Democratic candidates are chosen by vote, not "entitlement"--Correction and comment from Ethan

by: Celtic Diva

Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 01:43:11 AM AKDT

*********************************UPDATE****************************

Ethan Berkowitz properly corrected me on my brain fart (I fixed it) and added a comment on the post:

I read your recent piece and just wanted to remind you about the Cngressional race.

After Diane Benson declared, State Democratic Party Chair Jake Metcalf jumped in, then I entered.  It's not accurate to say that the primary was just between Diane and myself.

As far as the governor's race goes, no one is entitled to any elected race -- not those who've run before, not those who served the party, not those who started early.  It is supposed to be a bout a contest of ideas and qualifications, and the voters make the determination.

Thanks,
Ethan

Thanks, Ethan!

Those of you who follow the blog understand; these days, I don't put much stock in what Sheila Toomey writes.  However, this week's Alaska Ear put out some scuttlebutt concerning Gubernatorial Candidate Bob Poe that concerned me:

A MORE INTERESTING QUESTION ... How hard are mainstream Democrats, perhaps including Ethan Berkowitz, Hollis French and Eric Croft, trying to convince Bob Poe to drop out of the nascent governor's race "for the good of the party?" It's hearsay, but a persistent claim, the fear being he splits the primary vote enough to win but can't take the general. Unclear who they think the best candidate is. Probably some differing opinions there.

In hopes that this was just information thrown out there to divide the Democrats, I decided to do some research of my own and talked to a source close to the campaign...

...only to find out that the story is true!  Fellow Democrats truly are trying to dissuade Bob Poe!!!  Are you kidding me?

So...let's get this straight:

"Hey, Bob! We know you've been out there for the last six months working your butt off and dumping your own money into this campaign because you weren't allowed to raise any.  Now, only a couple of weeks into being able to receive contributions, we want you to back out of the race because a couple of our buddies are going to jump in and take it from here."

Are you serious?  That doesn't even make any logical sense!

For one thing, this isn't the Anchorage Mayor's race when coming to a candidate's agreement would have made sense.  The Governor's race has a lovely primary far enough ahead of the General Election that the winner can pick up considerable momentum.  There's NO real reason (other than for candidates who are afraid of the competition) to try and cull the herd ahead of time.

Secondly, it's only June 2009.  The election isn't until November 2010!!!  The talented Kay Brown just got to work on the Poe campaign,
there's still another Legislative Session in between and NO ONE knows what's going to happen between now and then!  

The really irritating/disturbing part for me is this sense of "entitlement" that seems to be expressing itself here...that one has to "prove" him/herself to a certain "clique" before one can run for office in this state, especially in the urban areas.  It's especially discomfiting because I've been witnessing this and hearing about it for awhile.

There's the case of Diane Benson, two-time candidate for Don Young's seat, who received no Alaska Democratic Party money either time.  When former legislator Ethan Berkowitz and Jake Metcalfe joined the race, both men were showered with praise and contributions before Jake dropped out.  Meaning no disrespect to Ethan, I must point out that Diane got the same percentage of votes against Don Young on a shoestring budget during a Republican-friendly year that Ethan got in 2008 with a huge warchest.  Also meaning no disrespect, I must point out the Native woman vs. Caucasian male issue...it is there.

During the session, when the Legislature and Governor Palin were having their standoff over a replacement for Juneau Senator Kim Elton, we were introduced to the name Joe Nelson.  Joe was clearly not the right guy, as he allowed himself to be used as a "spoiler" against the Senate Democrats and he also said something really stupid in a Governor's Press release when he withdrew his name from consideration.  However, before all of that happened, I remember wondering "Why wasn't this guy courted by the Juneau Democrats before?  After all, he IS married to Mary Nelson, former Democratic Legislator.  What's up with that?

Then some of my sources from Juneau (especially the Native Community) explained how "cliquish" it is there.  I was tp;d that it's almost impossible to "break in" to the circle of Democrats who make a great deal of the decisions.

