The Alaska Republican grassroots base is activated this election cycle.
Two years ago, they were told to rank the red, but this time, they’ve seen the problem with that and they’re sending the message to those running for office in the primary: “Drop if you’re not on top” after the primary. The drop deadline is Sept. 2 for the general election.
District 34, the Eielson area of Fairbanks, met and passed the latest resolution that states that Republican candidates who are not the highest vote getters among the GOP candidates should leave the race and support the leading candidate for the November ballot, thus creating a stronger united force.
Only congressional candidate Nick Begich has already made that commitment among the four Republicans running for Congress. Nancy Dahlstrom has refused to commit, as has Gerald Heikes and Matthew Salisbury.
Four other districts have issues similar resolutions, knowing that they are speaking to Dahlstrom, Heikes, and Salisbury. The districts issuing challenges are 6, 13, 26, 29, and 34.
“In an effort to support the will of the voting populace in the State of Alaska, the Republican District Committee members of House District 34-Q of the Alaskan Republican Party (ARP) wish to address all registered Republican candidates for U.S. Congress and/or State offices, as well as our fellow District Committees within the Alaskan Republican Party.
“We urge all Republican candidates who are opposed by at least one other Republican candidate for the same U.S. Congress and/or State office to publicly declare their willingness to withdraw from the General Election if the results of the primary election favor another Republican candidate. Let it be recognized that failing to withdraw despite unfavorable primary election results risks diluting the collective focus and resources of Republican District Committees,” the district resolution reads. The committee asked all other district committees to issue similar calls for action.
Alaska’s primary election ends at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
