Three-way race for Alaska governor
Democrats fear ticket split will get GOP win
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The race for Alaska governor looks to be a three-man contest, though some are still seeking to pressure the Democratic challenger to bow out.
That Democrat, Mark Begich, said he’s not going anywhere: “I’m in the race,” he said.
During Tuesday’s primary, Republican former state Sen. Mike Dunleavy advanced to the general election, where he is expected to face Begich, who was unopposed in the Democratic race, and Gov. Bill Walker, an independent who skipped a head-to-head primary fight with Begich and instead gathered signatures to appear on the November ballot. Walker’s move was intended to ensure that he could run as a team with his Democratic lieutenant governor, Byron Mallott.
Walker in 2014 changed his party affiliation from Republican to undeclared in forming a so-called unity ticket with Mallott that was backed by Democrats.
Some Democrats and independents worry that Begich and Walker will split the vote and hand the race to Republicans. But Begich has said he wouldn’t have gotten into the race if he didn’t think he could win, and he and Walker have each been fullsteam ahead with their campaigns.
A former chairman of the state Democratic party, Don Gray, has circulated a petition, asking Begich to withdraw. Those who have signed include members of Walker’s administration and others who support Walker.
Jay Parmley, executive director of the Democratic party, called the petition a campaign stunt. He said Begich was willing to get in a threeway race “because he knew where this was going.”
“I still spend a fair amount of time telling people, take a deep breath. This is doable,” Parmley said, adding later: “I don’t know where anyone thinks this is easy. I don’t think it’s easy if it were a two-way race. I think we’re going to have to fight for every vote we get but we know what we’re doing.”
Libertarian William “Billy” Toien is also running.
Dunleavy on Tuesday topped a crowded field in the GOP gubernatorial primary that included former Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, who had fashioned himself as the more experienced candidate.