Donald Bullock Jr. is retiring from state service. Most recently, he was a lawyer for Legislative Legal. Like many good state workers who are actually doing their jobs, you might not have heard much about him. Yet he was a key to making the Legislature work. He basically wrote the legislative changes to the most recent oil tax and gas pipeline bills. Here’s wishing him a relaxing retirement.
KFQD talk show host Bernadette Wilson spoke into the mic with breathy excitement on Tuesday, claiming that at long last, she finally had the piece of information that was going to bring down Dan Sullivan. Cue a personal email that her guy, Mead Treadwell, received in 2009 from Sullivan when Sullivan was in D.C. eyeing the job for Alaska’s attorney general, where Sullivan talks about having “Outsider” status, who is “not part of the current Alaska political system:”
The real lesson? Don’t send Mead Treadwell a personal email in good faith if you don’t want it to be distorted and used for personal gain against you, say nothing of him disseminating your personal email address across the internet. Secondly, and most importantly, if you’re going to play that game, you should be sure that an email that you yourself sent won’t come back at you. For instance, an email like this one, which I didn’t get from Sullivan and which Treadwell sent to a whole slew of people in 2004:
From: Mead Treadwell (Deleted)
Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2004 5:00 PM
To: (Deleted)
Subject: Breakfast with White House/NSC Director of International Economic Affairs Dan Sullivan Monday February 9Dan Sullivan, Director of International Economic Affairs at the National Security Council and the National Economic Council, the White House, will speak at a breakfast sponsored by the Alaska World Affairs Council Monday February 9 at 7:30 a.m., at the Quarterdeck, the Hotel Captain Cook. Dan is an Alaskan, who left his practice of law at the Anchorage office of Perkins, Coie to become a White House Fellow in 2002…
From: Mead Treadwell (Deleted)
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2004 17:18:11 -0900
To: (Deleted)
Subject: FW: Breakfast with White House/NSC Director of International Economic Affairs Dan Sullivan Monday February 9I hope you can make it. Dan is a good guy. MT
If you see a blue-hulled yacht later this week in the waters between Wrangel and Ketchikan, chances are it’s Frank and Nancy Murkowski’s boat the “First Lady.” And if you have a pair of binoculars lying around and don’t mind being a little creepy and using them, chances are you’ll see BP president John Minge and ConocoPhillips Alaska president Trond‐Erik Johansen on board. Ahoy! Last year both companies gave $10,000 each at the Murkowski family’s Ketchikan annual charity auction to raise money for breast cancer awareness. Part of the deal is that they would ride to this year’s auction on the boat. The auction, this Friday, is said to be a big deal in the community, so is the rest of the weekend, where dozens head to Ketchikan’s Waterfall Resort for fishing and relaxing.
Former Palin DOT commissioner Leo von Scheben hosted a fundraiser for GOP senate candidate Dan Sullivan at his home on Horseshoe Lake just outside Wasilla. About 35 – 40 supporters attended including: Thor Stacey, Sam Fejes, Dave Roberts, Micheaela Duplesse and lobbyist Kris Knauss.
The biggest political event of the season wasn’t held at the Petroleum Club, nor a sprawling Hillside estate, or hosted by corporate titans. It was a meet and greet for Gov. Sean Parnell held at Anchorage’s newest sports bar—Crossbar–aptly named for the hockey fans. It was hosted by UAA Seawolf and NHLer and Alaska hockey community “enforcer” Justin Johnson, aka “JJ.” The place was packed with about 200 members of the hockey community. The free beer was a draw. So was the chance for many of them to shake a governor’s hand. And shake his hand with a fair amount of vim and vigor they did. In addition to JJ, other NHLers in the room included Scotty Gomez, Tim Wallace and Brian Swanson. Also spotted: UAA hockey coach Matt Thomas and athletic director Keith Hackett; youth hockey coach and Continental Auto Group owner Martin Martenson; Jeff Cooper who has two sons skating at the collegiate level, one at the U. of Nebraska – Omaha and the other at D3 powerhouse St. Norberts; hockey mom and CIRI CEO Sophie Minich; former UAA assistant coaches Jack Kovall, Keith Morris and his better half Tracey; Joe and Nancy Schierhorn who has a son skating at Dartmouth and another tending net in the USHL; Carlos and Dahlia Gomez; AK State Hockey Association president and lawyer Daryl Thompson; lobbyist Ashley Reed whose son will be skating at Providence College this year (and who’s a friend of mine and the reason I know so much about the hockey community, including about this fundraiser); Gomez Foundation treasurer Mike O’Connor; Calgary Flames draft pick and now-youth hockey coach Steve MacSwain; Subway and ACES owner Steve Adams; UAA hockey fan and Thursday night skater Wes Roberts; hockey booster Harry McDonald; hockey dad and attorney general Michael Geraghty who I’m told still occasionally laces up his own skates and hits the ice; Matt Shasby, Pete McEnaney, Chris King, Mike Scott and a bunch more Seawolf alumni too numerous to mention.
