Comments on: Do NOT Send More Than $500! A Fundraising Request from Rep. Les Gara.

By: Les Gara

Les Gara — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:47:33 +0000

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.

By: boodog

boodog — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:26:20 +0000

Thank you Mr. Gara for the NO on Pebble mine. The environment thanks you also.

By: sauerkraut

sauerkraut — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:10:31 +0000

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?

By: neo

neo — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:11:25 +0000

bubbles,you said what i was thinking.

By: Moose Pucky

Moose Pucky — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:27:45 +0000

@Eat Wild Fish

Yep, yep. And, if there’s a choice, put hydro where it won’t hurt salmon!

By: EatWildFish

EatWildFish — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:06:43 +0000

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.

By: Moose Pucky

Moose Pucky — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:09:57 +0000

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.”

By: bubbles

bubbles — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:48:09 +0000

*******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

By: Greytdog Δ

Greytdog Δ — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:53:21 +0000

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. . .

By: Kath the Scrappy

Kath the Scrappy — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:11:38 +0000

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!