Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich (D) has decided to run for the seat held by Sen. Ted Stevens (R) since '68. Begich, 46, has been mayor of AK's largest city since '03. Begich "will formally announce his candidacy" 4/21. He "has spent the last two months gauging statewide support."
Stevens "has easily won re-election seven times." But "the upcoming election could be his toughest." Stevens "is under federal investigation -- but has not been charged -- as part of a broad corruption inquiry" by the FBI and DoJ. Investigators "are looking at his connections with now-defunct oil services company Veco, including Veco's role in remodeling Steven's home in Girdwood."
Begich has raised $267K in campaign funds since Feb. Stevens "boasts" a $1.3M camp account and raised almost $600K in the 1stQ. Begich will face '06 AK-AL candidate/'98 "Republican Moderate Party" GOV nominee Ray Metcalfe (D) and '02 nominee/'96/'98 candidate/'94/'00/'04/'06 AK-AL candidate Frank Vondersaar (D) for the Dem nod (Anchorage Daily News, 4/20).
Begich's "decision is backed by an aggressive push" from top Dems for him to challenge Stevens. Begich "said the key concerns," when he spent eight weeks traveling around AK, "were rising energy costs, especially for those living in rural areas or away from road systems connecting small towns to largest cities." He said he "also hear repeatedly from military veterans concerned about receiving the proper care and benefits after their service ends" (Quinn, AP, 4/21).
Stevens: "Alaska has a small population and is a long way from Washington. Seniority and experience have never meant more than they do today. I believe that I am best able to provide the leadership, and I believe that Alaskans know that" (release, 4/20).
AK Dem chair Patti Higgins said she was pleased with Begich's announcement. Higgins: "It's time to get on with the shot...He will restore Alaska's reputation." The NRSC "predicted another win for Stevens." NRSC spokesperson Rebecca Fisher: "This does not change the strong support Sen. Stevens will receive from voters in this election" (AP, 4/21).
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Sign up for National Journal’s AM & PM Must Reads. News and analysis to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Join the Discussion