Numbers Shmumbers…
“In the past two years, the state of Alaska has spent millions of dollars processing ethics complaints, public records requests, and related lawsuits.” That was the claim coming from the office of Governor Sarah Palin, who likes to use the phrase “frivolous ethics complaints.” That was nine days ago. Today, we learn that “millions of dollars” is in fact, actually $296,000, as far as ethics complaints go. Numbers shmumbers. The complete breakdown is not yet available, but we do know this about the three spendiest ones: $187,797 stemmed from the Troopergate investigation, a good chunk of which Palin initiated herself….
Rubber-Necking the Republican Smack Down.
I am not a rubber-necker. Let me start off by saying that. When there’s a bad accident on the side of the road, and the thing holding up traffic turns out to be the fact that everyone is slowing down to stare at the wreckage…I am not one of those people. That said, there are times when it’s just unavoidable because….blam….there it is. Right in front of your car. Such is the case with the strange and captivating multi-car pile-up involving various conservative Republican factions in the past few days. My attention has been tugged, now and then, in the direction of this slow and seemingly…
Oyster Roundup!
Thick and fast, they came at last, and more and more and more! – Lewis Carroll Be There for Health Care I’ve had a few people ask me where Mark Begich stands on including a public option in the new healthcare plan. The answer is….I’m not sure. But you have an opportunity to raise your voice with the more than 75% of Americans who want a public option. Senator Begich will have a Health Care Reform Town Hall Meeting tomorrow, Saturday, June 20, from 10:30 to noon at the Willa Marston Theatre in the Loussac Library. Grassroots outcry for a…
As if One Wasn’t Enough…..Meet Dan Sullivan.
Rep. Lindsay Holmes was the featured guest on today’s Demo Memo on KUDO 1080am. Kathy Phillips asked what she thinks of the new AG nominee, Dan Sullivan. Holmes has heard some concerns from members of the Alaska Bar. Apparently there are some mumblings like “Couldn’t you find someone who’s actually living here?” Kind of a “What are we, chopped liver?” vibe. I’ll add to their griping by pointing out that there are now two Dan Sullivans in Alaska’s small pantheon; Dan Sullivan the incoming mayor, and now Dan Sullivan the Attorney General nominee. I don’t know how everyone will deal…
Sexism and Free Market Comedy.
The following press release was issued today. Read it first, and we’ll all join up afterward for a big helping of irony. Sen. Menard and Rep. Fairclough angered by Letterman joke, encourage apology to all women. Wasilla, AK, June 15, 2009 – Alaska Senator Linda Menard and Alaska Representative Anna Fairclough today expressed their concerns regarding CBS comedian David Letterman’s sexually exploitative comments regarding Governor Sarah Palin’s young daughter, and his refusal to apologize not only to the Palin family, but to a nation of women he offended. “I have been watching this progress for nearly a week and still…
Alaska Civics 101 With Rep. Berta Gardner.
I made it a point to roust myself this morning to go hear Representative Berta Gardner give a talk at the Unitarian Universalist Forum. She was there to talk about the legislature, and her talk was fascinating and very well received. The thing I liked about it was that she was able to explain, in layman’s terms, what actually goes on in the “legislative bubble” that is Juneau, from a Democratic perspective. She is charming, and intelligent, and speaks from the heart. She talked from a place of both idealism and pragmatism, the two “isms” that often enter into an uneasy…
Palin, the Pipeline, and Exxon
Rumors were circulating last night, but it looks like its going to be official. Palin tweeted about her conversations with Alaska’s congressional delegation and the need to flow Alaska’s gas to “hungry markets,” and guess who’s going to help? The pipeline company TransCanada announced today that it has an agreement with Exxon Mobil Corporation to work together on an natural gas pipeline from Alaska to the Lower 48. “We are pleased that TransCanada and ExxonMobil have reached agreement on initial project terms to progress this exciting initiative,” Hal Kvisle, TransCanada president and chief executive officer, said in a written statement….
Open Thread
Brian the Moose hangin’ with Representatives Chris Tuck and Pete Petersen Brian hearts Representative Berta Gardner
I’ll Take Palin Fibs and Fables for $200, Alex.
“The feds.” It’s a slang term that most of us are used to seeing after the words “seized by” or before the words “raided the house.” It’s never said with respect or fondness. Rarely do you hear someone say “the feds are trying to give me money,” or “the feds want to weatherize my house.” And never have I heard a governor of one of the 50 states, that is actually part of the country, call the federal government “the feds.” I would no more expect that than I would expect to hear them talk about “the fuzz” or “the coppers.” But…
Lunch with Labor and Lattes with the Legislature!
Today from 11:30 – 1:30, Anchorage union members are hosting a picnic to encourage Senator Lisa Murkowski to support the Employee Free Choice Act. Attendees will sign petitions and make phone calls to the Senator to encourage her to support the Act. In a strange case of “go figure,” Congressman Don Young who sponsors the EFCA will be in attendance at the picnic. All union members and their families are invited to attend. The picnic will be held in the parking lot of Laborers International Union 341 (LIUNA), 2501 Commercial Drive, Anchorage, AK (In case of rain, the picnic will…