ELECTION 2016: Murkowski rushes to early lead

WASILLA — Coming out strongly against Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump was expected to hurt Alaska senior Senator Lisa Murkowski, but early returns Tuesday night show that she appears to be on track to retaining her seat, up 42-29 percent with 32 percent of precincts reporting as of press time.

And with the Republican majority in the Senate holding its ground nationally, she would retain her powerful chairmanship on the Energy and Natural Resources committee.

Non-affiliated candidate Margaret Stock had 14 percent and Democrat Ray Metcalfe 12 percent.

Early results in the race for Alaska’s lone seat in the House of Representatives were nip-and-tuck early with Democratic candidate Steve Lindbeck, tied with Don Young, the longest-serving Republican congressman.

The two were tied at 43-43 percent with 84 of 442 precincts reporting. But with 28 percent of the electorate reporting, Young had expanded his lead to 49-38.

Ballot measure 1, which would make it possible for Alaskans to register to vote when signing up for the PFD, took an early 65 to 35 percent lead over the vote against and seemed to hold that edge as the first quarter of votes rolled in.

Ballot measure 2, which would allow the state to take on student loan bonds trailed 56-44.

Senate District F, with 3 of 16 reporting, saw incumbent House member Shelley Hughes on her way to victory in her bid to reach the state senate, leading non-affiliated candidate Tim Hale 73-27 percent.

With 1 of 7 precincts reporting, Wasilla City Councilmember Colleen Sullivan-Leonard appeared to be on her way to victory in House District 7, with a 75-25 lead over newcomer Sherie Olson.

Mark Neuman, in District 8 held an 80-20 edge over his challenger, Democrat Gregory Jones with 1 of 6 reporting.

Eight of 11 precincts were reporting in District 9 with Republican George Rauscher on top of Constitutional Party candidate Pamela Goode 59-38.

Republicans continued a good night all the way around in District 10 with David Eastman holding a 72-28 lead over Democrat Patricia Faye-Brazel with 6 of 11 vote centers in.

In District 11, Republican DeLena Johnson led non-affiliated Bert Verrall 68-31 with 2 of 9 in; Cathy Tilton looked poised to retain her seat in House District 12, holding a 67-23 lead over Democrat Gretchen Wehmhoff, with Constitutional Party candidate Karen Perry grabbing 8 percent.

On the Presidential side, Trump, appearing to be well on his way to victory in the national race, held a 52-36 lead over Clinton with Gary Johnson, the Libertarian getting 5 percent and Jill Stein of the Green Party 2.

In votes for Supreme Court justices, Justice Bolger and Justice Maasen retained their posts, getting yes votes of 58 and 57 percent, respectively.

Look for final results at www.frontiersman.com and in Friday’s edition of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman.