Do NOT Send More Than $500! A Fundraising Request from Rep. Les Gara.
4 10 2009It’s been a while since Mudflatters have heard from one of our favorite elected representatives, Les Gara. During the whole election fiasco that happened last year, he’d gallop now and then across the Mudflats on a white horse with messages of support, encouragement, and reminders that there are really good people in elected office in this state.
He is soon to be kicking off a re-election campaign, and needs our support to continue doing his good work. And not only does he get out there and work his butt off to actually help people, he has a pretty darn entertaining and well-written newsletter as well. Trust me when I tell you, there aren’t many of those out there. You’ll enjoy it, even if you don’t live in his district. All you have to do is send a request to: rep.les.gara@legis.state.ak.us and ask to be signed up.
So, with that, the horse has arrived with
Help! Thanks!
OK, I’ve always wanted to write a 2 word fundraising request. If that didn’t work, how about this? Please donate today HERE.
Why’s that important? And, what about those rumors about statewide office? OK, if you ask…
I’ve enjoyed working for you in Juneau , and have been privileged by the support I’ve received. I’m working for re-election, and am writing this one letter before next summer to ask that you help me build the campaign I’ll need to seek re-election to the State House. I can’t raise funds between January 15, 2010, and the end of the 2010 session, and need to have funds ready to start my campaign once I get back from Juneau.
Oh, and the rumors you may have heard about me running (agaisnt people I really like!) for statewide office?
I believe I can have the strongest impact changing Alaska’s politics for the better from my House seat, and by helping others running statewide. And the fishing in Washington, D.C. doesn’t sound all that good. And, as our former Governor might start the next sentence: And, also, I don’t want to run for Governor if other good folks are as eager as they seem to reap the “joys” of running a state campaign, and letting well-funded interest groups lie about what they stand for. Maybe that will seem like more fun in the future. Maybe global warming will send big rainbow trout to the Potomac.
Many who receive this letter have, through your generosity, made it possible for me to work in the Legislature. Thank you!
With your help, we can work together to create a Legislature that fixes problems rather ignores them. We can work smartly to expand opportunities for everyone. With your support, I’ve worked for better schools, from pre-kindergarten through college and vocational education. I’ve worked hard to bring opportunity to those who are denied it today: foster youth in a system that needs reform; working families who cannot afford health insurance for their children; college aid for those who cannot afford to achieve their dreams; substance abuse treatment for those willing to better themselves, but who cannot afford the help they need to become productive and successful.
We also need an economy that will benefit this and the next generation. That requires a vibrant university that trains people for tomorrows challenges and careers, and a vibrant private sector. It requires that we take action, now, to start building an energy infrastructure. In 2008 I pushed hard to successfully add $50 million into a struggling Renewable Energy Fund, and though we succeeded, this state has alot of work to do to create a vibrant energy future – and a diversified, strong energy plan to strengthen our economy.
And I’m proud to have successfully sponsored legislation that passed last year to protect against identity theft, and the sale and trade of social security numbers. We have one of the strongest identity theft laws in the country today. And I’m proud of the work I did to finally get us a fair share for our oil, and to create s system that rewarded oil and gas investment, instead of rewarding inaction.
NEW DONATION LIMITS: I’m also proud to say I supported a change in the law that limits the amount of money you can give me. How’s that for service? Alaska ’s new donation Limits to each candidate $500 per candidate by any donor in a calendar year. PAC’s may donate up to $1,000. (Note: these limits are in addition to the $5,000 limit that applies to donations to a political party or party candidate fund).
With Best Regards,
Rep. Les Gara
P.S. Feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions at 250-0106 or lesgara@yahoo.com
Paid for by Alaskans for Les Gara, POB 202259, Anchorage, AK 99520.
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(OK, let me just say that neither Les Gara, nor anyone else has paid for this announcement. But that’s one of those weird little legal things that everyone worries about and wonders what it really means, and if it has to be included in any sort of fundraising announcement. So, I’m just sticking it in there so you can use the address to mail a check if you want, and to make the Mudflats Legal Department happy.)
October 4th, 2009 at 1:35 PM
Feck. living in Ireland and I can’t contribute!
