White Knight v. Carpet Baggin’ Dragon! Call to Action!
It seems sometimes like politics attracts all the wrong people. The very job that needs selfless people with high moral principle, honesty, and a desire to serve the community, with no particular burning need for power and prestige, too often attracts the wrong kind.
Don’t get me wrong, I think there are plenty of people who are good people looking for ways to make a difference, but not too many of them want to jump into the shark tank. But every once in a while somebody who ought to run for office, does. And every once in a while that very same person wins.
May I present one of the White Knights, Pete Petersen (and his noble steed)! (you clap wildly)
Pete is a good guy. I knew Pete before he decided to run, and when I heard he’d be trying to win the house district 19 seat in the legislature…. I have to confess I never thought he’d do it. Why? Because Pete is a good guy. And I, apparently, am a cynic.
I was, to my great joy, proven wrong. Pete won his house seat in a tight race and has been working his butt off as a freshman legislator to do some really good things including ongoing efforts to investigate price gouging. (Ever wonder why Alaskans pay more for gas than anywhere else in the country?? You’re not the only one.) He’s also led the charge to increase the minimum wage. He’s lived in his district Anchorage for 28 years, he’s coached Little League in the district, you get the picture.
Here’s where the story gets interesting. A freshman legislator who’s doing a great job for the people, who is smart and dedicated, and whose victory made a Democratic majority in the house start to look feasible, is something that the Alaska GOP, headed up by Randy Reudrich can’t stand. In our story, Reudrich is an evil warlock, who paces in his icy tower trying to figure out ways to wreak havoc on unsuspecting Alaskans utilizing his army of red shirted minions.
You can imagine them all, in their little red shirts in various house districts across the state, shaking their fists in the air, gnashing their teeth and growling, “Petersennnn!” And after burning up the phone lines, knocking their little skulls together and lying in bed night after night staring at the ceiling, they’ve come up with a plan. Her name is Gabrielle LeDoux, a republican lawyer who has lived on the island of Kodiak for 29 years. She’s a former legislator who had her eye on the U.S. House seat currently held by Congressman for All Alaska, Don Young. She wanted that seat so bad she spent 1/4 million dollars of her own money to get it. She lost. But after slinking back to Kodiak and communicating to our evil warlock by smoke signals, or peering into a crystal, or some kind of strange telepathy, they have hatched a plan.
Seeing the difficulties in running a campaign for federal office from Kodiak, and having her sights set on Washington D.C., she decided to relocate to Anchorage.
And Pete is doing so well that after scouring the length and breadth of the land in District 19, the Republican Party came up with nobody they thought could stand a chance against him in the next election.
You see where this is going. LeDoux wants the stepping stone to her future career outside Alaska to be little old District 19. And since she’s willing to do just about anything to make that happen, she’s abandoned Kodiak, and filed to run against Pete Petersen, listing her new Anchorage residence as a house owned by the guy that ran against Pete Petersen in the 2008 election. This will also, in the brief time she plans on remaining in Alaska, ensure one less blue seat in the House. It’s a win-win situation for Republicans IF they can pull it off.
Carpetbagger? You betcha. Carpetbagger with lots of money? You double betcha.
So, what are we doing about this? Democrats are helping Pete right now by holding a fundraiser this evening. Here’s your chance to meet him yourself and show some support. Tell the GOP that these tactics won’t work. Help Pete continue to fight for the people of East Anchorage and state-wide.
If you can’t make it to the event, and you think that a good guy from a little house district in Anchorage Alaska deserves some support to slay that Big Red Carpet Baggin’ Dragon, you can click HERE for Pete’s donate button.
Or, join the fun and cameraderie at a Fundraiser for Pete Petersen at the Home of Rep. Les Gara and Kelly Blummer, 1242 W. 10th St. in Anchorage TODAY, Wednesday, July 29 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm!