The buzz in Gov. Sean Parnell’s office this week was about a phone call that Gov. Sean Parnell’s newly appointed fisheries adviser and now-highly derided Ben Mohr received from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Byron Mallott. Mohr is a former Pebble Mine outreach coordinator and was GOP Senate candidate Dan Sullivan’s campaign manager for a short time. Word is that Mallott apologized to Mohr for being part of the derision campaign. Shortly before the call, Mallott sent out a release, calling the appointment “questionable.” Which it kind of is, mostly because he has no fisheries experience and fisheries is the probably the most complex, politically charged issue in the state.
The Embassy Suites Hotel was busy Tuesday evening with the hustle and bustle of the tourist season. Unfortunately for some, the hustle and bustle had little to do with the House Majority’s fundraiser that was held there. In fact, word is that there were more legislators and staff present than contributors. Would it be too cruel to point out that there weren’t a lot of legislators or staff there either? Perhaps absolute power breeds complacency, absolutely?
Contact Amanda Coyne at amandamcoyne@yahoo.com
How can you possibly try to spin Sullivan’s campaign as anything other than “in-bred and insular” when he has Karl Rove and company as his puppet masters?
Any Alaskan paying even a little attention isn’t fooled.
That must be why I waste 3 hours a day listening to you, even podcasts on “holiday.” My wife thinks I’m crazy, guess this proves it.
the poor little miss bernatuck – canceled on the tv, floundering on the radio, irrelevant as a political gadfly, next up – straight to podcast, listenership = ?
That’s funny.
Sullivan is the one who ought to be disappointed, misconstruing facts and placing a picture of Mead’s head on a picture of someone else’s body and sending out two full-sized mailers. He started this war, and Mead had no choice. And all these people up in arms about an email between “friends”. With friends like Dan jumping in the race after he knew his “friend” Mead was running, who needs enemies? I know several Alaskans who have plainly stated that because of the people Dan has chosen to surround himself with, and all the oustide money he has taken, they cannot in good conscience vote for him. If Republicans really want to win this race, they will wake up and vote for Mead! The only republican candidate who has proven that he can win a statewide election.
“It’s Mead’s turn”? Do you know how stupid that sounds?
“If Dan identified as an Alaska outsider just a few years ago, he most likely still identifies as one today.”
1. That is quite an assumption and seems to be based some pretty faulty evidence.
2. The email states that Dan Sullivan would bring qualities to the position including the status of being an “Outsider”. The word is used in reference to the following line, “who is not a part of the Alaska political system, but knows Alaska.” You have to know how grammar and sentence structure works, I know, but this is not an indication that Dan Sullivan doesn’t consider himself an Alaskan, and Mead and the morning radio host would like for us to believe.
3. Notice that he put the word outsider in quotations. In other words, he was not using the term to describe as he sees himself, but how others may see him in relation to the subject matter, i.e. Alaska’s political system.
The use of this email is unfair and dirty politics. We are unable to see the full context of the email, which may or may not have relevance to the subject matter and the use of the term. Also, it appears to me that the use of the email, particularly on the morning show in which it was revealed, was completely unfair in that the listener did not have the benefit of seeing it and making their own interpretation. I think that this shows quite a lack of character on the part of Mead and the woman on the radio.
Also, I find it a little disconcerting that Mead would go back through all of the email traffic that he had with Dan and find this one little sentence in order to use it as some sort of “October Surprise”.
Finally, Mead’s comments in the WSJ article sound almost like a jilted lover. His tone indicates, to me anyway, that he believes he deserves and has a right to the US Senate seat and that he is offended by the audacity of a man to come into the race and try to take away what he believes he is entitles to. If that doesn’t raise deep concerns in the minds of voters, then I am not sure what would.
“If Dan identified as an Alaska outsider just a few years ago, he most likely still identifies as one today.”
1. That is quite an assumption and seems to be based some pretty faulty evidence.
2. The email states that Dan Sullivan would bring qualities to the position including the status of being an “Outsider”. The word is used in reference to the following line, “who is not a part of the Alaska political system, but knows Alaska.” You have to know how grammar and sentence structure works, I know, but this is not an indication that Dan Sullivan doesn’t consider himself an Alaskan, and Mead and the morning radio host would like for us to believe.
