Byron and I come from different political traditions. I have always been a conservative Republican. Byron’s political life has been anchored in the Democratic Party. We acknowledge that there are important issues upon which we differ, but on a broad range of challenges facing Alaska we are united. In fact, it was our shared vision on the major issues facing our State today that allowed us to combine our campaigns in the belief that Alaskans would be better served. I look forward to working with Byron to reach out and discuss these and other issues with Alaskans, and including those impacted by State policy in the decision making process. Here are some of the issues we see facing Alaskans today:

Our Economy

A thriving, robust economy is fundamental to a sustainable, healthy Alaska. Unfortunately, as a result of the last 6 years of the Parnell Administration, Alaska suffers from the largest deficit in our State’s history. According to ISER Economist, Scott Goldsmith, the deficit amounts to $7 million per day. That means that $7 million a day is drawn down from our savings. This Administration has presented a 10 year forecast showing that for at least the next 10 years, Alaska will be deficit spending. The problem is we will run out of those savings in the next 5-6 years and then what?

Every Alaskan should have the opportunity to have a good job. Alaska currently has high unemployment in many of our communities. There are a number of incentives I will explore to encourage companies doing business in Alaska to hire Alaskans. I recognize that households across the State are struggling with the crushing burden of energy costs and I commit to developing every solution possible to lower those costs.

  • Oil and Gas
  • Fisheries
  • Cost of Energy
  • Mining
  • Tourism
  • Agriculture

Resource Development and Environment

Labor, Education, and Health Issues

We are a State rich in natural resources, resources that will benefit us for generations to come. I believe that it is a core State function to use these resources to help citizens throughout Alaska, as contemplated in the Statehood Compact and the Alaska Constitution. And that includes health care, clean water and affordable housing and energy. I support children’s and senior services, and collaborative efforts to treat and address alcohol and substance abuse. Protection from domestic violence and sexual assault is essential to total wellness. I will support prevention through education with a strong safety net for survivors in our justice system and social services.

  • Health Care
  • Labor
  • Education
  • Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

Good Government

  • Alaska’s Sovereignty
  • The Alaska Permanent Fund
  • Fiscal Responsibility
  • Election Protection
  • Veterans
  • 2nd Amendment
  • Liberty

Rural Alaska

We must continue to build One Alaska. A healthy, safe, economically strong rural Alaska is critically important to that vision. All Alaskans must be able to pursue their individual aspirations, strengthen their cultural and traditional ways of life towards achieving One Alaska of hope and accomplishment.

  • Subsistence
  • The Pebble Mine
  • The Arctic and Changing Climate