October 4th, 2009 at 1:36 PM
okay so I’m definitely going to donate to Mr. Gara’s re-election. Even though I really really wish he’d move to Florida and work for progressives in this purple-leaning-red state… and we have fishing here too!
October 4th, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Hey, Greydog, don’t get greedy…you got Grayson! He’s gonna need lotsa support before the Repugs get thru with him.
October 4th, 2009 at 2:22 PM
You have a legal department and an art department?!!!
October 4th, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Definitely donating. Rep. Les Gara has totally impressed me with his dedication, insight and work ethics.
This past spring, I wrote a letter to ALL the Rep’s and Senators’s in Juneau concerning THAT person and other subjects. He was one of only a few that answered my concerns with a thoughtful reply. My rep. and senator didn’t bother to reply.
He also wrote asking if it was okay to add my e-mail to his newsletter list. Very professional. He’s not my Rep. (sighing) but he deserves to be in office.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:52 PM
The current Alaskan legislators did NOTHING with the results of the Branchflower Troopergate report which found Palin guilty of abuse of power and ethics violations.
A rogue governor was allowed to essentially run amok until she decided it was “too hard” being governor and quit for the money. She has profited enormously at the expense of Alaskans (literally and in less tangible ways) and Americans in general who have to live with the demagogic fallout and hate she has engendered, all during a time of critical national problems.
It’s not too late, Rep. Gara, to spearhead a resolution of condemnation or censure measure of Palin’s actions while in office…..The question of donations will be more properly considered once that has been achieved.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:54 PM
What district does Gara represent?
Please enlighten those of us in the Bush who don’t know much about him, and tell us why we should care that he gets re-elected.
What is his position on Pebble Mine? Chuitna coal mine?
Thanks, AKM.
October 4th, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Les is in the minority and can’t do much to spearhead anything given the current rules in the House. That said, he manages to accomplish quite a lot by working with others and reminding them of the importance of some very big moral issues. Trying to get some friendly Rs in the house to attack buttercup is next to impossible. But getting them to endorse support for foster children is possible and he has done a lot in that direction along with several others.
October 4th, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Les is in District 23 which represents downtown and Fairview areas in Anchorage.
October 4th, 2009 at 4:50 PM
8 John Says:
October 4th, 2009 at 4:36 PM
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Good points. (sigh)
October 4th, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Les can count on me for a donation. I’m out in MatSu with horrible reps. Important to keep the good ones in office and fighting the good fight. He actually replies to email personally! Even when I stated that I was not a constituent, he took the time to respond.
If that’s not reason enough, remember how he took on Stapletongue? Worth a donation just for that!
October 4th, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Thanks John for a good point. We can’t get all principled about Les Gara and ignore that he is, and has been, a voice of reason. But he also has to be a pragmatist.
Hmmmm… like Obama, sometimes?
He could have embarked on a quixotic pursuit of the Branchflower report…and gotten nowhere…and also made himself irrelevant in the Alaska political landscape. If we really wanted something done about Palin back then, we needed a louder voice. This was NOT about Gara…it was about US!
A lesson that seems to apply to a lot of national issues even today. Many people are complaining about what our President is not doing. I think we should instead be asking ourselves questions about what WE are not doing.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Good points, Rob, but…
Too many of our elected politicians are afraid to open their mouths because they place their personal issues (re-election, campaign donors, corporate sponsors) higher than the public’s trust and concerns.
Hell….everyone about fell out of their collective seats “ooohing and aaahing” over Grayson from Florida who stepped up and embarked on a quixotic pursuit of the GOP’s nihilistic health care plans: “DON’T GET SICK….IF YOU DO, DIE QUICKLY.” Will Grayson win re-election now? I don’t know but he has become the hero of millions of Democrats because at least he went after the GOP in their own coin.
Our elected representatives are OUR voices. That’s why we put them there in the first place.
And be careful about using platitudes about the citizens not doing enough….Alaskan bloggers and concerned citizens like Andree McLeod virtually drove Palin out of state politics with their tenacity and relentless questions while the legislators stood by with their tongues hanging out.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:38 PM
“…But that’s one of those weird little legal things that everyone worries about and wonders what it really means,…”
Here’s a couple of more little legal things to take seriously.
