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."

Saturday wrap-up--Heading to Seward for the weekend!

by: Celtic Diva

Sat May 02, 2009 at 00:36:24 AM AKDT

Unfortunately, stories have been left unfinished (APOC--yes, it REALLY IS COMING...it just keeps getting bigger...and I will finish the piece on Senator Begich) or had to be skipped (Hey, I WANTED to talk more about events at Drift River, Rural Alaska issues and the Governor's "Tweeting"...OK, maybe not the Governor's "Tweeting").

However, I wanted to grab some of the stories that seem to interest you guys most in the comments:

Wrap-up story #1: Gryphen is Our Leader!!!!!

The wannabe-marmots over at C4P have determined that, much like playing a Beatles album backwards in the 60's gave us an accurate portrait of Satanism in the rock community or the state of Paul McCartney's health, reading between the lines over at Immoral Minority is supposed to provide insight into the "secret world" of Alaska's Progressive blogging community.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Got that out of my system!!!

I love how C4P is trying to turn a blogger's attempt to gain accurate information for a story through a simple investigation (i.e. phone calls, interviews) into a tinfoil hat conspiracy!  The real irony is that misperception of a lack of that very investigative work, phone calls, etc...is what brought us scorn from the "journalistic" folks.  So I guess we're damned either way!

As Gryphen said when I spoke to him earlier, "A number of these groups are making false assumptions.  I'm like any other Alaskan blog, trying to get at the truth and then present that same truth to my readers."

As all of C4P's information is spoonfed from the Administration's minions, I'm sure suspicion of asking questions of the parties involved in a story is encouraged.  It's much simpler to make it up as they go along if the truth doesn't fit Queen Narcissist's talking points.  

It also helps that none of the blogmeisters live in Alaska!

Wrap-up story #2: The Dan Sullivan story is gaining momentum

I wrote about this twice.  The original story is HERE and the follow up story with the audio link is HERE. The last two days I wondered if the MSM was going to care.  Heck, the ADN wouldn't even link to a blog about it.  Now, it seems that those audio tapes released this evening with the testimony regarding Dan Sullivan may be turning the tide.

Matthew Simon on KTVA:

Thursday court documents only showed paraphrased testimony where a "Dan" was identified. That day, Sullivan would not answer if this was him.

Friday morning he told CBS 11 News he did not remember the incident, and would not dignify Tesche's demand, calling it a "last minute campaign smear tactic."

Friday night, after the case's audio testimony surfaced, the Sullivan Campaign told CBS 11 News they are sticking with their original statement.

Are you kidding me, Dan?  You don't remember the night that your employee left the bar under her own steam after drinking for hours with you, then got in a car accident and was arrested, charged and convicted with a DUI??  YOU DON'T REMEMBER THAT????

Wrap-up story #3: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee're off to see the Woody!  The wonderful Woody of SeaLife!

Like every Alaska kid, my daughter thinks of Woody the sea lion as her special friend

So my husband's contract work is taking him out-of-town to Seward for the weekend and we're going with him!  We plan to go to the SeaLife Center (I hear they have a sea lion "harem" in Woody's tank so he gets the special "mating" experience...ewwwww...) and we're getting a glacier tour!  While I love riding on the family boat, it's also nice sightseeing on a heated boat with lunch service, comfy booths and bathrooms!

Beautiful view from the same glacier tour we'll be taking (from 2006)

While I'm there, I plan on walking around and talking to the various tourist-dependent places to find out how nervous they are about their prospects this summer.  I also want to get information on the special discounts for Alaskans I've been hearing so much about!

Walt Monegan--candidate for Governor? (Link to recording below) **UPDATE**

by: Celtic Diva

Thu Dec 04, 2008 at 00:32:56 AM AKST

Walt Monegan spoke today at the University of Alaska, Anchorage and the link leads to a tape of the entire event.  He participated in the Department of Journalism and Public Communication's monthly Brown Bag Lunch.  

Mr. Monegan spoke on what he's learned over the years about the relationship between the people and their government. "Basically, what I want to talk about, and what I've been invited to speak on, is the importance of the integrity of our government and its leaders."

He discussed his appreciation of our Founding Fathers and how "the law of the land" includes an understandting that "If the government starts to become more oppressive, the citizens not only have a right but an obligation to alter or abolish the government."

Trust was his recurring theme, as he recounted his understanding of its importance through his career in public safety:  

"Trust is both powerful and yet so fragile.  It empowers the police to do the things they are required and requested to do and yet they have to walk a very fine line that safeguards both the citizens and their constitutional rights."  

"We in the police are better schooled on being accountable and being watched than any other part of the government."

He also wanted us to understand more about him and his decisions:

"I know many of you perhaps wanted to hear about what was so well reported by the media last fall and summer. I'm telling you what I believe and I hope would provide some insight to who and what I am. I would hope there was also an understanding to the adherence of values coupled with the appreciation of that powerful yet fragile trust would give you some insight why I took the path that I chose."

Monegan is a captivating speaker, exuding a quiet strength that draws you to him. He also clearly has a depth of concern about public safety...he has so much knowledge and he wants to share it.  During the questions and answers about the proposals he put forward as Commissioner regarding multi-pronged solutions to the horrendous domestic violence and sexual assault problems in Rural Alaska, he became quite animated.  It was obvious to everyone that he still feels quite passionate about the issue.  Not surprisingly, it turns out he's currently working with social services groups.

Do I hope that Walt's re-emergence in the public forum causes the Palin Administration concern?  Yes...yes I do.  Happily, there may be good reason for them to be concerned.

Monegan's first question from the audience was that the student had heard a "rumor" that Walt Monegan may be running for Mayor.

He said, "I heard that rumor too.  Next question?"

The next time politics was mentioned someone wanted to know if he was running for Governor.  The answer there was more interesting as he discussed how he's seen a number of political positions function and how some of them posed unique challenges.  He then discussed how much he loved to dig into a challenge and then his discussion moved away from the topic.  

The third question on the subject was from APRN, who first asked if Walt was going to take any action against the State on being called a "rogue" and he said "I love the State of Alaska so the answer is no."  Then she asked for a firmer answer to the question about running for governor and he said he didn't want to violate the non-political requirement of speaking at UAA.

I took that as my cue and I asked the last question of the day:

There are a lot of people who support you that I'm sure have let you know and there are a number who have not let you know and they would like to see you take some prominent leadership position in the State.  Is there anything you can tell them without getting specific about that happening in any form?

Walt's reply:

As long as it's not violating any rules I could honestly say that my wife and I are talking about it.

I told my husband that he couldn't stop me from signing up for THAT campaign! :D

I strongly recommend that you listen to the entire recording.  At one point he spoke to the audience like they were new recruits in the Police Academy.  He also shared a beautiful speech he made at last year's graduation.  It's just under and hour and well worth the listen.

****UPDATE*****

More about Walt at Progressive Alaska, What Do I Know, Alaska Politics Blog and KTUU Channel 2.