Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN - Juneau
agutierrez (at) alaskapublic (dot) org | 907.209.1799 | About Alexandra
Walker Wins Primary … For Libertarian Senate Nomination
Walker had been a registered Republican until this spring. He hasn't campaigned or raised any money. He hasn't even joined the Alaska Libertarian Party Facebook page. So, when Walker got 2,600 votes – more than Fish and Kohlhaas combined – it was not expected.
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Proposition 1 Opponents Declare Victory
A referendum to repeal Gov. Sean Parnell's signature oil tax law is trailing by nearly 7,000 votes, and its opponents are now declaring victory. When the first returns came in, the referendum was up by exactly five votes. The Vote Yes Repeal the Giveaway team marched into Anchorage's Election Central cheering enthusiastically and believing momentum was on their side.
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Steady Voter Turnout Reported In Primary
Elections workers are reporting a steady turnout for today’s primary. Nearly 10,000 voters cast their ballots early, compared to 5,000 voters in the 2010 primary.
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In Wake Of “Education Session,” Democrats Run Teacher Candidates
In the aftermath of what Gov. Sean Parnell dubbed the "education session," half a dozen of the new candidates being fielded by the Democratic Party are educators. The most high profile of these is Bob Williams, who was once named the Alaska Teacher of the Year and is now a candidate for lieutenant governor.
AK: A Kinder, Gentler Militia? Alaska’s Movement Rebrands
In 2011, members of the Alaska Peacemakers Militia were arrested for conspiracy to commit murder. The trial of their leader, Schaeffer Cox, continually made headlines in the years that followed, most of them bad. Now, other militia groups in the state are trying to show a different side to the movement.
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With Senate Career Behind Him, French Not Looking Back
On Tuesday, voters will decide which Republican candidate will face off against Mark Begich in a closely watched Senate primary. But while it's gotten less attention, there's also a contested statewide race on the Democratic ballot for the office of lieutenant governor. One of the two candidates is Hollis French, a state senator who is giving up his seat in the Legislature to run for the job.
Rivals Question Sullivan’s Absence From Debate
Republican Senate candidates Joe Miller and Mead Treadwell debated each other and an empty chair on Wednesday at Alaska Public Media's Debate for the State.
EPA Gets Earful On Pebble
The Environmental Protection Agency had barely started its five hours of public testimony in Anchorage before 100 people signed up to speak on the proposed limits to the Pebble Mine project.
Oil Tax Referendum Ignites a Neighborly Sign War
On top of being the most expensive ballot measure in state history, next week's referendum on oil taxes may also be one of the most contentious. The polling shows a tight race, with the state's voters almost equally divided on the question. Which means that no matter which side you're on, it's almost inevitable you'l have to deal with someone who disagrees.
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Mayor Vetoes Labor Compromise
After months of compromise between the Anchorage Assembly and public employee unions, the city's voters may still end up deciding on a controversial labor law due to a mayoral veto.
As Primary Nears, House Candidate Attacks Rival’s Residency Status
Last election cycle, state legislator Mia Costello's opponents falsely alleged that she didn't actually live in the Sand Lake neighborhood of Anchorage that she represents. Now, it's déjà vu in the district, with similar charges being levied against a new candidate.
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Anti-Marijuana Group Asks Muni To Pull Pro-Initiative Advertising
The group Big Marijuana Big Mistake is taking issue with pro-marijuana initiative bus ads, and they're asking the Municipality of Anchorage to intervene.
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Sarah Palin Channel Kicks Off With Pro-Oil Tax Referendum Message
Less than a week after launching her own online subscription channel, former Gov. Sarah Palin is using the platform to call for the repeal of her successor's oil tax law.
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State Supreme Court Rules Same-Sex Partners Can Access Death Benefits
The Alaska Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex partners are eligible for death benefits, even though they are prohibited from marrying by the state Constitution.
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Complaint Filed Against Anti-Marijuana Campaign
At issue is whether the owners of the anti-marijuana group's public relations firm are serving in volunteer capacity and whether the firm's time is being properly accounted.
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Oil Tax Heavyweights Spar At Packed Debate
It was standing-room only at an Anchorage debate on whether to keep the new capped oil tax rate or to switch back to a system where the rate goes up along with the profits.
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Judge Allows Set-Net Ban Initiative To Move Forward
The measure would shut down the commercial set netters who operate on Cook Inlet, the only region in the state that would be practically affected by the ban.
Mallott Raises Most Funds, But Parnell Maintains Biggest Bank Account
Democratic candidate for governor Byron Mallott was the top fundraiser this reporting period, but Republican incumbent Sean Parnell maintains the most money going into the general election.
Tuck Fined $14,000 For Campaign Finance Violations
House Minority Leader Chris Tuck acknowledged that he mixed up his campaign contributions with his personal savings and failed to make accurate and timely disclosures.
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Judge Blocks Law Limiting Medicaid Payments For Abortion
In an order issued on Tuesday, Judge John Suddock wrote that there are "serious questions of constitutional validity" of a new state law that puts limits on what qualifies as a "medically necessary" abortion.
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