I just received this email from Nome Mayor Denise Michels:Nome Mayor Denise Michels has dropped her bid for the Democratic Nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Alaska.
“The outpouring of support I’ve received from Alaskans statewide has been incredible and humbling,” said Michels. “But given the multitude of ventures I'm involved in as Mayor of Nome and Director of Transportation for Kawerak, I made the decision to focus my energy on my ongoing projects statewide and nationally. I owe it to my constituents and our service population to see this work through to completion, and I have decided to fulfill my current obligations. Thank you again to each and every Alaskan for their support.”
Michels has served as the Mayor of Nome since being elected in 2003. She has served as a past President of the Alaska Municipal League as well as the Alaska Conference of Mayors. She also served as Chair of Governor Palin’s transition team for the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs.
Update - 1:30 p.m: A statement from Diane Benson:
I want to thank Denise Michels for the campaign she ran for Lt. Governor. Right now, I will continue to focus on being a voice for every Alaskan, making sure they have a voice in the process, and I look forward to joining with either Ethan Berkowitz or Hollis French in being an effective team for Alaska.
“Acting” Governor Sean Parnell needs to be held accountable for playing politics and cutting health care to impoverished children. I am continuing criss-crossing the state, listening to the people of Alaska, and working together with other Democrats to get Alaska working again.
9 comments:
Hopefully this isn't the last we will see of Denise on a state level. She is a delightful speaker and she has some fresh ideas.
How very sad; this makes it difficult to support the D ticket in November.
This makes it easier to support the D ticket for me. Diane Benson is a breath of fresh air and I think she and Ethan Berkowitz are the right balance for us in Alaska.
I'm with you, Anon at 2:57. I haven't decided which gubernatorial candidate I'm going to support yet since I was for Bob Poe, but any ticket will be improved with Diane on it.
Blue_in_AK
Although I don't live in AK, the comments by Ms. Michels regarding her reason for stepping out of the race are telling of her character. She will see her current obligations through to their completion. I imagine that she will continue to be a positive force in AK.
"She will see her current obligations through to their completion."
I agree.
With that being said, I am still glad that the half term governor stepped down. Now in her place is Sean "But I didn't make any waves" Parnell who, without bothering to debate, is looking weaker and weaker. The race may well be between Diane and Ethan vs. Jay and Ralph.
Two three-time losers on the ballot shouldn't give Ds much confidence. Far better to lead with Hollis and pick a viable Lt. Gov. candidate (i.e., one who has actually done something in government, rather than run for office (any office, apparently) to which she can't get elected.
While Diane hasn't been elected to a state-wide office, she's hardly been idle during the course of her lifetime. If you are not familiar with her accomplishments and service to the state, please go to her website and educate yourself. http://www.alaskansforbenson.com
Particularly check out the "About Diane" section.
The negative comments about Diane come from Republicans who are scared. They know they can't attack the Alaska Native mother of a son who lost both legs in Iraq....and yet who supports our veterans. They know they can't attack a woman who puts integrity above getting elected. Most of all, Diane Benson vs. Jay Ramras, Mead Treadwell, or Eddie Burke is no contests. Honestly, Ethan Berkowitz is a better choice than Sean Parnell. At least with Ethan and Diane you get a balanced ticket. Just because they lost before doesn't mean much. Last time I checked Sean Parnell lost the last time he was out at the polls!
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