Political Torture – Jump In, You’ve Got Plenty of Company.
The Anchorage mayoral race has been a special brand of political torture for progressives. The general overview is this. There are a host of very good, viable, capable candidates for mayor, any of which the moderate or progressive populace would probably be happy to have running our city. And it’s painful to have to choose.
Croft vs. Selkregg? Bamboo under the nails.
Honeman vs. Monegan? Sleep deprivation.
Claman vs. Honeman? Water torture.
Selkregg vs. Claman? Honey and ants.
Monegan vs. Croft? Being tied in a chair and forced to listen to someone read “Trailblazer” the unauthorized biography of Sarah Palin aloud.
Find a combination, and I’ll show you a moderate or progressive voter in utter agony. I have great friends whose opinions I value highly who are all over the map.
And then there is the one lonely conservative candidate Dan “send back the stimulus, and enjoy the second-hand smoke” Sullivan. Dan Sullivan is riding on the name of his father, a former mayor whose name is on the sports arena, the fact that he is the only conservative candidate, and a big fat wad of cash.
If the winning candidate gets less than 45% of the vote, there will be a runoff election between the two frontrunners.
Here’s the scary part. The wide field of “non-Sullivan” candidates is so vast and so confusing to many people that I’ve actually heard two progressives say, “I’m just going to wait and vote for whoever is against him in the runoff.” Whereupon, I have simultaneously blanched, grabbed them by the collar and said in the most diplomatic way possible, “Are you CRAZY?”
If you believe the latest poll by Dave Dittman, Dan Sullivan is leading the pack with 42% of the vote, with 11% undecided. The magic number is 45%. Do the math.
Anchorage has never seen a turnout of progressive voters like it did in November. They are out there. But if they remain apathetic, or take the “I’ll wait until the runoff” stragegy, there won’t be a runoff. And there will be those who say “I told you so!” for a long long time. So if moderates and progressives don’t want to be kicking themselves for the next four years, they need to just pick a torture and jump in. It will be painful, but we all need to take one for the team. Because typically, Anchorage’s mayor is chosen by about 20% of registered voters.
And in case you need an extra little nudge to get yourself and everyone you know off the couch tomorrow, I will remind you that I have recently stood in a room about 10 feet away from the governor when she said, “Nothing would make me happier than to work with Dan Sullivan as mayor.”
Here’s the rest of what she said at Sullivan’s fundraiser last month:
I want to thank Dan for all he has done for this community and really this part of Alaska, not just the municipality of Anchorage. My parents are here – Chuck and Sally Heath – [she looks around for them but they are not in the room] and they are here too, whether they know it or not, to show support for Dan Sullivan because this greater area that is – that has such great potential, our communities out there in the Valley and in Anchorage needing to work closer together, I think it would be extremely helpful to have a good mayor who understands a lot of that pioneering independent spirit that is the Valley. I think we see a win-win there with his election. And then overall too for the state I think we need him as your mayor so that the good relationship with the state administration – that can really be tapped into – taken advantage of essentially. [that would be Dan Sullivan's sister who works in Palin's office.] I look forward to being able to work closely with him, so thank you also for being here to support Dan, and good luck, God bless ya, and we’ll be rootin’ for ya!
So, in essence, this election is not so much about who you vote for. It’s about who you don’t vote for.
And if all goes well, I’ll see you at the runoff.
~~~Sarah Palin Endorsing Dan Sullivan
Well – sounds like fun.
Indeed.
I still don’t like that red jacket.
If Palin likes him, he should be toast. But I betcha he is Anchorage’s next mayor.
Don’t forget that Dan Sullivan and Jeannie Mackie hired the same sign company to post their campaign signs. These signs are located illegally along some very prominant roads. Many times voters will vote for a familiar name, versus the candidate’s position. So, when you are faced with a giant Jeannie Mackie sign every five miles or so, the name sticks. Forget that she is married to the well known lobbyest Jerry Mackie who knows the state laws better than anyone, and who allowed her to ignore the law. Read the ADN front page story or Andrew Halcro’s blog for more details.
Give a politician and inch and he/she will take a mile. Or, as we like to repeat that old campaign adage: “I can do anything I want until the courts tell me I can’t.”
The more I read what Palin speaks, the more I find myself using an index card to follow along as I feel like my eyes are playing tricks!! Those things that make you go ‘Huh’, ‘What’ or whatever. The glasses just aren’t enough anymore!!!
