Haines Republican Bill Thomas announced on Friday that he is dropping from the House District 3 legislative race, leaving Democrat Rep. Andi Story of Juneau with an easy walk to victory with no opponent this year. All three Juneau candidates, including Democrats Sen. Jesse Kiehl and Rep. Sara Hannan, are now unopposed.
Thomas, now in his late 70s, is a former representative who served in the House from 2005 to 2013. He told friends and supporters that he just doesn’t have the time to campaign and also commercially fish this season.
His withdrawal has not yet been made official at the Alaska Public Offices Commission. The Division of Elections’ last day for candidates to withdraw from the Aug. 20 primary is June 29.
Dear Sir,
There is no need to campaign. Do it like Joe Biden.
He’s a Republican in name only anyway.
Why?
I’m disappointed that Representative Bill Thomas has withdrawn from this year’s election. He had a distinguished career as a public servant in the military and the legislature representing the people of Southeastern Alaska. But, I can understand the demands of running a small business and campaigningas well as serving in Juneau.
Adjusting tinfoil hat ……
Given that dropping out guarantees a democrat win for the seat, was this a setup?
Note that the same AK Supreme Court opinion that approved the Bill Walkeer – Byron Mallott unity ticket in 2014 can be used to insert a Republican on the ticket in Thomas’ place. Cheers –