Strange things happen in Alaska with 3-way political races

The AK Democratic Party spent 2014 making sure that Governor Walker and Lt. Governor Mallott could be on the primary ballot. They forged a unique working collective, beyond partisan, which has made many inroads into the stark necessity of getting past "big oil" money alone to balance our budget. They have trimmed government while saving jobs. They have created meaningful respect for Alaska Native culture, a concept long overdue in state politics. They have bolstered essential services. Check out this short youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2apormmkEI&t=3s Now Mark Begich is trying to torpedo those plans. He entered the race at the eleventh hour. So far, Mr. Begich's management style is to tear apart his own Alaska Democratic Party and hope Outside money will fund his last-minute campaign. The Begich for Governor website is set up to accept donations but gives no real info on where he stands. Perhaps he hasn't figured it out yet. Meanwhile, GOP candidate Mike Dunleavy likes to compare himself to the late Governor Jay Hammond. Check out his campaign ad in which he quotes Hammond as saying "...it would be asinine frankly to reduce dividends..." I wonder if Dunleavy has a platform beyond appealing to short-term desire for the biggest possible PFD? The way to distribute money equitably is to commit to policies which provide access to housing, healthcare, food and safe communities. Some folks really need the PFD. That's why it wasn't cut much. But cutting it some means we'll continue to build the long-term budget to protect those who have limited means for paying for life's expenses. What Dunleavy left out of this quote was the rest of what Governor Hammond said, namely that it would be asinine to reduce dividends ".. without at least first imposing such a thing as an income tax." Governor Walker and his lieutenant have done the heavy lifting towards a balanced budget while preserving essential services. Both the governor and his lieutenant governor are accessible, thoughtful, kind and intelligent. They successfully trimmed government expenditures by 40% over the past 4 years (to 2007 levels) and their efforts moved Alaska's national credit rating from negative to stable. Their other accomplishments include: state budget deficit reduced by 80%; schools being able to hire back teachers; adding more troopers and prosecutors in the fight against opioids. Plus, the 2018 Permanent Fund Dividend grew to $1600 with good prospects for future growth. I am not alone in resenting Mr. Begich waltzing in and claiming to be the champion for "Alaska Now" (a slogan suspiciously like Walker's authentic "Alaska First"). If Mr. Begich were a true statesman he would wait four years and then make his pitch. The only foreseeable outcome of Mr. Begich forcing a three-way race is the specter of a Governor who fought to stall Erin's law (Alaska Child Safety Act) and finally signed on only after tacking on riders that would repeal a requirement that Alaska students take the SAT or the ACT, as well as allowing parents to pull children out of any curriculum pertaining to sexuality, sexual health or sexual assault. Apparently Mr. Dunleavy prefers that our youth be uninformed. I changed my voter registration from Democrat to Independent. In this time of divisive partisan politics, let's take the high road, together, and support the team that has already moved us in the right direction. Respectfully submittedDr. Emily A. Kane1880 Evergreen AveJuneau AK907-723-5599