Sarah does wear red a lot.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081028074323.htm
Ya know, the favorite thing to do when I was in 4th grade was to pull someone’s pants down when they were on the swings at recess. It’s very childish, but I’m in a 4th grade kind of mood today. Let’s pants Sullivan! also there too Gino. Not that her family hasn’t already embarrassed her enough today. (I haven’t seen the Tyra Banks show yet, but it can’t be good for Gino).
OT – Wow! I have the most beautiful red headed woodpecker on my back deck bird feeder. He’s loving the poplar tree and the feeders. I saw a pileated wood pecker (think woody woodpecker) on my morning jog – he flew along with me for a 1/4 mile.
In France (for example) there are so many candidates that a runoff is virtually always guaranteed. The first round is the passionate “lost cause” vote, and the runoff “lesser of two evils” vote is more like drudgery.
If the first round seems like torture, that’s not a good sign!
I know I have said this before. Rick Perry was reelected Governon of Texas with 30% of the vote, becasue he got the pleurality of the vote.
It does happen!
Come on Alaskans you can beat the Texans, can’t you?
yikes, don’t think I would want Palins endorsement!
10 Marnie Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 12:52 PM
I know I have said this before. Rick Perry was reelected Governon of Texas with 30% of the vote, becasue he got the pleurality of the vote.
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Gee , thanks for the reminder. And Bush gave him the job to start with……….
Should U.S. Sen. Mark Begich resign his seat so a special election can be held?
Go and VOTE, the freepers are out in full force:
http://www.juneauempire.com/
poll at bottom of page.
OT — but I think this piece at HuffPo is worth a read, resonates with me in regard to the outing of AKM by doogan, the quality of online content, the challenges that progressives are facing…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-daou/moral-outrage-and-the-har_b_183490.html
On topic — interesting that my last comment at the last thread (it was an off-topic comment) was regarding the apathy of my family here in Alaska, “progressives” who want to moan about SP and the GOP and all sorts of stuff, but don’t want to spend 20 minutes writing a letter to their representative or senator. It’s frustrating.
Look for this book on the 99 cent table at your local bookstore soon:
Source: washingtonian.com
Alaska’s Republican governor, Sarah Palin, has retained DC Democratic power player Robert Barnett to sell her presumed memoir of the 2008 campaign. The expected seven-figure book advance will make it easier for Palin to pay for travel to the “lower 48” for political events and then a presidential run.
The book could put Palin into a 2012 race with President Obama, who used the same lawyer and the same strategy—a big advance and a book—in part to back his early campaign efforts.
http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capitalcomment/11864.html
On a positive note, this weekend I was out lunching w/a friend and Walt Monegan was at the same cafe. My friend and I were able to talk to him about some issues near & dear, as well as the tax cap issue.
He is honest, straight-forward and earnest. While he doesn’t have the assembly experience that Sheila & Eric bring to the table (and, frankly, that’s not a BAD thing), he has administrative experience at a high level, strong relationships with many of the public & private sectors leaders in the community, and strong ties to other areas of Alaska as well. Let’s face it, all of AK is very connected to Anchorage economically. Fairbanks has a huge university and some other industry interests that give it autonomy, and Juneau has tourism and politics, however, if Anchorage struggles ALL of Alaska struggles. I think that ties outside of Anchorage are as important as ties inside the borough in these trying economic times.
That’s my 2 cents.
There is something about Walt Monegan that is just.. comforting to me. I can’t explain it, but please Alaska, finally put someone sane into office – vote for Walt Monegan!
17 Snoskred Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 1:14 PM
There is something about Walt Monegan that is just.. comforting to me. I can’t explain it, but please Alaska, finally put someone sane into office – vote for Walt Monegan!
And wouldn’t that just frost her feathers!
@SMR – Checked the article out. Liked it a lot! Thanks.
Good Luck with the voting.
I voted early and it was torture. I voted for someone that I think has the best chance to win for the progressives even though that person wasn’t my own personal pick. Grrrrrrrr.
austintx Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Sarah does wear red a lot.
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The leap is that amorous feelings lead to political support.
The oft quoted argument “They’re just jealous of Palins good looks” lends some support to that claim, and might explain why reason and rational thought does not seem to deter some of her supporters.
If Walt wins, I bet SP tries to nullify it somehow.
Suchanut Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 1:46 PM
I voted early and it was torture. I voted for someone that I think has the best chance to win for the progressives even though that person wasn’t my own personal pick. Grrrrrrrr.