Only people who the candidate has registered as deputy treasurers with the Alaska Public Offices Commission can handle and collect contributions for the candidate…otherwise the candidate violates Alaska’s campaign finance laws.
And only a small percentage of contributions can be collected from people who do not reside in Alaska…otherwise the candidate violates Alaska’s campaign laws.
Andree, I did take it seriously. That’s why I posted it, even though I didn’t have to, to make it crystal clear that I’m being overly cautious and am NOT taking money to post Les’ letter. I am not taking money for him. He is taking money himself, through his website. I am assuming that if he is unable to accept the contributions, he will deal with that. AKM
October 4th, 2009 at 6:44 PM
I must be missing your point, Andree, but if I contribute to Les Gara’s campaign and it causes the totality of out-of-state contributions to be exceeded, he gets in trouble? Am I getting that correct or have I missed the boat?
October 4th, 2009 at 6:59 PM
Rep. Gara is indeed a good man who does what he can to make the world a better place. I’m also not in his district and have always received courteous, on topic responses to email I have sent. He has my support.
I once sent two emails addressing different issues to Sen. Murkowski’s office in the same week. The first reply was so generic, I wasn’t sure what topic she was addressing. The second reply was exactly the same. To this day, I have no idea if anyone on her staff actually read what I sent.
October 4th, 2009 at 7:07 PM
16. sauerkraut Says: October 4th, 2009 at 6:44 PM
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Sauerkraut: I don’t know if you are an Alaska resident or not.
I was speaking to the glib nature of the last paragraph where the author includes, “…But that’s one of those weird little legal things that everyone worries about and wonders what it really means…”
People have fought hard for these laws in the past as they’ve championed campaign finance reform in Alaska. The authors infers to them as if they are ittle annoyances…when in fact they are there to curtail corruption.
That’s why this whole thing about sarahpac and the Palin’s legal defense fund caused such consternation. Conceptually, she was collecting a heck of a lot of $$$ from non-Alaskans and it corrupted her and her governance.
The AK Ethics Act and campaign finance and financial disclosure laws attempt to put parameters on the flow of money from non-Alaskans. There are darned good reasons why disclaimers and addresses and “who- paid-what-for-this-and-that” are put on all campaign literature. They should be taken more seriously…that’s all I’m saying.
To reiterate. If I hadn’t taken it seriously, I wouldn’t have included it. And if I had included it without the clarification, it would have erroneously appeared as though the message had been paid for. Simple as that. And the governance referred to was corrupted LONG before SarahPAC. AKM
October 4th, 2009 at 7:11 PM
I plan to contribute and look forward to doing so. Les Gara is not in my district, but was responsive when I contacted many in our Legislature last year. I appreciate his work ethic and will show it by supporting him in his fund raising efforts. Good luck, Les!
October 4th, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Empish, I agree we need new Mat-Su reps. We’ve had our share of corrupt ones, well-meaning but ineffective ones, and those who would happily jump off a cliff without a second thought if the Republican party machinery ordered it. Despite what the rest of the nation may think after SP, we really do have some good, smart people here who need encouragement to run and our support to get elected. How do we get them to throw their hats in the ring?
October 4th, 2009 at 7:31 PM
Considering the amount of support she’s thrown in your direction, Andree, I think it would at least be polite to refer to the “author” as AKM. That’s the first thing.
The second part has to do with your contention that out-of-state donations to sarahpac, etc., caused her to be corrupted. As you should well know, Palin was corrupted (if that is the correct word or descriptive phrase) long before sarahpac was set up. How does a donation from someone out-of-state make the politician corrupt?
The third part goes back to my question: would Les Gara get into trouble if I sent him a donation? Why should he get into trouble for something I do? What if I decide to donate as an expression of my 1st Amendment Rights? What would carry the day, short-sighted and poor conceived state law or federal due the contribution crossing state lines?
If he were to receive amounts exceeding what he is legally allowed, the donations would be refunded. I will email Rep. Gara and confirm that, Sauerkraut. AKM
October 4th, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Andree, I agree with sauerkraut. AKM states in her closing that she inserted the “paid for by” line so that we could use the address to mail contributions. I think the fact that it states ‘no one paid’ and mentions ‘Mudflats Legal Department’ makes it obvious that it was an AKM addition.
