Andrew Kitchenman, Alaska Public Media & KTOO - Juneau
Andrew Kitchenman is the state government and politics reporter for Alaska Public Media and KTOO in Juneau. Reach him at akitchenman@alaskapublic.org.
Dunleavy swearing-in obstacles don’t stop Noorvik inauguration feast
Fog prevented Mike Dunleavy from being sworn in as governor in Noorvik. But that didn’t stop the community from celebrating.
Update: Dunleavy sworn in as governor in Kotzebue
More people are expected to attend the inauguration event than live in the community of Noorvik.
Final Walker budget includes $1,800 PFDs and funds to investigate murders of Alaska Native women
While Gov. Bill Walker is leaving office, his nearly $6 billion spending plan could provide the basis for Gov.-elect Mike Dunleavy’s first budget.
Coin toss could determine control of Alaska House
Election workers are scheduled to audit the remaining absentee ballots Nov. 23. If the vote count is still tied after that, then there will be a recount.
Dunleavy names construction advocate to lead Department of Transportation
John MacKinnon was the department’s deputy commissioner of highways and public facilities from 2003 to 2008.
Walker questions Dunleavy transition’s approach to resignations
Transition chairman Tuckerman Babcock said the resignation requests allow at-will workers to let the transition know they want to be part of the Dunleavy administration.
Regional manager appointed to lead Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Tamika Ledbetter currently manages the Anchorage/Mat-Su Economic Region for the department
New, all-Republican Senate majority forms
Anchorage Sen. Cathy Giessel will be the Senate president when the 31st Legislature is sworn in on Jan. 15.
Dunleavy inaugural celebration schedule announced
Inaugural celebration co-chair Cynthia Henry says Dunleavy is “more Carhartt than tuxedo.”
Effect of Dunleavy’s proposed freeze on new state rules is unclear
Dunleavy’s pick to become commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, Corri Feige, said close examination of regulations that affect developing natural resources is important.
Judge allows some political signs, but maintains state ban on highway billboards
An Anchorage Superior Court Judge issued a final order on the lawsuit, which was filed in August by the ACLU of Alaska, the group Dunleavy for Alaska and Palmer resident Eric Siebels.
Dems Kawasaki and Dodge take leads from questioned ballots, absentees still to be counted
If Kathryn Dodge wins her race, the Alaska House could be split 20-20 with members of a mostly Democratic caucus and a Republican caucus.
Dunleavy to be sworn in as governor in Noorvik
The village, about 40 miles from Kotzebue, is where his wife Rose Dunleavy is from. Listen now
Dunleavy taps Sean Parnell for gas line advice
Dunleavy’s transition chairman Tuckerman Babcock also announced that former Libertarian Party state legislator Dick Randolph will be an adviser on constitutional amendments. Listen now
Dunleavy names Alaska Republican chairman as his chief of staff
In his first public appearance since Election Day, the governor-elect also named his former campaign manager as his senior policy adviser, and he told mining industry leaders that Alaska is open for business.
Dunleavy apparent victor in governor’s race as Begich concedes
Republican Mike Dunleavy is off to a promising start with 59 percent of precincts reporting. He leads Democrat Mark Begich by a 9-point margin, leading 52 percent to 43 percent. Listen now
To cut crime, candidates weigh adding troopers, increasing drug treatment
Recent debates have focused on the criminal justice overhaul passed two years ago, known as Senate Bill 91. Both candidates offer distinct visions for reform.
On education, candidates for governor have different priorities and styles
Democrat Mark Begich and Republican Mike Dunleavy come from different backgrounds. Begich has been outside the education system, Dunleavy within it.
Campaign filings show focus on Fairbanks Senate, House races
The Senate race in Fairbanks between Republican Sen. Pete Kelly and Democratic Rep. Scott Kawasaki has seen the most spending of any legislative race. By a wide margin. Listen now
Poll finds less than one percent margin in race for governor
Mike Dunleavy leads Mark Begich 42.5 percent to 42.3 percent in the poll, which was taken from last Friday through Monday. Listen now