From former Gov. Bill and Donna Walker, union representatives, to politicos whose resumes stretch far back in Alaska history, about 150 people gathered for the annual Congressman Don Young “Taste of Alaska” fundraiser for his next campaign for reelection.
Young has run for reelection since winning a special election to become Alaska’s lone congressman in 1973. He has served 25 two-year terms.
At a lovely private home on the lower hillside in South Anchorage, Young was introduced to the crowd by Julie Fate-Sullivan, wife of U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, who was to be a special guest but has been held in Washington D.C. by the infrastructure bill vote, which is pending.
Young held forth in his usual good-humored stump speech, telling the crowd that he’ll serve in the role as long as Alaskans say they need him there.
Spotted in the crowd were these notables (and many others): CJ Zane, Admiral Tom and Sylvia Barrett, Chuck Heath (brother of Sarah Palin), John Boyles, Rep. James and Nancy Kaufman, Jeremy Price, John Hendrix, Ashley Reed (father of Truman Reed), Sarah Erckmann Ward, Jim Udelhoven, Rachel Bylsma, Frank Bickford (Young’s 1984 campaign manager when he was challenged by Pegge Begich), Aves Thompson, Carl Mars, Joe Balash, John Crowther, Tara Sweeney, Mike Anderson, Daniel Shaw, Zoi Maroudas, Jason Hoke, Mary Ann Pease, Judy and Randy Eledge, Joseph Lurtsema, Frank McQueary, Curtis Thayer, Perry Green, Jordan Schilling, Deb Bronson, Ryan McKee, Daniel George, former Sen. Cathy Giessel, and former UA President Jim Johnsen.
Congressman Young was accompanied by his wife Anne Walton Young.
The annual Taste of Alaska event was postponed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and made a triumphant return at a new venue, and with many familiar faces, and several young up-and-comers.