October 4th, 2009 at 9:34 PM
Wow. I appreciate the comments, and see that a few folks have questions – on Pebble and donation rules. Mudflats has the rules right. She’s good.
First – and most importantly – the substantive issue. I think the Pebble Mine is a terrible idea. Wrong mine, wrong place. Mining is desirable and important to the economy when done responsibly. For example, Ft. Knox, and Red Dog have proven important to our economy, especially in the Kotzebue region where cash jobs are too scarce, and the cost of living and energy are too high. But the proposed Pebble Mine isn’t Red Dog or Ft. Knox. It would be the continent’s biggest strip mine – in the world’s most vibrant wild salmon and trout drainage. The people in the area overwhelmingly oppose the prospect. With the irreversible damage to the people in the area, and this wild salmon and trout drainage – its a bad idea.
On donations. I actually had to look at the out of state rules, since I’ve never come close to raising what the law allows, and never targeted out of state funds. Here are the rules. The donation limits are the same as for anyone else – no one can donate more than $500 to a legislative candidate, or more than $5000 to a political party. Employer and occupation information is required, as stated on my website. And I, as a candidate, cannot accept more than $3000 in out of state donations – a limit I have never come close to, and never will.
I don’t target my fundraising efforts at out of state donations. But I also appreciate support from people who share my values, and belief that Alaksa should be a place where all, not just some, have real opportunity. Today, with 40% of Alaskans not graduating from high school, and less than 30% graduating from college (we’re last in the nation) – we have a lot of work to do.
And as to Andree’s last comment – it is legal for folks, including websites and blogs, to support a candidate, including by supporting a fundraising effort. Legally, the funds – as Andree suggests – should come directly to the candidate – my address was posted properly by Mudflats – so the blog didn’t do anything wrong. Any donations – as the Mudflats post already indicated – should be sent to the address on the “paid for” line, or donated through the webpage Mudflats has posted. So – either lesgara.org, or Alaskans for Les Gara, POB 202259, Anchorage, AK 99520. And – while I don’t think anyone out there was going to take it upon themselves to go out an collect donations for me (if you were, wow! again – don’t do that!)
All donations, again as Mudflats already said, should be sent to my address or through my website.
Phew. That’s a lot for a Sunday evening! But, truly – I really appreciate the discussion, the support, and the fact that folks want to be engaged in politics (whomever you support). Best, Les (lesgara@yahoo.com if you have more questions).
October 4th, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Oops. And on the Chuitna question. I’ve been concerned about that project too – because of it’s proximity to the Chuit’s important King and other wild salmon runs. But I need to learn more. Also – I’d rather focus on a clean energy future. But that said – while the State’s Department of Natural Resources gets to make the call on permitting, I need to learn the specifics of the proposed project.
I have worked to pressure the state on permitting issues – to raise the input of the Habitat Division, and pushed to have that department returned to the Department of Fish and Game. And, I’ve supported a reversal of the Frank Murkowski-led rollbacks on Alaska’s clean water and wild fish protections. Thanks. Les
October 5th, 2009 at 12:49 AM
@Les: I’m pleased to observe your sense of humor, and also your attention to detail in response. BTW, I’m certain that one of the world’s few remaining great salmon spawning zones is not the place to run the experiment to determine if if it is really possible to have an environmentally safe strip mine.
Since I’m now a retired OWG, I cannot individually violate your $3K out-of-state limit, but I will chip in.
@Andree: I have great respect for your commitment to political ethics, independent of party politics. I will even agree with you that AKM was a bit flippant (sorry, AKM) in her treatment of the disclaimer of payment. But she did comply with the law, which I think is sort of the definition of “taking it seriously”. You may want to check out your sense of humor.
In any event, I do admire your dedication.
October 5th, 2009 at 1:11 AM
Thanks AKM for letting us help Rep. Gara! I’ve always appreciated his openness and sense of humor on your blog – plus his willingness to post explanations when there were numerous questions about how the legislature was dealing with Mrs. Palin.
Thanks too, Rep. Gara, for clarifying about the out of state contributions. I just donated a small amount via Paypal (your donation site doesn’t have an instruction box in order to let you know it’s coming from a Mudpup Retiree in Seattle).
Best Wishes! I like your style!
