Supports Begich

To the editor:

If Alaska loses Sen. Mark Begich in the Senate, how do we regain his influential position on the Appropriations Committee? Alaska is incredibly fortunate that both Begich and U.S. Sen. Murkowski serve on that powerful committee. It puts our small state in an extraordinary position. But that only happened because they are from opposing parties. Sullivan can’t replace Begich.

Sen. Begich has gained power rapidly because he has proven he can get things done, working with members from both parties to get results. Normally, it takes many terms to gain the kind of authority and clout Begich gained in just one term.

I’m also pleased that Senators Begich and Murkowski vote the same way 80 percent of the time. It shows that politics have been set aside and they both vote in the best interest of our state.

It is unclear what Sullivan has to offer. I really do question Sullivan’s connection to Alaska because he never talks about Alaska’s issues. I have many questions. If Sullivan wants to get rid of the Affordable Care Act, what will replace it? Will he ensure people who are currently getting coverage from the law will still be covered? Will he support the Violence Against Women Act? And why hasn’t he addressed the sexual assault crisis in the National Guard? He was the Attorney General at the time — did he know about the problems?

But we don’t have these answers because he rarely debates or responds to questions from voters. Sullivan offers slogans but no real plans for what he would do if elected.

Mark Begich has proven he is a true statesman who will do anything for Alaska. He deserves our vote.

Robin Smith

Anchorage