Walker-Mallott: Political odd couple, or just the ticket?

Well, events in the race for governor have turned a historic direction. This is something I have never seen before, and I’m not sure if anyone alive has seen something like this happen in recent memory. I’m talking about the team-up of Bill Walker, Republican-turned-Independent, and Byron Mallott, Democrat, in the race for the Governor and Lt. Governor of Alaska.

At first I heard rumors about this in the papers. Later, when it was confirmed, I was just a little skeptical. It seemed to me that these two were a political odd couple taking on the powerful incumbent Sean Parnell and his running mate, Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan. And yet, it just may be the ticket to unseat him — a prime example of true bipartisan leadership in an era where partisan politics have poisoned so much in government and elections in general. Poisoned to the point of a virtual dead stop in getting anything accomplished at a state or federal level by the extremes of both parties. We have all been witness to this. I don’t know about you, but I for one am very tired of it all.

Walker and Mallott call their effort a “Unity Ticket”. Unity — that has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? But there has to be more to it than just a cool-sounding name. There must be action of a bipartisan, unified nature to match — proof that this is more than a stunt. Can Walker and Mallott really pull it off and win the election? That is the question now, isn’t it?

I get a pretty good vibe on it. I honestly think they have a good chance of unseating Parnell. But only if they remain really united in serving Alaskans during the election and beyond. That means convincing more than a few people out there — some who were not too happy about this merger at first were their own supporters, on both sides. Now, that is appearing to change for the better, at least from some of the reporting in the media.

I like the idea of the Unity Ticket. If this works, it could set a positive example of how to fix the partisan political roadblocks gumming up the works in our government at state and federal levels. Whether or not our elected leadership takes the hint is the $64,000 question. Or will it take a $50 boot in their collective caboose to get them onboard? I have more than a few pairs shined up and ready for use in the cause of inflicting common sense. That is what this is all about: common sense in taking up true bipartisan action in this team-up.

The Walker-Mallott Unity Ticket is the way to go, in my opinion. Now it is up to you, the Alaskan voter. But only if you take the time and effort to do just that — vote. It’s time to pony up, people. Let’s make some history and take a giant stride in the right direction for this great state. Are you up to it?

Wasilla resident Daniel D. Grota retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service.