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.
Westlake extends lead over Nageak in Northern Alaska recount
Barrow Representative Benjamin Nageak says he isn’t conceding the Democratic primary to Dean Westlake.
“No, no, no, I haven’t conceded anything,” said Nageak.
Northern Alaska House seat to be decided in recount
There will be a recount on Monday of the Democratic primary results for the House district covering the North Slope and Northwest Arctic boroughs. Representative Benjamin Nageak requested the recount. Nageak trails Dean Westlake by four votes in the certified count. Division of Elections Director Josie Bahnke says the recount will take place in Juneau.
Governor Walker vetoes UA board seat bill
overnor Bill Walker vetoed a bill today that would have set aside University of Alaska board seats for residents from different geographic areas.
The governor will continue to be able to appoint the 11 Board of Regents members without geographic limits on where they live.
What is the future of the Bush Caucus?
The outcome of the disputed primary contest between Representative Benjamin Nageak and Dean Westlake is uncertain. Whoever wins, it may unsettle what’s been a unique tradition in Alaskan politics.Democratic legislators have a long history of joining Republican-led legislative majorities.
Westlake still leading Nageak as District 40 votes are certified
The Democratic primary results for the District 40 House seat grew closer today. Listen now
Marijuana social clubs are illegal, attorney general says
Private clubs that allow people to consume marijuana in exchange for a fee are illegal, according to Alaska Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth. Listen now
Westlake leads Nageak as DOE works to resolve District 40 election
The Alaska Division of Elections is still working to certify the results of the House race for the district that includes North Slope and Northwest Arctic boroughs. Listen now
District 40 election results under scrutiny from legisltors
Legislators called on state elections officials today to delay certifying the results in a district that covers North Slope and Northwest Arctic boroughs. Those calls are based on concerns about how the recent primary election was handled in some precincts. Listen now
Gov. Walker hits pause on commercial fisheries commission move
The Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission will keep most of its functions for now, after commission supporters fought to protect it from losing certain duties to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Listen now
Municipal sales tax could dive due to Walker’s PFD veto
Local governments in Alaska that charge a sales tax could have millions of dollars less in revenue this year. Listen now
National podcaster discusses data and Alaska political climate
National political podcast host Jody Avirgan and his wife recently visited Juneau, marking Alaska as the 50th state to which he's traveled. Listen now
Voters in one village were allowed to cast ballots in both primaries
The result of Tuesday's Democratic primary for House District 40 remains in doubt. And now, there are also concerns over how voters in the Northwest Arctic village of Shungnak were able to cast ballots in both the Republican primary and in the primary for Democrats and others. Listen now
Low-turnout primary could lead to five House incumbents losing
Alaskans ejected as many as five incumbents from the House in the primary yesterday. And they also rejected two House members who tried to move up to the Senate. But not many people showed up to vote. It was the lowest turnout for a primary in state history. Listen now
Rep. Reinbold reimburses state for per-diem payments earned on vacation
Representative Lora Reinbold is planning to reimburse the state for the nearly $1,000 dollars she received in per-diem payments while she was on a four-day vacation. Reinbold's Republican primary opponent Crystal Kennedy raised concerns about the expenses. Listen now
Walker faces possible legal opposition for PFD cuts
Anchorage Democratic Senator Bill Wielechowski wants the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation to defy Gov. Bill Walker’s veto roughly halving this year’s dividends. Listen now
Big spending among candidates looking to replace outgoing state legislators
State legislators who aren’t running for re-election have created openings drawing big spending ahead of the primary election next Tuesday. A quarter of all spending by legislative candidates has been in just three races for open seats. But it’s not clear whether those who’ve spent the most will be able to convert that into votes. Listen now
Study finds that benefits equalize pay rates of state and private sector workers
State and local employees in Alaska are paid less than private-sector workers, but benefits make up the difference. That’s according to a new study from the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Institute for Social and Economic Research. Listen now
Majority Republicans worry about possible bipartisan coalition
Republican primary challengers in some races for seats in the Alaska House of Representatives fear that Republican control is threatened by members of their own party. Listen now
State Democratic officials look to create bipartisan House
State Democratic Party officials are backing challengers to two Democrats who caucus with the Republican-led House majority. The challengers and party officials say this will increase the chances for a bipartisan coalition. Listen now
Walker opts not to veto bill putting local school boards in charge of sex ed
A bill that puts local school boards in charge sex education will become a law, after Governor Bill Walker decided against vetoing it Thursday. House Bill 156 requires that school boards approve any sex education curriculum, as well as any teachers who aren't employed under a contract with schools. Listen now