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.
Candidates for governor differ on how to pay for government, PFDs
During a Juneau Chamber of Commerce forum, Gov. Bill Walker asked former state Sen. Mike Dunleavy about $1.1 billion in budget cuts he said he would make in January 2017. Listen now
State says it would allow small, temporary political signs on private property
The state told Superior Court Judge Herman Walker Jr. that it would agree to limiting some enforcement while he hears the lawsuit. Listen now
Begich stays in governor’s race, says ‘get used to it’
Both power brokers and conflicted voters have expressed concern that the Democratic Begich and independent Walker will compete for the same voters. Listen now
Walker, Begich supporters eye withdrawal deadline
It’s nearly unprecedented for conservative and Republican candidates to share less of the vote than former Gov. Sean Parnell had four years ago. Listen now
Kenai and Sitka newspapers misreported voter eligibility before primary
Fewer than 100 votes could have made the difference in two races in the Kenai area. Listen now
Republican Governors Association buys ads in Alaska
There’s been nearly $1.7 million in total this year in ad buys from the RGA and Families for Alaska’s Future with the Anchorage and Fairbanks network affiliates. Listen now
Is selective enforcement of Alaska’s ban on roadside advertising unconstitutional?
The plaintiffs in a new lawsuit argue it is when it targets political advertising. Alaska has banned advertising along state highways since 1949, when it was a territory. Listen now
ACLU of Alaska and Dunleavy for Alaska file lawsuit challenging state road advertising ban
The lawsuit follows the state Department of Transportation recently removing political signs. Listen now
Turnout is third-lowest in Alaska state primary history
Of registered voters, 18.2 percent cast ballots, with five precincts and some absentee ballots left to count. Listen now
By substantial margin, Mike Dunleavy claims victory in Republican primary for governor
Dunleavy built his reputation as a staunch conservative. But he said he has something to offer independents and Democrats. Listen now
Supporters of full PFD aren’t clear how they’d pay for it
It would cost a lot more to pay the full amount under the formula – $840 million. Listen now
Kodiak-based district sees challenger to caucus-switching Republican
Most of Alaska’s contested primaries are among Republicans. How moderates like Louise Stutes fare could determine who sets the agenda for the next Legislature. Listen now
Lt. gov. candidate Grunwald was fired at height of National Guard scandal
In 2014, Parnell said the dismissal of Grunwald and two others was related to an investigation done by the National Guard Bureau’s Office of Complex Investigations. Listen now
Senator who often stood alone runs for state’s highest office
Dunleavy is the only majority senator in the past 30 years who was never the primary sponsor of a bill that became a law. Listen now
Treadwell points to experience in campaign for governor
Former lieutenant governor says the odds are strong the Republicans will win the race. Listen now
Mix of legislators and veterans compete to be Republican lieutenant governor candidate
The lieutenant governor has limited duties under the state constitution: to succeed the governor if necessary, and to oversee initiatives and referendums.
Legislative Council votes against adding Friday hours for legislative information offices
The nonpartisan Legislative Affairs Agency made a two-part proposal: the first part would close the Unalaska legislative information office; and the second part would have used the savings to keep the 22 other LIOs open on Friday afternoons when the Legislature is out of session. Listen now
Proposal would have either Walker or Begich drop out of race
“I think there’s a lot of what I would call anxiety in the center and the left of the political spectrum in Alaska,” said Hollis French, who wants Walker and Begich to agree that someone drop out to eliminate political anxiety. Begich supports the idea, but Walker rejected it. Listen now
Alaska House primary has the most candidates in 22 years
The competition is mostly within the Republican Party. Listen now
State officials weigh shift to more voting by mail
Rural Alaskans don’t want a system that entirely relies on mail. Listen now