3. Notice that he put the word outsider in quotations. In other words, he was not using the term to describe as he sees himself, but how others may see him in relation to the subject matter, i.e. Alaska’s political system.
The use of this email is unfair and dirty politics. We are unable to see the full context of the email, which may or may not have relevance to the subject matter and the use of the term. Also, it appears to me that the use of the email, particularly on the morning show in which it was revealed, was completely unfair in that the listener did not have the benefit of seeing it and making their own interpretation. I think that this shows quite a lack of character on the part of Mead and the woman on the radio.
Also, I find it a little disconcerting that Mead would go back through all of the email traffic that he had with Dan and find this one little sentence in order to use it as some sort of “October Surprise”.
Finally, Mead’s comments in the WSJ article sound almost like a jilted lover. His tone indicates, to me anyway, that he believes he deserves and has a right to the US Senate seat and that he is offended by the audacity of a man to come into the race and try to take away what he believes he is entitles to. If that doesn’t raise deep concerns in the minds of voters, then I am not sure what would.
Let me say “thank you” to Don Bullock. He impressed me as the rarest of people in Juneau – an objective realist. I last saw him testifying to House Finance on the AKLNG legislation and warning those legislators to not vote for the bill if they didn’t understand it. This was a warning that should have been heeded with the necessary time taken to vet this complex and expensive issue, certainly more than the few days actually dedicated to this legislation; however, there was an election coming and everyone needed this pipeline project to promise the voters, especially the man in the Governor’s chair.
Wow! Treadwell is desperate. Two weeks until the primary and he spends an hour on the radio and his time with a WSJ reporter bashing Sullivan. Probably not the best use of your time, bud. Stop being petty and show some leadership.
We’ll have to see what party Bernadette goes to after the primary results comes in. Fat Ptarmigan or Flat top?
If Dan identified as an Alaska outsider just a few years ago, he most likely still identifies as one today. It makes no sense to put someone into office as a U.S. senator if he won’t be a valid representation of his state. In response to those who turned Mead’s email citation against his campaign, there is no logic there. All Treadwell did by digging up a (relatively) recent email against his opponent was back up his defense with tangible evidence… unlike what Dan has been doing by pulling “facts” about Mead out of thin air.
Amanda,
Bravo to you for calling out Treadwell on his hypocrisy about Sullivan. Moreover, Sullivan IS an Alaskan but he clearly has an “outsider” perspective as well. That is an advantage. Who wants the same in-bred, insular world view in a U.S. Senator? Oh wait…Treadwell does, along with the haters who believe if you’re not “born and raised here,” you’re not really Alaskan. Ludicrous. That’s their only game.
However, the biggest hypocrisy is Bernadette the vixen, unabashed adulteress and political groupie having a radio mic and any credibility at all, especially among conservatives with family values. Who takes her seriously?
Whether or not Mead thinks Dan Sullivan is an Alaskan is irrelevant considering Dan does not consider himself an Alaskan. We need an Alaskan to represent Alaskans. People who know Alaska will be able to make the best choices for our state. Mead has forty plus years of experience living in Alaska. Enough said.
An open response to the comments placed by “Clarity”:
To suggest that Ms. Coyne is a right wing blogger, suggests to me that you have the analytical skills of a Culex pipiens (mosquito or gnat), the personality of a Lumbricus terrestris (worm) and the tolerance of someone on the far end of any political spectrum. You sound like someone who’s greatest joy comes from the receipt of a Les Gara newsletter.
Having shared my criticisms, I’m not sure what adjudication or thought process you were able to muster to come to your conclusion about Ben Mohr, but I agree with your point. I would suggest you read the original post again and you will see that the victim of your attack, Ms. Coyne, also questions the wisdom of the appointment.
May I inquire as to the genesis or nature of your seemingly unhappiness?
Come on now, that Stieren guy is a no talent hack.
Kudos to the event planners of the Parnell meet and greet with the hockey community at cross bar. What an impressive turnout and great night overall. Not only was it fun to meet an show support to Governor Parnell, it was fun to see all the hockey players from around the state again. Two hockey sticks up!
It’s Mead’s turn. Alaskans should get on their knees and rejoice that Mead wants to be their senator. When other nations think about the Arctic, the first thing theu think about is Mead Treadwell. Want to know where most of Wally Hickel’s good ideas came from ? The answer is from Mead Treadwell’s incredible intellect and warehouse of ideas. I am a big fan of Mead Treadwell. Now is the time. It is truly Mead’s turn. #leadwithmead.
Mead is hot. Stay calm and vote for Treadwell.