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One day we will have electronic voting with printed copies like register receipts. One for the customer one for the house, one for the auditor.
And we will be able to vote our first choice 2nd choice etc.. to register our ordered preferences, as we would vote if there was a runoff.
In this way there would be no need for a run off, and people can vote their conscience without fear their vote will be ‘wasted’.
Huh? – If your first choice is too unpopular with the rest of the voters, you count your 2nd. If that too is too unpopular repeat until your next choice is viable, and counts as your vote.
DrChill’s Rx for voting reform.
Thanks, SMR…….this will help me decide; all three of those you mention bring a lot to the table but Monegan’s network/relationships/ties do seem strongest IMHO, too.
Yes, spread the word to VOTE, for anyone, except GINO’s favorite, of course.
OT: In a hurry, so won’t be detailed. Just got back from the Athena Luncheon at the Denai’na Center. Shook hands with Bob Poe, and his wife, and talked Mudflats, exchanged cards. Smiled and waved at Walt Monegan and his wife (I know them). Senator Begich attended; someone had him cornered, I interrupted with big smile and thank-you, with sincere eye contact. And Fran Ulmer won the Athena of the Year Award, and gave a fine acceptance speech. (For those outside of Alaska, she was Lt. Governor under Knowles, and ran for Governor, and several of us have commented how we wish she were Guv now. She is Chancellor at UAA.) (Arliss Sturgelewski was one of the main speakers. ) Great luncheon!! (Food was good too.)
21 DrChill Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 1:55 PM
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The leap is that amorous feelings lead to political support.
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On all major holidays that I have spend with the super redneck branch of the family – all the guys say “Dude – She’s hot!!”……….sigh……..
Dr. Chill – The thing is, all the guys think she is “hot” because of her wearing heels, shoots a gun, and rides a snowmobile … Tell ‘em that’s “normal” up here. Many, many, many Alaskan women do that, are probably prettier, and definitely smarter!!!
One sentence? This is one sentence?
Heinous.
God, every time I try to read a transcript of something that she says I want to scream!!!!!!!
Some of my second grade students can put together a more readable, understandable paragraph.
What the heck is wrong with this woman??? She seems to just throw a bunch of important sounding words together and hope that no one is listening.
Gag me with a spoon.
@BJA–Yes, yes it is…
@BJA
It’s deadly. That woman is cursed. Cursed with the “stupid”.
Are they using Diebold machines in the mayoral election ??
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=7040
“My parents are here – Chuck and Sally Heath – and they are here too, whether they know it or not…..” I am sorry, but I find this funny! If it is SUPPOSED to be a joke, it is funny, and the ONLY thing I have heard GINO say that is actually funny! I have never noticed any sense of humor in her at all, only snarkiness and victimhood.
Just to show that I will give credit where credit is due, it actually was funny. There. I said it. AKM
Hey, here’s some gooc OT news:
Mount Redoubt eruptions force Chevron to suspend Cook Inlet oil production
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Chevron has halted its oil production in Cook Inlet because of continuing threats from Mount Redoubt eruptions at the Drift River terminal, where the company stores its oil.
About 3.7 million gallons of oil have been removed from two terminal tanks and transferred to the tanker Seabulk Arctic.
The overnight transfer was completed shortly before 9:30 a.m. today (Monday).
Petty Officer Sara Francis with the Coast Guard says another 2.5 million gallons of oil remain in the tanks.
To keep the tanks from floating away, crews were adding 840,000 gallons of Cook Inlet water to them.
After the work is completed, the tanker was to head to the Tesoro refinery in Nikiski.
Chevron official Roxanne Sinz says production has to be suspended because the company has no where to store the oil.
—-
The volcano remains at aviation color code RED and alert level WARNING.
The small earthquakes and intermittent tremors are continuing at last report, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory.
Oops, “good news”
here’s a link to the ADN article about the oil: http://www.adn.com/volcano/story/749408.html
How about inviting each candidate to post a short statement to Mudflats–500 words or less?
Lori: voted at Juneau Empire site.
NMJ: ‘frost her feathers’ is such a hoot! I will remember to use that, thank you!
Off to read the other links…best wishes to all who are voting today.
The book could put Palin into a 2012 race with President Obama………….
except Obama can actually write.
What is this dingdong going to say?
Maverick, maverick, drill, baby, drill. Liberal gotch media, yuck!