And once again, when we look at the racial and gender make-up of the urban legislators from Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, you would think that those of us who live in these cities are all-white and mostly male.

So, it seems we have two issues here that are interrelated:

1)  Some people get huffy if a "new face" tries to run for office without "paying their dues"...whatever those "dues" may be...and...

2)  While the Democratic Party is definitely the party of inclusion (especially in comparison to the Republicans), we still have a long way to go to improve representation within our own ranks.

We MUST reach out to enthusiastic candidates who can fire up a campaign.  We cannot allow one faction of the Party to dictate the views that EVERY DEMOCRAT must have, discouraging highly qualified potential candidates from running.  We MUST encourage young minority members to become active in the party and mentor them into running for office.  For Alaskans to become engaged in the political system, they must be able to see their own faces in the legislature and the local councils and assemblies.

Resolving both of these issues depends upon nurturing, encouraging and supporting new blood to run for office as Democrats at ALL levels on the ballot. If that didn't happen nationally, Barack Obama would not be President today.

"Alaska should be your highest priority"--Press Release from Bob Poe

by: Celtic Diva

Sat May 23, 2009 at 10:57:51 AM AKDT

Anyway, I had to share that I DID NOT STEAL FROM MUDFLATS!)

Anchorage, AK:  Today Bob Poe challenged Governor Palin's recent decision to veto over $28 million in federal stimulus funds for energy efficiencies.

"Once again Governor Palin has demonstrated her narcissistic governance of Alaska by becoming the only Governor in America to reject federal stimulus funds to promote energy efficiency.  These are funds that not only help stimulate a growing base of alternative energy companies in Alaska, but which would pay dividends in additional energy cost savings for many years to come."  

Poe added, "This is just a cynical way for Palin to save a little face nationally in her earlier much touted stand to reject as much as 40% of the federal stimulus funds.  Considering that one third of Alaska's current economy depends on federal spending, it further underlines the Governor's remarkable lack of understanding of the economic underpinnings that have helped our state avoid many of the economic difficulties currently experienced by many others."

"But perhaps the most striking aspect of this veto is to contrast it to $1,200 Palin paid out last year to every man, woman and child in Alaska for energy assistance, boosting everyone's Permanent Fund dividend to $3,200, and raising her popularity to record levels helping secure her as the Vice Presidential running mate pick with Senator John McCain.  Apparently, when it suits the Governor's purpose she will happily spend Alaska's resources, and again when it meets her political needs she will reject very useful federal stimulus funds for Alaskans," Poe added.

Poe concluded, "Governor Palin's choice to veto federal stimulus funds for energy efficiency should leave no doubt in voters' minds that her highest priority is not Alaska, but her run for President in 2012."

Today at 4:00 PM...blogging from CC's star-studded Weekly Wrap-Up on KWMD!

by: Celtic Diva

Fri May 08, 2009 at 12:06:51 PM AKDT

Many of you saw "What Do I Know" blogmeister Steve Aufrecht's posts on Monday's garage-radio outing with CC and Cary.

Well...as they say...BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND...

Today at 4:00 PM, CC will bring back a little familiarity with Democratic Party leader Patti Higgins, the Demo Memo featuring Johnny Ellis and a conversation with Bob Poe...all in one show!

The schedule goes:

4:00 PM -- Patti Higgins

4:30 PM -- Demo Memo with Sen. Johnny Ellis

6:00 PM -- Get to know Bob Poe

Cary posted a diary earlier in the week on getting his garage ready for a radio show:

So here is CC, telling me my garage is going to be transformed into a broadcast studio. That was Sunday morning at 10 AM.

-- By 7 PM  I had 21 of those Rubbermaid Tough Totes packed and stacked, a pickup truck full of trash, and you could actually see across the room!

-- By 9 PM I had decided that if it hadn't made it into a container it simply would meet it's demise via the sucking power of a 4 horse, 10 gallon shopvac.

-- By 10:30 PM I had reclaimed the garage!

When Jeremy showed up at 11 AM this morning, I still had doubts that we could make it fly.  However, by 4 PM we had burned our way through every adapter I had and a few of Jeremy's.

