Harstad Strategic Research, which is polling for the Senate Majority PAC and Put Alaska First, released yet another poll, showing the race between Sen. Mark Begich and GOP challenger Dan Sullivan in a dead heat: 44 to 44 percent, with 4 percent going to Libertarian Mark Fish and 7 percent undecided. The poll surveyed 700 likely voters October 18–22.
I don’t have the poll’s cross tabs, but the memo accompanying the poll says that Begich is doing better among Democrats than Sullivan is among Republicans: 94 to 82 percent, respectively. It also shows Begich 9 points up with women, and with a wide lead among independents: 47 percent to 29 percent. It has Sullivan up with men by 11 percent. According to the pollsters, “This race in the Frontier state could not be closer, and the outcome will probably depend upon which side has the better field operation.”
I’m not a Lawyer (praise the gods) but after spending a few moments reading the Hatch Act, I’m pretty sure that the Hatch act does not apply at all. In fact the regulation that might apply Is DoDD 1344.10. but even this regulation does not address this situation..this regulation applies to only to Active Duty Service Members with the exception of Pargraph 4.3.1. And it states in part;
4.3. Additional Limitations on Nomination or Candidacy and Campaigning
4.3.1. Members not on active duty who are nominees or candidates for the offices described in subparagraph 4.2.1. may, in their campaign literature (including Web sites, videos, television, and conventional print advertisements)…..
Note that this paragraph specifies that it would only apply if Sgt Jones had been the candidate or nominee and since she is not, it does not apply. In fact the directive is silent on the matter of traditional national guardsmen not on active duty and not themselves candidates or nominee’s.
If you would like to condemn her, you might see if the state where she now serves has some regulation prohibiting her actions.
Jon,
So you know the assault occurred? If that is true, other than the soldier violating the Hatch Act by appearing in uniform, then the add is perfectly valid. To you a rape is fine unless it might besmirch the image of your hero? You don’t know what is true yet you spin it to make Parnell the victim as usual.
DB,
Thank you. The next Governor will be very unpopular as Parnell’s budget brinksmanship comes home to roost. First will come the spending of Permanent Fund Earnings to offset the operating budget, then the significant reduction of the PFD, then the reduction of funds to local governments, then local and state taxes. Also, Hillary Clinton may well be the next president of the United States when Alaska has two Republican Senators and a Don Young- if you think Obama can be vindictive toward the political opposition wait until you see what a Clinton can do.
Despite the benefits of SB21, the falling price of oil has trapped Parnell like a mouse on a sticky trap. Increased production cannot overcome falling prices. Wait until the demand against General Fund Revenues hits if the AKLNG project proceeds. I’m sure Parnell originally planned to get out of Alaska by running against Lisa Murkowski before the wall collapsed on him, but now he has had to claim otherwise as that became an election issue.
You can also make money returning empty U-hauls to Alaska for re-use.
Jon,
So you know the assault occurred? If that is true, other than the soldier violating the Hatch Act by appearing in uniform, then the add is perfectly valid. To you a rape is fine unless it might besmirch the image of your hero? You don’t know what is true yet you spin it to make Parnell the victim as usual.
Of course they do. With Begich’s volunteers fleeting, they have to put out a message of momentum. The soothsayers of Talkeetna, where politics is always wrong, agree with the Begich polls. That’s how I know its dead wronf.
Mark Fish will be the spoiler. Unfortunately, he will not win; but he will allow Begich to slip in. Thus, the Libertarian Party will also go away because Fish will be blamed for Begich being reelected. Even Begich knows that–by his commercials claiming that both he and Fish are libertarians and for liberty. Mark, you need to disavow any connection to Begich and demand that he take down his ad featuring YOU. Otherwise, you and the Libertarian Party will be on the trash heap of Alaska history.
We all know that Walker has no clue re slashing the operating budget–those are the same public union employees that may elect him. Instead, he will discover that yes, indeed, the budget hole is deeper than his fantasy gas line hole and he will have to implement a statewide income, property, and sales tax to fill the hole. Even the Native villages will have to kick in and get off the free ride. People will flee Alaska because it will not be feasible to live here as we will be one of the highest taxes states in the Country. My advice: either start a moving company or get a U-Haul franchise.
And it is unfair to Parnell since the assault occurred in 2007. It’s a bit disturbing how dirty the unions have become all to elect a guy that says, depending on the day, that he will significantly slash the operating budget.
The group changed their name from Alaskans For Walker/Mallott to Alaskans Opposed to Parnell.
To suggest that Waker might criticize his “owner” is foolhearty. The union warlord, Vince Beltrami, rules with an iron fist. Walker is his dog. Think about it.
It was exploitative and unfair to the soldier. I agree with your assumption. I would judge it to be a violation of laws and regulations prohibiting the appearance of military personnel advocating in uniform for a political candidate or cause. While the Walker campaign can’t control the production or release, I would expect the Walker campaign to condemn it.
The group changed it’s name, so a revised version is up now. Thanks for letting me know.
I didn’t know that. Thanks. I’ll try to find out what happened.
You’re right, Harstad had Begich by 7 in late July, by 1 in mid-August and by 5 in mid-Sept.
Separate subject: The Melissa Jones ad for Walker you posted a couple of days ago is now “private,” must have got pulled for some reason. Perhaps because she was in uniform?
Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t this same pollster have Begich +5 four weeks ago?