#leadwithmead
Over the past several months, I have come to appreciate Lynn Willis for both his courage (commenting under his own name) and the quality of his commentary. However, today is the first time that I have ever strongly disagreed with the conclusion of his commentary.
I too have disdain for Senator Begich. I DO NOT believe having him in office protects us. It didn’t protect us from being told to pound sand on the King Cove Road, nor on a whole host of other important issues. I think issues of character are more important than one’s party membership. I hope my colleague, Lynn Willis, will re-think this one.
Yep, an email from Mead ten years ago, when he was trying to get a personal friend a job is the exact same thing. The difference is self-identification.
Wow. I knew Dan Sullivan is a puppet but I didn’t know he’d be stupid enough to actually put in writing that he’s an outsider. Glad we have that solid proof now. Dan Sullivan needs to just go home. I’m voting for Mead Treadwell the real Alaskan, 40+ years sounds good to me! #leadwithmead
I just made a contribution to Sullivan’s campaign.
Why don’t you disallow anonymous comments?
Oh Ms. Coyne!
“Which it kind of is”
Do you ever, kind of, go back and read the things you write and think about the spin you slather on it? Ben Mohr is a joke and will continue to be one. His appointment is a further flaunting of Parnell’s insufferable cronyism that you can’t seem to get enough of. Thanks for giving us a laundry list of irrelevant attendees to a gubernatorial event. They must be wide eyed and brimming with excitement to see their names in such a meritorious blog. I wouldn’t have such a problem with this if you’d just come out and say “inside Alaska politics… from the right wing.”
Mead is completely off his rocker. His campaign has been engaging in these tactics for months, but now everyone is getting a dose of the real Mead Treadwell. Let the downward spiral continue…
I know for sure that Alaska does not have enough voters to influence the national agenda on a consistent basis like California, Ohio, New York, etc. I know for sure that the two major parties at both the state and national level now hate each other to the point that they would harm the nation before yielding to the common good. I also know for sure that as soon as they can gain control either of the two parties will immediately hand over the public treasury to those that keep them in office. I know for sure that the one factor that will motivate both parties and those that fund them, to destructive action is the threat to the status quo of the candidacy of a political independent. Lastly, I see the demographics of the nation now electing members of one party in the urban areas and members from the other party in the rural areas of the nation.
Therefore, despite my disdain for Mark Begich, am I not probably best protected in this US Senate race by voting for Begich and keeping “one of each” in office?
Here’s an article worth reading from today’s WSJ:
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2014/08/06/gop-primary-fight-heats-up-in-alaska/?mod=WSJBlog
How could Mead possibly think releasing this email was a good idea?
Who is Byron Mallott? I’ve heard of Bill Walker.
I wish Mead Treadwell was a politician with a little more class. Losing a political campaign isn’t always a bad thing assuming you lose with dignity. Treadwell should buy himself a dictionary and look up the word. As a Republican, I cannot think of the words to describe my disappointment in his ampaign.
I just read an article in today’s Wall Street Journal that seriously makes me question Mr. Treadwell’s mental well-being. His attacks on Sullivan are simply echoing the attacks paid for by Harry Reid and made by Mark Begich himself. Further, Treadwell admits to his campaign being broke and having no ground game. Treadwell bemoans the fact that Sullivan is in the race and without any substantive logic rants that Sullivan shouldn’t have run suggesting that the seat was somehow his divine right.
Amanda, I would encourage you to post this article. Alaskans need to see how this guy Treadwell thinks. I believe the WSJ reporter was even shocked by some of Treadwell’s petulance and claims. Here’s the 2nd paragraph from the story; Now with two weeks left before the Republican primary, Mr. Begich is getting help from Mr. Sullivan’s leading Republican opponent. Out of money but within striking distance of Mr. Sullivan, Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell on Tuesday opened fire on Mr. Sullivan, saying he “just got here” – the same anti-Sullivan message Senate Democrats have spent nearly $4 million bombarding Alaskans with in super PAC advertisements.
Read more : http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2014/08/06/gop-primary-fight-heats-up-in-alaska/?mod=WSJBlog
KFQD seems to have struggled since Casey Reynolds fled south, leaving a gaping chest wound in their morning line-up. The “stopgap” solution of B&B has proven to be a lot of easily forgotten or ignored fluff. If it weren’t for Stieren there would be no need to tune into KFQD these days.
Is Byron Mallott still running for Governor?
Gov. Parnell deserves the support of the hockey community. When the university turned a deaf ear to the concerns of the hockey community, it was the governor who stepped up to add his voice to the overwhelming cry for change.