We made it! CC, Jeremy, Steve and I were on the air on KWMD 104.5 fm  at 5 PM as planned. It was great. It was what radio was supposed to be. It was a magic moment of broadcasting that opens your eyes to this great potential.

I hope everyone tunes in today to share in that "magic!"

    Kasilof -- 90.7 FM

    Anchorage -- 104.5 & 87.74 FM

    Eagle River -- 92.5 FM

    Mat Su -- 107.9 FM

P.S. You should also be able to check the blog...I hope to be live-blogging for part of the broadcast!

"Governor Palin is Out of Touch and Out of Town" Press Release from Bob Poe, Candidate for Gov.

by: Celtic Diva

Fri Apr 17, 2009 at 10:05:18 AM AKDT

Bob Poe joined with many Alaskans who are thankful the Alaska Legislature, in a vote of 35 no's and 23 yeah's, including 9 Republican Legislators, voted to reject confirmation for Attorney General designee Wayne Anthony Ross.

"It is puzzling Governor Palin has chosen this time, when so much is at stake in the final days of the Legislative session, to be out of state attending an anti abortion fundraiser in Indiana.  The Attorney General is critical to the effective functioning of State government.  By her absence, the Governor is demonstrating she is "out of touch and out of town" when it comes to effectively governing Alaska," said Poe.  

"While Alaska is fortunate they will not be subjected to a divisive Attorney General as Mr. Ross, this also demonstrates something even more concerning.  Governor Palin is simply disengaged with the day-to-day functioning of Alaska state government.  This lack of engagement puts at risk so many critical initiatives to Alaska's future.  If she is so unwilling to put her waning political capital behind her own appointment for Attorney General, what kind of effort is she devoting to building a gas pipeline, a bullet line, or even aligning Railbelt Utilities?"

Poe added, "Alaska is fortunate the Alaska Legislature is on the job though and that they did not let this appointment pass.  Legislators are too often criticized, they have a tough job to do with little time to do it.  This time they really did the right thing."

Bob Poe announced on January 8, 2009 he was seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor.  He has had a 28-year career in Alaska's public and private sectors serving four Alaska Governors during his career.

He has been critically involved in a variety of economic development efforts including leading Alaska's marketing and negotiating teams to attract the FedEx and UPS cargo hubs to Anchorage

Eric Croft fundraiser at Senator Mark Begich's house...an excuse to party!

by: Celtic Diva

Fri Apr 17, 2009 at 07:43:06 AM AKDT

Senator Begich with me and my daughter.  She and I obviously could barely keep our eyes open!

Gubernatorial Candidate Bob Poe...to know him is to love him!

Writer Elstun Lauesen (who also happens to be husband of Anchorage
Assembly Member, Harriet Drummond) sitting next the fearless leader of the
Alaska Democratic Party, Patti Higgins

The place was packed!  When we got there, they were literally hanging out of the doors!

Of course, no party is complete without adorable kids!

Having a good laugh with campaign-meister Jonathan Teeters--he was both
Obama's and Begich's connection to Rural Alaska

Former Senate Candidate Jake Metcalfe and family

Assemblywoman Harriet Drummond talking to "Steve Ex" and Terzah Poe

Future Alaska's First Couple!

Shannyn Moore, who now has a new radio gig on KBYR 700, a previously
all-conservative station!  Go Shannyn!

Anonymous blogger feet...well, not so anonymous!

Candidate for Governor Bob Poe on the Department of Interior's 5-Year Plan

by: Celtic Diva

Tue Apr 14, 2009 at 17:43:13 PM AKDT

Dept. of Interior Secretary Salazaar was at the Dena'ina Convention Center today taking public testimony on the Obama administration's five-year offshore oil and gas leasing plan.

Here are Gubernatorial Candidate Bob Poe's comments:

"First thank you Secretary Salazar, for coming to Alaska to understand, first hand, how important resource development, including off shore oil and gas production, is to our economic future.

