Democrats rally in Anchorage

ANCHORAGE -- Democratic candidates -- including four from the Mat-Su -- rallied in Anchorage Thursday to demonstrate a lack of support for actions by the state's current administration, and to sign a pledge of commitment to ethical behavior in office.

"Who do you trust to stand up to the governor?" Anchorage Democratic Sen. Hollis French asked a crowd of about 60 news reporters and sign-waving candidate supporters.

French was flanked by about 20 Democratic candidates and incumbents, several holding signs bearing slogans such as "Will not rubber stamp Gov. [Frank] Murkowski," and "No jet for the governor."

French read off an itemized list detailing why area Democrats did not support the actions of Republican legislators, Murkowski and state officials under the governor's leadership. Among the things listed were a bevy of new taxes -- or so-called "user fees" -- initiated under Murkowski's leadership.

Senate Minority leader Ethan Berkowitz voiced the pledge Democratic candidates had made prior to the rally.

"Alaskans deserve representation that's honest, ethical -- whose only allegiance is to the people we represent," Berkowitz said. "At the end of the day, and at the end of the campaign, we're all still going to be Alaskan -- and I just expect Alaskans to elect a group they can be proud of."

John Angell, a Chugiak resident running against Bill Stoltze for the House District 16 seat, said he believes voters are concerned about many of the issues addressed during the rally.

"One of the most frequent comments I get -- especially in my district -- is from Republicans who are disillusioned," Angell said. "They're people who said they never voted Democrat before, but they are this time."

Those sentiments are prevalent in other districts as well, according to House District 13 candidate Mike Chmielewski and Senate District G candidate Gini King-Taylor.

"The concern that I'm hearing is that the trend will continue," Chmielewski said.

King-Taylor said she and Chmielewski have both used their background as educators when they go door-to-door campaigning in their districts to let residents know candidates' voting records on issues such as education, coal-bed methane production, the longevity bonus and other topics.

"We're educators, Mike and I, and we make sure people in our districts know what is happening," King-Taylor said.

Pat Carney, running against incumbent Republican Rep. Vic Kohring for the House District 14 seat, previously served as a legislator in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

He said a feeling that change is in the air led him to run again.

"I think, definitely, there's a mood for change, or all these people wouldn't be [running]," Carney said.

Contact Rindi White at rindi.white@frontiersman.com.