Can anyone defeat Frank Murkowski for Governor?

[election_2004]

Are there any Alaska Democrats who are being considered?

Or are Alaskans fairly satisfied with Frank Murkowski?

[Ken Burch]

1. I've heard that Rep. Eric Croft(D-Anchorage) is thinking of running

He could be a credible candidate.

So could Rep. Beth Kertulla(D-Juneau).

Or perhaps former state senator Georgianna Lincoln (D-Rampart)

[snowbear]

2. ANYONE could beat Frank Murkowski...

The guy has an approval rating (among all political parties) in the state of what.... 35%? :crazy:

He's run such a corrupt administration that even the R's in the state are actually embarrassed by him. And that's gotta be hard to do! Go figur' :shrug:

The thing is.. if it were any other governor.. with Alaska oil prices booming like they are, and for the first time since the pipeline days, a SURPLUSS... they would have an incredibly high approval rating right now. But not Frank.. nope.

I've heard Croft may run too, and I hope he does.. :thumbsup: But I also doubt that Murkowski will run for another term, which will leave the door open for a Rethug to jump in too. :scared:

[snowbear]

3. p.s....

Hey Ken,

How about Ethan Berkowitz? :bounce:

[snowbear]

4. Oh.. I just thought of one more....

If the NHL is out again next year, Scotty Gomez should run! :toast: :bounce:

[Ken Burch]

5. And Scotty's campaign slogan could be

"PUCK OFF, FRANK!"

[Blue_In_AK]

6. I really like Ethan...he's my representative.

But Eric Croft would be good, too. I agree, just about anyone could beat Frank.

[Ken Burch]

7. I don't think Berkowitz would want to give up the House Dem leadership

And, by temperment, he seems to me a natural legislator, rather than a governor(and I don't say that as an insult. I observed him in the House on an almost daily basis for two years as a member of the "Gavel to Gavel" camera crew.)

Croft seems far more willing to move on and take the risk of ending up out of office. In fact, he looks uncomfortably confined in that House chamber or the Finance Committee at times.

[Blue_In_AK]

8. I like Eric, just like I liked Chancy back in the old days.

[Chokey]

9. Why not Ulmer again?

Frank seems to deliberatly piss off everyone and doesn't give a damn. Who actually likes the guy?

[snowbear]

12. It would be awesome if Fran Ulmer ran again !!

She'd have an excellent chance I think.. But she hasn't expressed interest (so far) :shrug:

[election_2004]

10. So, any update on this?

???

[snowbear]

11. Update? ~~~ Well.. it's still early, but...

I'd say it's pretty safe to say Frank Murkowski won't run again. And if he did.. there is NO WAY that he'd get elected !!!! :rofl:

Here's how things look right now (and of course.. anything can change between now and then)

The Democratic nominee with be either Ethan Berkowitz or Eric Croft.
Ethan <---- or ----> Eric

Running as an Independent is Andrew Halcro.

And so far.. the only R who has expressed interest is Ralph Seekins of Fairbanks.

Sarah Palin (currently a Republican is rumored to be running with Halcro as an Independent for the Lt. Governor) -- She's about the only Republican in the state that residents respect right now, and I have a feeling she'll wind up ditching the Halcro idea and will go out on her own. If she does, she'll definitely knock Seekins out of the R primary.



And that's about it! I like Eric Croft a lot.. but my choice is Ethan Berkowitz!! :)

[Blue_In_AK]

13. Ethan's my man.

I've met him a few times and I like the way he thinks. I've been supporting him since he first got into politics here. He's charming, personable, and very, very smart.

[snowbear]

14. Ethan and Eric

I got to know Ethan at the "Clark 2004" meet-ups over at Title Wave Books.. (He was a Clarkie! ;) )

I know Eric Croft mostly from running into him at the hockey rinks when he's in town. Last time I saw him was about 6 weeks ago or so at the annual Blaine's Art mural painting. (Where the community is invited to paint a new mural on the side of Blaine's Art each summer)

Eric wouldn't paint ..But his son (about 10 or 11?) was there to pitch in.

That's where I asked him if he was running for Governor. He said "you'd better believe I am!!"..

I said :o .."but your buddy Ethan is running!"

He laughed and said "hey.. what can I say.. :shrug: --? "

Then I said.. (are you ready for this.. :7 ) I won't vote for you unless you tear down the Sully and build the Seawolves and the Aces a new ice arena! :rofl:

He said "DAMN, you're tough -- What if I put it on the round-to-it list?"

In any event.. I'd be happy if either Ethan or Eric won. But yeah.. I've heard Ethan speak in public more and =wow= he's just incredible..

But either of them would rock! :hug:

[Blue_In_AK]

15. I can easily visualize Ethan and/or Mark Begich

moving on to bigger and better things on a national level. They're young enough and both so extremely bright. I don't know Eric Croft at all, but I appreciate that he's not intimidated by Murkie. Another one I've been impressed by is Les Gara.

[Nothing Without Hope]

16. Are the elections fair and honest in AK? Polls say Murkowski is unpopular

but the Bushies surely do love him.

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Thread title: NYT op/ed on Republican PORK - PORK - PORK in Alaska - YOU'RE paying!