As a long time Alaskan, I have served four Alaska Governors, three of them Democrats, in a variety of cabinet and sub-cabinet roles including Administration, including the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, deputy commissioner of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and I ran half of the Alaska Department of Conservation. I am currently a Democratic candidate for Governor of Alaska in 2010.

Alaska is approaching an economic cliff.  Our oil pipeline is just half full and draining quickly.  If we started gas pipeline construction today, gas production from the North Slope is at least a decade away, and the uncertainty of off-shore oil and gas is not helping. Bristol Bay's economy has risen and fallen on the price of a red salmon with no diversification to help smooth these impacts, and North Slope villages are dependent on the revenues provided by a waning on-shore oil industry.

Alaska's economy sits on a 3-legged stool; one third is oil and gas, one third is federal spending, and one third is everything else including fishing, tourism, air cargo, mining, you name it.  Ninety per cent of state revenues depend on oil and gas.

From the beginning resource development was envisioned as our state's economic future - Alaskans are generally pro development - our constitution is pro development.

Alaska is also pro conservation.  One third of all US state park land is in Alaska

More than 60 per cent of federal lands in AK, over 140 million acres, are set aside for conservation.  Alaskans live here because this is such a wondrous place, we've made our contribution to conservation, we also need responsible development.

Resource development, including off-shore oil and gas, is not simply a ...

Native vs. Non - Native issue, you will find Alaska Native people on both sides; Rural vs. Urban issue, both stand to benefit; nor a Republican vs. Democratic issue, at least in Alaska, we're both generally in favor of responsible resource development

Alaska just celebrated its 50th birthday - we have come a long way - but our future still depends on resource development.  Off shore oil and gas should play a key role, it has in the Cook Inlet since our start.  A gas pipeline to carry North Slope gas will also be important.  Both projects should be key factors, along with expanded development of renewable energy, in America's energy equation.

We deserve the opportunity to develop Alaska's resources in a responsible way to ensure both our own bright future, and the energy future of America.   I ask you and President Obama's administration to support that opportunity, failure to do so will imperil Alaska's economic future for decades to come."

Bob Poe opposes WAR with Rural Alaska--press release

by: Celtic Diva

Fri Apr 03, 2009 at 15:03:22 PM AKDT

Today Bob Poe, Democratic Candidate for Governor, joined with the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Association of Village Council Presidents to oppose the confirmation of Wayne Anthony Ross as Alaska Attorney General.

"It is unfortunate that Governor Sarah Palin, rather than selecting an Attorney General designee who would help pull Alaska together, has selected an individual as divisive within Alaska as Mr. Ross.  I join with the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Association of Village Council Presidents in their opposition to his confirmation by the Legislature," said Poe. "Mr. Ross's long standing opposition to issues like a rural preference for subsistence, held as a critical issue to rural Alaskans, is a clear example as to why this appointment will not be helpful in bridging the urban/rural divide."

"The Attorney General is supposed to be Alaska's attorney to represent all Alaskans within the Executive Branch.  We have already seen Governor Palin's first Attorney General lean too far to support the Governor's personal position in the matter concerning Commissioner Monegan, why now does she support a new appointment who is likely to broaden the gap between urban and rural Alaska.  Isn't it time for the Governor to choose an Attorney General who will represent the needs of all Alaskans?" added Poe.

"In these challenging economic times we should be focused on working together as Alaskans, rural and urban, for our common future," said Poe. "Isn't it time Governor Palin show the leadership to pull Alaskans together, not drive us further apart?  Mr. Ross' appointment, unfortunately, will be one that further divides us."

Bob Poe announced on January 8, 2009 he was seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor.  He has had a 28-year career in Alaska's public and private sectors serving four Alaska Governors during his career.

He has been critically involved in a variety of economic development efforts including leading Alaska's marketing and negotiating teams to attract the FedEx and UPS cargo hubs to Anchorage.

Go to: www.bobpoe.com for more information.

Best regards,

Bob Poe
Bob Poe: Alaska First
bpoe@gci.net