This is what makes the situation messed up. Pete seems to be a great representative for his district. LeDoux is moving in to make a run for this district because she wants to run for a higher position? People here say she’s alright and might be a good representative. So why if she is moving into a neighborhood to make a political run for office, doesn’t she move into a neighborhood that currently has a lousy representative, someone that beating would actually improve government representation overall.
You could get two decent reps instead of one. Just saying. Sure I know the R want to out the D, but if she was a D before, then maybe she could just go back to D.
Honestly, I’m always leery of opportunistic switching of parties, I have Specter after all to deal with now. blech.
It does sound as if Anchorage has an election between two people of character (carpetbagger label notwithstanding), even if their views differ. How lucky for you. Considering what you’ve had to deal with at the gov level, it’s even sweeter.
I can imagine Palin has made many lose trust, but, truly, there cannot be more than one Palin in a lifetime, can there?
@ #41 bucfan, please don’t put Ms. LeDoux in the same category as that someone else we know. I’ve met her on a number of occasions and found her to be a lot smarter than that, and a good, very likeable person.
From the campaign materials I received when she ran against DY, she is very socially conservative – “in defense of traditional marriage” and such.
So, let’s keep it on the positive note that John and COalmostnative have at 39 & 40. She’s a good person, but he’s the better candidate.
And as for Ms. Le Doux, I remember that accident, as well, and I know it must have been devastating. I believe she had a law practice with her husband, if I remember correctly, Le Doux & Le Doux. She has seemed sincere and thoughtful the few times I have heard her speak, at debates, so I would agree that she should be afforded some respect even as we campaign for Mr. Petersen.
Everyone who has been paying any kind of attention knows Gabrielle LeDoux is from Kodiak, and it’s apparent that this is a shamefully political move which I would hope the good people of that district would see through. I think Phil is right — Pete should win easily.
Should be an interesting race. What I remember most about Le Doux is the op-ed piece she wrote for the Anchorage Daily News about two years ago. In it, she outed Representative John Cowdery for squashing a bill that she sponsored because she did not vote the way most republicans did on the oil tax bill. The bill that he squashed was the “Safe Haven” bill that would allow people to leave infants at designated sites (hospitals, fire stations) without it being treated as a criminal act. Later, Cowdery was convicted on corruption charges. She gained a reputation as someone willing to stand up to her party and be ethical. Hmm, sounds like someone else I know.
I wish LeDoux well, and Pete Petersen even more. I hope she goes back to Kodiak and works for the district she knows-
I can say that the Pete Petersen fund raiser was a success and a good time was had by all. I even spotted a small moose (Brian) running around.
As I said before, Le Doux is not a bad person. Compared to some people who have represented that district in the past, she would be an improvement. But Pete is even better and I’m proud to support him.
I am proud to be a bleeding heart liberal.. and because of my previous statement in regard to Le Doux cannot say anything negative about her.. That is why SP has been so trying of a person to me.. I find SHE is a cold heartless unconscionable person…
Wonderful post Tomas Hradcky! I agree with everything you say. The way things are today in this world, distance is not an obstacle nor is it an excuse to turn your head and not get involved. We are all connected instantaneously via internet, tv 24/7 news and blogger communities.
I Do not know Mr. Petersen he is probably a nice man? This is all I know as an Alaskan about LeDoux.. She did come from Kodiak but used to live in anchorage years ago..
PLEASE have a little sympathy here. about 10 years ago Her husband (a lawyer) and their Son who was 8?? were driving down the road when a BIG RIG WITH A BELLY DUMP
with bad breaks couldn’t stop for a red light.. hitting and flattened their car killing her husband and son.. the truck lacked safety inspection and the insurance had lapsed..
I’M NOT KIDDING THE CAR WAS FLATTENED.. IT WAS SO SAD. 🙁
It’s not enough to own property. You have to actually live there. Who will be monitoring if she actually lives there.
And despite her machine, will it be possible to show Anchorage voters that she truly is a carpetbagger and she considers them merely stepping stones?
Gabrielle was Kodiak Borough mayor for two terms. Trounced all opposition.
