Comments on: Begich plotting for 2016. Murkowski beefing up.

By: Amy Carroll

Amy Carroll — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 01:21:15 +0000

Hello,
To the many people at work and around town who have asked if the above comment is mine: NO. It’s someone else with the same name.

Sincerely,
Amy Carroll (from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Juneau Alaska)

By: AH HA

AH HA — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:45:51 +0000

It’s doubtful that there will be a republican challenger against Murkowski (however she spells it) in 2016. The Republican establishment is well aware of ‘the particular circumstance’ (to steal a phrase from our prospective Lt. Governor) that drew the Native Corporations to invest very heavily in Murkowski during her last election. Since then Murkowski has unfailingly brought home the bacon for the Native Corporations, even getting them another bite at the ANCSA apple in the Tongass. This leaves her in a, seemingly, rather awkward position where she claims to be a Republican but generally supports a very liberal agenda at the insistence of her paying constituency. Remember Begich’s claim; Murkowski and I worked well together? He was right. He and Murkowski had worked closely but it was because Murkowski had moved to the left not because Begich had moved to the right. But, no matter how she votes, as long as she is allowed to continue to act as a member of the Majority and claim to be a Republican it will be enough to placate the Republican Party and she will remain unassailable from the right.

As far as the Democrats go, it’s doubtful that they will invest much in this race either since they will be unable to convince a major component of their traditional constituency to jump the fence and abandon Murkowski and that leaves them with the only other major components of their party in Alaska. The Greens and the Labor Unions and these two constituencies that are traditionally at odds, particularly in Alaska.
This would leave the only possible platform for a prospective Democrat to run on that would unite the remaining components of the party: unionizing the greens….or greening the unions. A tough sell either way.

By: J.R.Myers, ACP Chairman

J.R.Myers, ACP Chairman — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:17:34 +0000

Get ready, get ready, get ready! 😉

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 17:58:42 +0000

In reply to Jim lottsfeldt. @jim. Ignore the meanies. You're right.

By: Amy Carroll

Amy Carroll — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 10:00:50 +0000

Prediction. Begich wins with 45% of the vote against Murkowski, with Miller running as a third party candidate.

Alaska needs to require a candidate to receive a 50%+ majority to win an election to avoid a scenario such as this.

By: Only His Hair Dresser Knows For Sure

Only His Hair Dresser Knows For Sure — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 08:28:21 +0000

Charmingly sounds as if Master Lottsfeldt is splitting hairs with a little wiggle here and a little side step there. Sounds as if he’s taking lessons from the Begichmatic spinmaster. One final thought for JL: he who protests too much………….lalala.

By: Miz

Miz — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 08:18:38 +0000

In reply to Jim lottsfeldt. Lottsfeldt is complaining about his words being twisted. That's rich.

By: Jim lottsfeldt

Jim lottsfeldt — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 07:30:12 +0000

I did not say Mark Begich was plotting against Lisa Murkowski. What I told the National Journal was that Mark was upbeat and is always plotting his next move, which could include 2016.

Mark is smart, energetic and not likely to retire because he lost this race. But to say he is plotting against Lisa Murkowski is twisting my words.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 05:31:54 +0000

In reply to Mark Springer. Personality cult Mark S.? Let's remember the Democrats, Alaska Natives and women who supported Lisa 4 years ago. Those were the folks at whom she was thumbing her nose and I hope they all remember. She will have to work hard -- maybe she, too, can find a Unity ticket.

By: Macy

Macy — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 05:01:18 +0000

Begich won’t concede but he’s already planning a bid for 2 years from now. Lame.