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I had planned to take a break from politics this week, maybe talk about something calm and soothing, but Alaska politics moves faster than a raven raiding an open dumpster.
On Friday night, Democrat Tom Begich dropped out of the governor’s race and threw his support behind Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, arguing that two Democrats on the November ballot could split the vote.
A selfless act? You bet. Entirely his own idea? I’m willing to wager a few power brokers, campaign operatives and Democratic Party group texts were involved. Politics may be public, but the sausage-making remains decidedly behind closed doors.
Then came Monday.
Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom declined to certify former Attorney General Treg Taylor after he refused to disclose the names of his Inlet Tower tenants on his financial disclosure statement. Taylor had finished fifth in the primary and was poised to move up after Begich’s withdrawal. Taylor’s disqualification could elevate his running mate, Candice English, who may remain in the race if she chooses a new running mate. If she bows out, sixth-place finisher Click Bishop could be next in line.
Got all that?
Meanwhile, the Republican side is descending into its own round of political maneuvering and icy stares. Calls of a consolidated campaign from Wilson and Bronson are making the rounds, and similarly, U.S. Rep. Nick Begich is calling for party unity. So far, however, both candidates appear to have responded with a polite but unmistakable, “Nope.”
Bronson has declared that he is not backing down. Wilson, who finished ahead of Bronson among Republican voters, has shown no inclination to clear the runway for him, either. Funny how calls for party unity tend to mean the other candidate should unite behind you.
So now the arm-twisting, phone calls and sudden meetings are undoubtedly underway on both sides. What do you make of all this candidate shuffling? Smart political strategy or just the inevitable math of the top-four system?
Send me your thoughts at letters@adn.com or via our web form.
At the rate Alaska politics is moving, the ballot may have changed again by the time you finish reading this newsletter.
— Gary Black, opinion editor
Anchorage Daily News
gblack@adn.com |