She switched to R when she decided to run for the state house and believed she’d have a better chance working with the ‘team in power.’ She lost once, then trounced the competition – twice.
Gabrielle wins by mobilizing huge minority blocs of voters, esp Filipino, Latino, and Ak Natives. She single handedly re-registered hundreds of folks in Kodiak from Democrat to Rep. so they could vote for her.
She has already spent 2 years working the minority vote in Anchorage. Her former campaign manager is a very smart Filipina – don’t know if she is on board now. Gabrielle has had a condo in Anchorage for years, not sure where.
Gabrielle comes across as eccentric, but do not underestimate her. She is a savvy, tireless campaigner and has money – tragically, much of it stems from a horrific accident in Anchorage in which her husband and small son were hit and killed instantly by an overloaded gravel truck.
Prior to her life in politics Gabrielle was a maritime attorney for 25 years.
Would Alaskans really fall for such an obvious carpetbagger?
Any one care to join me in chat?
Gabrielle isn’t a bad person. She was willing to vote against the other Rs on occasion. But she is Kodiak through and through and always will be. She should not be running in Anchorage. And even if she had lived here all her life, Pete is just the salt of the earth, progressive, business owner caring person who deserves to win re-election.
Gabrielle is (to date) the ONLY person who wanted to be my FB friend that I “ignore”ed.
Just not gonna do it. Wouldn’t be prudent.
Pete Peterson is one of Alaska’s finest. Two antlers up. Thanks for representing your district and all of Alaska with integrity and hard work. We love you, Pete.
maybe todd’s holding HER head underwater until she promises to be good. i can’t imagine he enjoys having such a public @ss for a wife…? like a darth maul of the republican universe, she is…
OT-sorry. It seems Lou Dobbs and Glenn Beck have set the crazy bar so high, even Sarah can’t clear it when she goes into right wing hate media.
Canadian Neighbour Says: Considering she’s been silent for 3 days, something tells me she’ll surface soon.
——
You mean she’s going to rear her head? (we better get ready!)
Doogan is the Rep. for House 25, paired with Lindsey Holmes in House 26 to make up Senate M, held by Hollis French.
Link for wolves bill – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/29/dem-senators-take-on-pali_n_247390.html
Is Doogan a Rep in that District?
Sorry for being off topic, but Diane Feinstein and other senators (Huff Post) have drawn up a bill to STOP AERIAL KILLING OF WOLVES!!
Gabrielle Twitters! Nothing interesting yet, but we can hope.
http://twitter.com/Gabrielle_AK
Correction–LeDoux held the Dist. 36 House seat for 2 terms (it used to be Gary Stevens’s seat until he was moved up to the Senate seat when Alan Austerman left that to work for Murky).
Petersen ran for the Dist. 31 seat in 2004 against Bob Lynn, so he moved too, not that I see anything wrong with moving, esp. within your own community! (I’ve done it 4 times in 11 years, but it’s all been within the same House district!)
Forewarned is forearmed. Sounds like rats in the attic to me and remember McCain was a carpetbagger way back when…
strangelet–I think Pete actually defeated the R incumbant in the 2008 General. However, looking at the other House seat that his combines with to make up a Senate district, they’re all held by Ds now. That didn’t used to be the case however, so there may be some changing demographics in that area (although for Alaskans in the know, I think Pete now holds the seat that Eldon Mulder used to, so the demographics may have changed significantly!).
honestyinGov–She used to be a D, actually, but I’m not sure what happened. i think she used to be on the city council in Kodiak. I seem to recall that she’d thought to be a bit “out there”, but I didn’t ever interact with her, so I don’t know. She was only in the House for one term I think, before deciding she was going to run against DY.
Susie Snowflake–Dist. 19 is the Muldoon area of Anchorage, out near one of the military bases (Fort Richardson).
