Where’s coverage of local Democrats?

What a surprise when I opened Sunday’s paper! There on the front page were two full-color pictures of a rally held for the McCain-Palin campaign on Saturday with a bold headline “Palin supporters rally along highway.” On page A7 were two more pictures and nearly two columns completing a quite lengthy article.

I agree local events need press coverage. However, I also believe that a newspaper has a responsibility to provide balance.

Mat-Su Democrats have held three rallies on recent Friday afternoons where 40 to 70 people have waved signs on the corner of the Parks Highway and Crusey for Obama-Biden, Mark Begich, Ethan Berkowitz, David Cheezem, Erick Cordero and other local candidates. Not a word have you published - much less a picture!

The State Convention of the Alaska Democratic Party was held in late May in Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds. I personally called, as did others, to be certain that Frontiersman staff was aware of this event, which brought upwards of a thousand people into our community - again not a word from the Frontiersman. Reporters from all over the state and nation were there, but the Frontiersman was obviously absent.

Seven people from the Valley attended the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Three of us, Andres Chovil of Chugiak, Claudia Douglas of Wasilla and I, were delegates. Recent Wasilla High School graduate David Kellner-Rode was a page for Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean. The others attended as guests. Only Claudia and I were contacted by Frontiersman staff for “a piece for the Frontiersman” by a woman from Florida, who not only knew nothing about Alaska politics but also had no concept of our system of government. A brief item was run - no pictures and some misinformation.

Additionally, we have asked the Frontiersman to report on some of the activities of our monthly Egan Club, where speakers present a variety of topics. I think one time a reporter attended. I don’t remember that an article about the meeting or speaker was ever published.

The Frontiersman publisher has been candid about her support for the McCain-Palin ticket. I sincerely hope she does not intend that those of us who support Democratic candidates should go unheard. However, it is certainly beginning to seem that way!

Carolyn Covington

Alaska Democratic Party secretary treasurer,

Mat Su Democrats treasurer

Palmer