FIRST LADY MAKES PITCH FOR MONEY
As the final hours close on fundraising for candidates during 2017, gubernatorial candidates, as well as state House and Senate candidates, have been dialing for dollars. It’s tedious work but every little bit helps.
The campaign of Gov. Bill Walker has gone the extra mile, leaning on the credibility of First Lady Donna Walker, who penned this letter to supporters for broadcast on the final day of 2017:
“I have been an eyewitness to the daily leadership Bill Walker and Byron Mallott have provided the state these past three years.
“I’ve witnessed their courage, in the face of an unprecedented deficit, as they made prudent, not popular, decisions to preserve dividend payouts for future generations and reduce state government to the size it was a decade ago.
“I have also witnessed many Alaskans thanking them for saving lives through Medicaid expansion, for working together as no governor or lieutenant governor has done in recent memory, and for appointing a cabinet and judges who are representative of our diverse communities and populations.
“As they seek re-election, I am also witnessing the overwhelming support they are receiving and the donations that are pouring in.
“Tonight at midnight, the final donations will be collected for 2017. Please stand up and be counted as Alaskans unite to make history again and re-elect the only independent governing team in the country – the team that will continue to show courage, leadership, true grit and devoted allegiance to putting Alaskan values first.
“A donation before midnight of any amount at walkermallottforalaska.com will be sincerely appreciated.
“My thanks and best wishes to you in the New Year, ~ Donna”
Word on the street is that fundraising for Walker/Mallott has been robust, particularly his most recent fundraiser at the home of former Gov. Bill Sheffield, where he is said to have raised $80,000. Much of his support is coming from Democrats, unions, and Native health consortium executives whose salaries more than doubled as a result of Medicaid expansion.
Candidates can receive no more than $500 from any individual during the calendar year that ends tonight. On Jan. 1, the cycle starts again, with donations to state campaigns limited to $500 for 2018.