October 5th, 2009 at 3:53 AM
Oh yes we in Florida are certainly very proud of our Alan Grayson. I volunteered and voted for Alan (he lives down the street) and watched him take on the sniveling sneak attack little weasel, Ric Keller, with aplomb!I’ve already donated to him and plan to again. Alan can afford to be blunt as hell – he isn’t dependent on his Rep salary or any lobbyists to maintain his lifestyle. . .he’s the 12th richest member of Congress. But I think Alan would speak up no matter what – he’s that kind of guy. And he makes Sen. Bill Nelson look like the Blue Dog he is –
That said, I have no problems donating to out-of-state candidates either simply because my income doesn’t permit me to go crazy and give gajillions of dollars to the most favored candidate. . . No way are my donations ever going to be misconstrued by any electoral ethics committee. But I am glad that Ms. McLeod is keeping an eye out on things like that – to make sure everyone, across the board, is playing by the rules. . .
October 5th, 2009 at 8:48 AM
*******Sauerkraut!********* yes. AKM was very supportive of ms Macleod in her quest to call attention to the former governor’s chicanery. because AKM supported her, many Mudflatters also rallied round her cause. therefore, ms Macleod i suggest you change your attitude. the author, indeed.
dear rep. Les Gara i wish you all the very best. you are a fine man and i will send you a little sumpthin’ when i can
October 5th, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Les Gara is the best. He communicates. He listens. He shares information. He supports sustainable fisheries. He makes Moose Pucky laugh.
“And, also, I don’t want to run for Governor if other good folks are as eager as they seem to reap the “joys” of running a state campaign, and letting well-funded interest groups lie about what they stand for. Maybe that will seem like more fun in the future. Maybe global warming will send big rainbow trout to the Potomac.”
October 5th, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Thanks, Rep. Gara – I’m convinced that you’re a man we need in Juneau!
]
Re Chuitna coal mine: The biggest travesty is that every bit of that coal will be shipped to Asia, where it will be burned as fuel — and we’ll get all the CO2 fall out in the Pacific Ocean! If you haven’t seen the ocean chemistry data that shows accellerated rates of ocean acidification in our cold AK waters, prepare to be very scared!
Another thing that gets lost — whether it is Pebble or Chuitna or other ‘energy development’ projects: the infrastructure development that extends well beyond an actual mine, oil rig, etc. It includes roads, docks, new buildings, holding areas — things that directly impact our lands/waters but seldom get included in discussions.
October 5th, 2009 at 1:27 PM
@Eat Wild Fish
Yep, yep. And, if there’s a choice, put hydro where it won’t hurt salmon!
October 5th, 2009 at 2:11 PM
bubbles,you said what i was thinking.
October 5th, 2009 at 7:10 PM
I wasn’t trying to be rude to Andree. Really, I wasn’t. I just do not understand the need to call AKM “the author” when Andree knows darn well who “the author” is.
Still, my question remains partially unanswered.
Perhaps Mr. Gara can answer it.
Let’s say, Mr. G, that I get 100 of HLS’ finest to each send you $500.00 as a way of keeping the circus act known as Guv. Palin from re-occuring.
Let’s make my question more obvious by splitting it into two:
1) if the group donation from out-of-state Americans is an expression of our speech, what holds the trump card: 1st Amendment or a(n unenforceable) state law?
2) if the intent of state law is to keep “outsiders” from influencing an election, why is it not directed against all those who live outside your election district? why not allow just those who will be directly affected instead of taking the xenophobic approach to political contributions?
October 5th, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Thank you Mr. Gara for the NO on Pebble mine. The environment thanks you also.
October 5th, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Well, I don’t know what to say to the last question on out of state donations, other than, I think the voters, when they put together the campaign finance reform initiative – were right to put limits on both donation amounts, and out of state contributions. I supported that initiative. While there are alot of great people across the country who vote their ideals and the public interest, there is also the risk that some well-funded outside special interest would try to flood state campaigns with non-state money. The law’s not perfect – but I think the intent is noble. Passing it was a citizens effort. The effort was led by the state’s Democrats (who all voted against a 2003 Republican-led gutting of the law that the voters later had to fix) to keep corporate executives, big companies like VECO, and those who might value their own financial interests over the public interest, from buying state elections.