The following people have submitted their letters of interest to Districts 9 and 10 Republicans to fill Senate Seat E, which is being vacated by Sen. Mike Dunleavy.
Those interested in serving as a senator for the Palmer-to-Valdez district are:
- Randall Kowalke, Mat-Su Borough Assembly member, District 10
- Tom Braund, retired, Sutton, District 9
- Bob Bickel – Realtor, Alaska Fine Homes and Real Estate, District 9
- George Rauscher, House of Representatives for District 9
- Todd Smolden, economics teacher, Republican District 10 precinct chair
- Doyle Holmes, business owner, Republican chair of District 10
- Mike Shower, pilot, District 10
- Thomas Arts, school custodian, Valdez, District 9
- Vicki Wallner, “Stop Valley Thieves” Facebook group co-director, District 9
- Eddie Grasser, Alaska Safari Club and NRA
- Jim Colver, former representative for District 9, who was ousted by George Rauscher in the 2016 primary.
Tuckerman Babcock, chairman of the Alaska Republican Party, was asked by District 9 and 10 chairs Carol Carman and Doyle Holmes to be the chair of the selection committee. The committee may choose three or four names to forward to the governor by Monday night.
However, it is unlikely that Jim Colver’s name will be among them. Babcock reminded the committee that Colver had been sanctioned by the Republican districts in the Valley for forming a “Musk Ox” alliance with Democrats, and the entire party had also withdrawn its support for Colver. No action has been taken to rescind that vote by party members.
Babcock offered this in a written statement:
“Mr. Colver was an incumbent Republican Representative from District 9 in 2016. When Mr. Colver ran for reelection as a Republican in Primary, the District 9, District 7, District 8, District 11 and District 12 Committees voted to deny all support to his reelection and to endorse his Republican opponent in the Primary, George Rauscher.
“The State Central Committee of the Alaska Republican Party also considered the matter and then voted to withhold all support for his reelection and endorsed his opponent in the Primary. We actively and successfully campaigned against the reelection of Jim Colver in the Republican Primary for State Representative in 2016.
“The Alaska Republican Party and the Mat-Su Districts have not rescinded, or amended, those decisions.”
The deadline for applying for the seat was 5 pm Sunday. Sen. Dunleavy’s term ends on Jan. 15.
Dunleavy is going to focus on his run for governor, rather than try to represent his district while he runs for a statewide office. The governor will choose from among the names the District selection committee gives him. The legislative session starts on Jan. 16.
Sen. Dunleavy said, “The seat belongs to the people. I’m confident the process will end with a number of good names nominated by the district and sent along to the govenror, and that the governor and the Senate will move expeditiously to put a senator in place so the good people of District E will have representation.”
“It’s been a privilege and honor serving the constituents of District E,” Dunleavy said.
Interesting mix of names, for sure. All over the board!
Some very good people running for this senate seat. I would vote for Todd Smoldon if I were in the district. I do know that the selection committee will vet these candidates very well. Thanks to all who have thrown their hats into the ring.
My hope is that from the governor’s viewpoint his three choices will be 1. conservative; 2. more conservative and 3. ultra conservative. Here’s hoping that no musk-ox folks are on the selection committee.
Eddie Grasser has been a great leader for the outdoor community for many years. His many hours of service to SCI and other organizations was all voluntary. He has shown excellent leadership both in the state and on the national level. I hope the committee takes a good through look at his resume.
I’m happy to see George Rauscher in the mix. He is conservative and listens to his constituents to make certain he is representing them.
Hands down Vicki Wallner
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