentee ballots to count.

August 27, 2008 - 7:10am | rfn

Menard WAS unopposed....

but let's not forget why.

When the going got tough, the "tough" got gone!

As to those 4,000 absentee ballots, much will depend upon from whence they came. Also it does not appear they have been segregated in any way according to party. The split generally is not 50/50 (R/D), so there may be even fewer that will have any impact.

This could play out over a period of several days. If there's foul weather at Diomede and the tally remains close enough, it could take a week or more. Not likely; communication is better than it once was. Still, no guarantee.

17 August 26, 2008 - 11:52pm | bobbyc

This Young and Parnell race

is too close for comfort. I sure the hell hope Young wins.

16 August 26, 2008 - 10:48pm | idiocracy

Don Young Wins!!

Senate district T reporting 6 of 48 precincts. House district 40, 3 of 21. This is Don Young's bread and butter. Yuppie Parnell goin' down!

August 26, 2008 - 10:54pm | TheSdog

Not necessarily

It is also a Dem area and it may not produce that many R votes.

Parnalin has also widened his lead to 400 votes and is building a cushion.

15 August 26, 2008 - 10:44pm | bitney

a good wine

Isn't that what Stags Leap is?

I love the postings by the reporters tonight...very helpful for moose hunters watching via wireless internet. (The bugs are horrible out here)

Parnell and Young in a dead heat...very exciting.

August 26, 2008 - 10:51pm | Stags_Leap

bitney

it used to be a good wine -until the family decided to sell it just recently.

August 28, 2008 - 6:33pm | rfn

If contemplating a purchase

be sure it's the real thing.

Recently saw in a shop a sample label that had been printed up for some individual's privately made "vintage". Shop owner was upset to learn the name is a REAL brand of which she had not previously heard.

Probably was not intended for sale....just a private "joke"....but one cannot be too careful.

August 26, 2008 - 11:43pm | Cartman3_15

Now it's just

a simple whine.

August 26, 2008 - 11:46pm | LilysDaddy

And with

a heavy bouquet of b.s. Oh, and dregs in the bottom of the glass.

And now in a twist-top bottle, too!

August 28, 2008 - 9:15am | akmooster

i heard sarah palin bought it....

and is switching it to a dull, repetitive, irrelevant, store-brand white vinegar.

August 26, 2008 - 10:53pm | bitney

cheers

14 August 26, 2008 - 10:32pm | Stags_Leap

Fake Stags____Leap poster

look bro, I know your peeved that palin won't be the VP, but Parnell really has no business in the halls of Congress. He will never get there...even if he pulls out a W in the Primary.

Either way, a staggering defeat for the Parnell campaign, who held a double digit lead just weeks ago. If they think Young was tough in the primary, it ain't nothing compared to what the DEMS will unleash on his cute little butt this fall.

August 26, 2008 - 10:44pm | TheSdog

Unleash?

What is Francisco going to do?

Bring up Pelosi who he will be corepresenting the Bay Area with to campaign with him?

Perhaps bring up Maxine Waters or Henry Waxman or some other CA Reps to stand with him as well?

After all, these are the people he will be organizing with if he gets to DC.

Then again maybe he could get together with Marky Mark and they could bring up the whole Funky Bunch led by Senators Boxer and Feinstein. They might even be able to bring up Galluping Gavin Newsom.

13 August 26, 2008 - 10:19pm | Stags__Leap

Go Parnell!

No way Young pulls this one out. Time for positive change for Alaska. Time for Sean Parnell in Congress.

August 26, 2008 - 10:23pm | Frozentech

dang close now

4 votes difference at 10:22, with the pro Don bush votes still to be counted. He could pull ahead by 10,000 votes easy yet.

August 26, 2008 - 10:28pm | TheSdog

The other wild card though

is early voters and absentees which likely shift more towards the population centers.

This looks like it may be close enough to come down to that.

August 26, 2008 - 10:25pm | Stags__Leap

What?

You say that like it's a good thing.

12 August 26, 2008 - 10:03pm | Stags_Leap

Young may win...

if a majority of the votes so far -are from ANC/Mat-Su, Young will win.

So that's my prediction...as most of the rural votes usually come in late. Young will carry a vast majority of the rural vote. If the results we are looking at right now entail ANC and Matsu- votes, Young will win.

However, if those votes are primarily ANC and Matsu votes -Parnell is sitting pretty.

Even if Youg loses -I suspect he will urge his supporters to back Berkowtiz in November, esp considering how Palin and Parnell have treated him.

August 26, 2008 - 10:13pm | lecjb

I agree.

I was thinking the same thing - if the race is close, the rural precincts always report later, and Young will win. Rural residents have no reason to vote for Parnell that I can see.

11 August 26, 2008 - 9:51pm | TheSdog

Francisco Berkowitz

was talking to the LA Times?

Has he no repspect for his hometown Chronicle?

August 27, 2008 - 11:45am |

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