253 people voted in Progressive Alaska's unscientific poll on possible entrants to the 2010 Alaska Democratic Party's AK-AL U.S. House Race primary. I voted for Sharon Cissna.
Here are the results, most votes to least, rather than alphabetical order, as they appeared in the poll:
Diane Benson ----- 69 votes - 27%
Ethan Berkowitz ----- 64 votes - 25%
Les Gara ----- 44 votes - 17%
Hollis French ----- 20 votes - 7%
Bill Wielechowski ----- 17 votes - 6%
Other ----- 15 votes - 5%
Mike Doogan ----- 12 votes - 4%
Sharon Cissna ----- 6 votes - 2%
Jake Metcalfe ----- 6 votes - 2%
Progressive Alaska will now conduct a runoff poll among the three top candidates.
I realize that because of this blog's longstanding advocacy of Diane Benson, publication of some of Les Gara's articles and releases, and heavy criticism of Ethan Berkowitz at times, some might feel I am biased. Also, the readership here might tend more progressive than Alaska Democrats or the vast reservoir of Alaska independents are. Duh. Again, this is unscientific, and meant to spur interest in our candidates for the 2010 AK-AL race.
The new poll is in reverse alphabetical order.
4 comments:
You know...the progressives are going to need to come up with someone else. They need someone who will really stand up for Alaska.
The only way either of the three on your list will make it is if they get the same scenario that Mark Begich got. They will need Don Young to win the primary, then become a convicted felon before the general election.
anon @ #2 - I halfway agree with you. Mark ran the best statewide campaign I can ever remember in Alaska, and it was a squeaker against a guy who had just been convicted of multiple felonies.
But Young will probably be seen in a newer, dimmer light over the next two years, as his power diminishes. And if Begich begins to be perceived as a National-level player that will effect how Alaskans vote for AK-AL in 2010.
Gara may not be interested in this race. Berkowitz has indicated to some in the press that he is. Benson has indicated to me that she is interested in doing something soon for our Veterans, Alaska Natives, Native Americans. The three are there because of all those who had been identified to me as possibly capable candidates against Young in 2010, they did best in the poll here.
Gara as a lawmaker will have a public platform from which to bring attention to his public service capabilities. Much of what Benson does the public service sector is done in a confidential settings, helping victims of trauma, and with organizations that support those people.
Progressives would have a better chance with a candidate who appealed to Fairbanks and interior Alaska voters.
That is where the real battle for "swing voters" will take place
Diane did quite well in the Interior in the primary last August. I think she's much stronger out there than the "usual suspects" from Anchorage.
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