The rest of the pages will be dot to dot and “where’s sarah” pictures?
2 DrChill Says:
One day we will have electronic voting with printed copies like register receipts. One for the customer one for the house, one for the auditor.
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I went to my ATM a couple of hours ago and got my picture taken , printed receipt with date , time , and balance. All in about 3 minutes. Guess who’s name was on the machine ?? Diebold.
@Lori in Los Angeles
If Palin’s “book” is intended to finance her campaign efforts, she better make sure that her supporters pay off her legal bills first!
37 Moose Pucky Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 2:38 PM
How about inviting each candidate to post a short statement to Mudflats–500 words or less?
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Brilliant !! Call ‘em out AKM !!
41 BigPete Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 2:54 PM
@Lori in Los Angeles
If Palin’s “book” is intended to finance her campaign efforts, she better make sure that her supporters pay off her legal bills first!
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Can you say lien ??
Polly Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Dr. Chill – The thing is, all the guys think she is “hot” because of her wearing heels, shoots a gun, and rides a snowmobile
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Well, if being hot was a man’s criteria for governance, we’d be the willing subjects of Michelle Pfeiffer Gwenneth Paltrow …etc – all the Hollywood elite ( ha) But alas this is not so. … sigh…
I think its the idea that a straight talkin’ simple (simplistic) gal can somehow “plow” through the obstacles of difficult decisions. Its the overly simplistic muscular metaphor of strength – strength of mind and character overcoming problems… rather than a supple and intelligent mind that deals in abstractions, subtlety nuance ambiguity and uncertainty, (you betcha also too.)
How about inviting each candidate to post a short statement to Mudflats–500 words or less?
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Brilliant !! Call ‘em out AKM !!
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Too little time.
You need a phone bank to get the vote out !
Suggestion:
The message?
VOTE !
(whether you like it or not!)
Yes, it is good news that oil is getting moved to a more safe location.
The idea of the Governator actually being able to write a book is ludicrous. Her unscripted comments remind me so much of when W. used to try to talk. I think that they must be related in some way.
I agree that a second grader could write better, easier to understand, and probably far more insightful sentences than Palin.
Please, as someone from the lower 48, don’t do anything to support this joke of a politician.
Lori in Los Angeles Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 2:26 PM
“My parents are here – Chuck and Sally Heath – and they are here too, whether they know it or not…..” I am sorry, but I find this funny! If it is SUPPOSED to be a joke, it is funny, and the ONLY thing I have heard GINO say that is actually funny! I have never noticed any sense of humor in her at all, only snarkiness and victimhood.
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It’s hilarious if she meant it as a joke. D*mn sad if she didn’t. I’d have to see her say it. I think it was SarahSpeak.
Hey, I was wondering what the Gov thought of the latest events in the Steven’s thingamajig. She called for a Begich to step down. Now that the judge isn’t letting the situation go what doe Granny think of it. Or maybe it’s hard to speak with egg on your face. Stephens himself said he didn’t report the gifts. That was probably to much for her to remember.
I have a question for the local Alaskans..?
Have any of the papers, ADN or others reported on the Sunday story about the kids from Hawaii and what they did for the Nunan Iqua..?
The fact that Senator Begich made an official statement back to the Kids alone would warrant some coverage and it does affect the Natives… they are part of the Alaska news.(2 reasons to cover it)
Or are they purposely NOT repeating in the news because it may be linked back to AKM… and they are just being childish…? Any comments..?
Haven’t seen a thing…which is too bad, because that’s the sweetest and coolest story of the week (not that that would be difficult, give the past week, but you know what I mean…).
I don’t see where people think she is hot.I think she is goofy looking.
honestyinGov – I e-mailed the Whitehouse {waving@ Martha UYS} , Thinkprogress , and Rachel Maddow.
Yup – sarah be goofy……..http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/3/N/2/palin-helping-obama.jpg
About my (#50post), I think that is really pathetic that ADN would not even put a small update or report about a story on the Natives. They have to Know…?
And if their Senator thinks it is important enough to write a letter on behalf of his fellow Alaskans… then their attempts to censor stories and cover only News that makes themselves and or the GINO look better… THAT is bad.
If they won’t report it on their own…. maybe some emails (from Alaskans ) to Senator Begich is necessary. (he’s a US Senator so out of State emails work too)
If the Senator sent ADN an email ” asking” them to ‘ Officially’ report something that he was involved in and felt was important..Could they refuse their own Senator??
