Now that Alaskans are past the Primary Election, conservatives are getting off the fence and opening up their pocketbooks to help the Republican nominee Mike Dunleavy and his running mate Kevin Meyer. The two advanced from the Primary with strong support from their base of voters.
A fundraiser in Juneau tonight raised about $15,000 for the campaign, and was attended by more than 100 people at the Rie Munoz gallery.
It was the end of two days of campaign activity in Juneau for the two. Their visit included a town hall meeting on crime problems and a debate with Gov. Bill Walker and former Sen. Mark Begich, hosted by the Juneau Chamber of Commerce.
Observers said that although the capital city is Walker-Begich territory, some of the biggest applauses during the noon debate were for Dunleavy, who vowed he would support a road to Juneau, and that he would not impose an income tax. Both Walker and Begich opposed the road, with Begich saying it required more study, and both Walker and Begich said more taxes were a certainty.
The debate was sold out in advance, forcing some people to stand outside the door at Centennial Hall. Observers said all three candidates landed their key messages and none made any unforced errors. Both Dunleavy and Meyer spent several hours visiting small business owners in downtown Juneau.