Interesting local article details factors in Alaska senate race

[Awsi Dooger]

http://www.adn.com/front/story/5658627p-5590269c.html
(on edit: very brief registration and login required)

The Anchorage Daily News article focuses on Democratic nominee and former governor Tony Knowles, examining what he must do to overcome the sharp conservative tendencies of the state. Knowles has led in every poll vs. quasi-incumbent Lisa Murkowski, but always very close, within the margin of error. The piece begins with an anecdote that nearly blew me away -- Knowles admits voting for Barry Goldwater in '64. He was in the army and "you vote for the guy that's going to put you to work," Knowles says now.

Otherwise, plenty of good analysis, including Knowles' clashing ANWR stance in regard to Kerry. While Murkowski has had Cheney and many prominent Republicans campaign for her in Alaska, Knowles sought help from only Max Cleland and Wes Clark, since veterans and current military are two big Alaska constituencies.

"A Democrat (in Alaska) has to isolate himself from the national agenda, and Tony Knowles has done a good job of that," said Gerry McBeath, a political science professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks who has supported both candidates. "He's a wonderful politician."

"Tony is keeping the campaign on the local level and personal, and they (voters) like him better (than Lisa Murkowski)," said Anchorage pollster David Dittman, who has worked for Murkowski.

Knowles ticks off the pluses and minuses of both presidential candidates. "The things I agree with Kerry: I agree with his position on the gas pipeline, I agree with his full funding of veterans health care, I agree with him on prescription drugs. Things I disagree with Kerry on: I disagree with him on ANWR, I disagree with him on gun regulations and I disagree with him on No Child Left Behind," which Kerry supported.

And Bush: "Obviously I agree with Bush on ANWR. I agree with him on defense spending. I also agree with Bush's capital gains tax. I disagree with him on the gas pipeline -- he opposed the commodity tax credit, which is the single most important part of getting the project going. I disagree with him on veterans health care, not supporting full funding, and I disagree with him on prescription drugs. And I disagree with both of them on the Patriot Act."