If it takes embarrassing the Papers to make them report it… so be it.
And why not an email to the State Rep. who is the Representative in the District of these Villages. (Who is he.?) He should speak out… or get embarrassed as well. Or would that be pointing out that he didn’t get the job done…
I can send a letter of to Sen. Begich ‘ thanking him’… in the next 5 minutes. Anybody else??
Palin picks Joe Nelson for Juneau Senate seat. She’s still in tantrum mode.
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/140237
Reply to ……
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53 -austintx Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 4:05 PM
honestyinGov – I e-mailed the Whitehouse {waving@ Martha UYS} , Thinkprogress , and Rachel Maddow.
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I emailed the Whitehouse as well this morning. It was a little long and had to go in two parts.My last two lines in the email were about sharing the information of my letter with Eric Holder and there was a mention of Mike Doogan in those comments.
I called the WH Switchboard and waited….. Foreeeeeeever!! I finally got to speak to a young man. Kept the message ‘shorter’ . Just named Story…Obama’s school, relationship to it, why he would be interested and it could be found on ” MUDFLATS” . Just said Senator Begich could be used for background since he has already responded with a ‘ Thank You’ on behalf of his fellow Alaskans… and knows the story. Kim Elton was used as a reference too.
I just be dang, (cussed enough lately) she picked someone that was not on the list, give me a break.
I hope the legs kick that chit back too!!!!!
If you live in Alaska and you have republican legislators, encourage them to vote against Ross’s confirmation as AG.
from ADN : ( didn’t want to link) But seven of the nine Senate Democrats sent Palin a letter today saying they were standing behind their actions, and Palin dropped the fight for Grussendorf.
Tewise – Your fingers HAVE to be tired by now………
honestyinGov – Well mighty fine then !!
Lori in Los Angeles Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Look for this book on the 99 cent table at your local bookstore soon:
Source: washingtonian.com
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What’s it called? “My Pet Gloat”?
@ austintx ….. wee bit, lol
***New post***
New Thread.
Seriously, this is outrageous! This woman is out of her mind! Where the hell did she dig this guy up from? Joe sounds like a nice fellow with the native creds, and all, but WTF?!
This is not funny anymore. GINO must be stopped.
If I could, I’d fly up tomorrow and vote for Walt Monegan. But I don’t think they’ll let me.
Senate Dems to Palin: “Joe who? Not on the list. Try again.”
With the Tyra interview today and Dan Sullivan possibly in a runoff after tomorrow, Palin isn’t doing so well lately. If the Dems are going to flex muscles, now’s the time. She may be distracted enough not to care any more.
Palin’s endorsement should worry Anchorage voters. Her past Wasilla/Mat-Su picks include people not qualified for the office they were seeking. At least one by his own admission was running solely because the party requested it, not because he wanted the post. She endorsed Dianne Keller for mayor of Wasilla, who was asked (but refused) to resign her post as mayor after independent investigators commissioned by the city council stated it was their belief Keller had violated her oath and been engaged in wrongdoing in office. She appointed a planning commissioner with no regard for the city’s planning code, but I guess that’s okay with her because he signed off on the variance for her old home that there were no legal grounds to allow. Now she’s pallin’ around over lunch at her home with a criminal she previously asked to resign. (Stevens may have been let go due to misconduct by the prosecutors, but there’s still no question he accepted gifts he didn’t report.) I sure wouldn’t want to vote for the company she keeps.
There are myriad choices to be made at the polls today. By not selecting and supporting a particular candidate, you are diluting the vote. It is almost a certainty that if you spread out the vote enough, you will enable a run-off election. That is not only wasteful of money, but time as well. And, I think all of us have had more than enough of the advertisements. If you have a candidate that you like (or oppose), time is better spent on efforts to elect (or defeat) that candidate as soon as possible.
this is off_subject, but I am so up-set with all the negative stuff on Fox News. Hannity is bouncing off the wall. I just wrote on his blog and hope other will do the same. We need to get this man off the air.
I wrote the following:
. Hannity—-you call yourself an American, and yet in my 80 years of life, have never seen anyone distort the truth as you do. You are engageing in UNAmerican activities, inciting violence and distorting the truth.
You should be charged with TREASON!!!!!!!! You may not have to answer to anyone here on earth, but someday, you will have to answer to a higher power. Now is the time to turn yourself around. God Have Mercy on you.!!!