So, I’m thinking this is more like long term strategery. She’s gonna wait for Yon Dung to die, retire, or go to jail. But by moving to Anch, and running for office there, she raises her statewide visibility and probably improves her chances of appointment if the Congressional seat goes vacant mid-term.
And, I suppose, she might win, although I’m pleased to see that Phil thinks that ain’t gonna happen.
Was Pete’s first race tight because of the base demographics of the district, or because he was running against an incumbent? Just curious.
Those that keep their nose to the grindstone doing the work they were elected into office for, unfortunately don’t get the media coverage. That’s sad. Media only plays that like the “EX”.
Here is an ad I just saw moments ago on CNN by moveon.org. Considering she’s been silent for 3 days, something tells me she’ll surface soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25KfNHn0wms
If you do a web search of her name one link to a voteledoux website says the website is under construction. It lists an address in Anchorage as a certain ‘ Letter ‘ street and a phone number( which I am NOT going to post )
I would think a records search on some database will tell everyone who is the Owner of that property address. ( Mudflats has some great AK Detectives )
InJuneau comes to mind as well as a few others.
Most other web searches identify her as someone from Kodiak.
Does anybody know what her political views and positions she had when she was a GOP Representative. What bills she pushed for… Does she have views like $arah..? Who knows what she votes for…?
i just donated to this worthy knight and his oh so adorable stead…er, doggy.
How can anyone expect a political party led by a guy accused of being unethical by Sarah Palin to be anything but sleezy. Besides… isn’t it against the law to say “Randy Reudrich” in public; isn’t that like uttering a couple of 4-letter words?
Sorry, I can’t find an open thread. But this is heartening news. Apparently Clear Channel “passed on Palin”.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/blog/Fates_Fortunes/20621-Syndicating_Sarah_Palin_Part_2_The_Next_Rush_Limbaugh_.php
Leave NOTHING to chance!
Let’s go, Pete.
You can wipe the carpet with her!
CO almost native–I think here you just have to meet the age requirements and have lived in the district you want to represent for at least a year. That’s why she’s moved already, even though the election isn’t till next year. She’d have to meet the year residency requirement by the Primary date of August 24, 2010. i’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong, but I think that’s the deal (I’d check the filing handbook, but it’s being updated, apparently, and is not available on-line at the moment).
You are correct. AKM
#6 Susie Snowflake Says:
What area does District 19 cover? Is it some part of Anchorage?
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If you go to petepetersen.net, there’s a link on the right to identify District 19.
What area does District 19 cover? Is it some part of Anchorage?
Geez, just like cockroaches – you get rid of one moldy mess. . .and then find another. . .and another. . . keep shinin’ the light on these creepy crawlies, AKM!! We’re trying to clean house in FL, but we have a couple of really big Palmetto bugs to deal with – Rubio & Crist.
She won’t win. Pete Peterson will cream Gabrielle. It is good to make the “carpetbagging” issue as public as possible, as soon as possible, though.
I’m not sure how the organization works but maybe someone up there should contact MoveOn.org and ask for some advice . I’m not always in agreement with the way they approach things or the topics they choose to get behind but they sure do seem to be fairly organized. Perhaps they could help in some way.
Just a thought !
(and I will certainly put a little money behind Pete, the gallant White Knight)
In Colorado, you can’t just claim an address within a district and then run as a resident, there are other requirements. There have been several who had to quit local/state campaigns because they were…carpetbaggers!
Someone needs to find out basic information, and publicize it: does LeDoux own the in-district house or rent it, and for how long; how many local elections has she voted in; does she work in the district; is she paying taxes on any other house, and if so- where; how long has she been registered to vote in District 19… this kind of information turns off voters in my state, as they want to vote into office a candidate who wants to represent them/their issues, not someone only interested in furthering him/herself.
Alaskans, I assume, have the same attitude-
I’m happy to send money from afar, but wonder if there’s something more proactive that can be done.
Interesting, I just submitted a piece to I Heart Mudflats about disengaging from the stress-inducing news cycle and being more proactive!
Any suggestions, AKM?