Comments on: Diane Benson to Run for Lieutenant Governor!

By: Bob Poe

Bob Poe — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:57:21 +0000

Well I guess I should jump in to clarify a couple things here. First I was registered non-partisan prior to announcing my run for Governor in January of 2009, 54% of Alaskans are non-partisan, I was not a Republican prior to announcing. And since only about 15% of registered voters in Alaska are registered Democrats, isn’t it a good thing I wanted to register as a Democrat?

With regards to Pebble, the thought of a 900 ft. tailings dam above the richest fishery in the world is alarming and could be disasterous if it failed. I support due process, meaning that the companies working on this mine project should have the same access to the permitting process as a fish plant or a land development. Since I have actually worked at the Department of Environmental Conservation, I have first-hand experience with the well-qualified state employees who would review things like the water and air permits. Further I will support the state regulating agencies in their decisions and do what I can as Governor to keep politics out of the decision. Lastly, should some version of the mine be permitted, I believe strongly it is time for mining to pay its way similarly to the way the Red Dog mine has. My views on the mine have evolved over the last year, that came from listening to Alaskans – that’s what a Governor is supposed to do.

With respect to rising to the defense of AKM when Representative Doogan outed her, it was not a piece in support of him, but in support of AKM. I merely examined what might have been his motivation, and in retrospect AKM is doing well and I consider her a good friend. I did not feel then, nor do I feel today that Doogan was justified in what he did.

Lastly, I would like to wish Diane Benson great success in her pursuit of Lt. Governor and wish all mudpuppies a great new year!

By: jojobo1

jojobo1 — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:48:50 +0000

Kath the Scrappy I have to agree with you i remember that post of his and I had to look him up to make sure he was not a republican.Everyone should wit a mite and listen and learn then donate to the person who you think best serves not only your interest but the interest of the majority of the state.

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:29:25 +0000

I have had a couple of long discussions with Bob Poe about Pebble and development in general since he has announced his run for Governor. He was pretty well spoken, pretty informed and very pro-Pebble. It wasn’t until it started becoming clear that being pro-Pebble could be a liability in the primary that he started hedging.

Michelle said “BTW, he was first to announce for Governor last January, long before his opponents. ” Who cares when he announced? What does that have to do with anything? He could have announced 5 years ago and I still wouldn’t vote for him.

By: Moose Pucky

Moose Pucky — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:29:16 +0000

Diane Benson is just overflowing with integrity and true grit. Kudos to her.

As for governor candidates on the Democratic side, there are three good ones out there. Take your time. Ask a lot of questions about what’s important to you.

By: Kath the Scrappy

Kath the Scrappy — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:35:54 +0000

@ #25 Dave Says:
December 18th, 2009 at 2:02 PM
I hope all the out of state types talking about contributing to Bob Poe will hold off for a while. There is going to be a primary battle, and Poe is the most conservative candidate in it. He is pro-Pebble Mine and seems to be basically a socially liberal republican from what I have seen.
- – -
I was very interested in Bob Poe, he seems to be well spoken, well educated & involved, and his Wife is (I believe) one of the First People.

When AKM was so nastily ‘outed’ though, Poe posted a thread saying that Doogan was a long term friend of his. Basically seemed to be pleading on Doogan’s behalf and Poe was almost lecturing AKM that she was better off being ‘outed’. Later I learned that he was a Republican that had switched to being a Democrat.

Okay, so water under the bridge. It is true that AKM is doing very well being out in the Public and we love seeing her Shine.

But that whole episode left me wondering, so I’m not jumping into the donating realm for his candidacy yet.

By: Bretta

Bretta — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:35:24 +0000

I’ve met Diane’s husband – seems to be a decent guy.
I’m glad to learn more about her.

By: AKjah

AKjah — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:08:09 +0000

I went and looked at Bob Poe’s resume. and you just dont get those positions easily. I need to know more about Bob Poe. From what Diane has done i dont feel i have to be afraid of who she is or speaks from. I would ask all to look further before making any desicion. We have ALOT at stake here in Alaska. And we are a bit gun shy at this point!!!!

By: Manchu

Manchu — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:15:01 +0000

Diane tried to censor a UAA professor. Luckily the Chancellor stood up for free speech. We progressives can do better than Diane.

By: North_of_the_Range

North_of_the_Range — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:37:19 +0000

I have supported Diane’s campaigns for Congress in the past, and support her entry into the Lt Gov race, but I too would like to correct the record about AK “never” electing a progressive woman to a statewide office–former Lt Gov Fran Ulmer fits that bill.

I hope that was just an oversight on DB’s part.

By: hawk

hawk — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:33:33 +0000

Wow. Can we expect more silent commercials about dog poop again? Alaska has become enough of a laughing stock with our previous clowns in office. Diane has already had one commercial make Leno’s “dumbest commercials.” I hope that doesn’t continue and she will actually speak about her qualifications and what her positions are instead of just scoopin’ poop