Democrats Vie for Opportunity in General US Senate Election

Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage

Three candidates are vying to win the Democratic primary this year for the US Senate. Sitka mayor Scott McAdams has the most organized campaign. He says his local government experience would serve Alaskans well.

McAdams says at the local government level, things get done. But that’s not how he sees things working in Congress.

McAdams is anticipating a win in Tuesday’s primary. He is already planning his campaign to defeat either Joe Miller or incumbent Senator Lisa Murkowski in the general election. He says he’s raised about $25,000 for that effort, a fraction of the funds Murkowski has on hand.

Frank Vondersaar is challenging McAdams in the Democratic primary. He says he would like to reign in corruption in Washington and make other big changes.

Vondersaar lives in Homer and describes himself as a lawyer, engineer and part time thrift store worker. He has lived in Alaska for over 20 years. Vondersaar has been a candidate for US Senate several times and has also run for the US House. When asked why he keeps running, he says, “Hope springs eternal.”

A third primary candidate Jacob Seth Kern is on the ballot, but did not respond to interview requests in time for this story.

Voters will weigh in on Tuesday in the primary for the US Senate race.

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