The race for House District 36 in Ketchikan didn’t look that promising for conservatives. It’s been tough for Republicans in that red district (they love Donald Trump in Ketchikan) to bump off Rep. Dan Ortiz — the House member who pretends to be a nonpartisan, but aligns with the Democrats nearly every single time on every single vote in Juneau.
Then Must Read Alaska saw the polling and discovered this seat is in play. When people are told about Ortiz’ voting record, they switch to Leslie Becker, the Republican challenging incumbent Ortiz.
The latest polling conducted by Remington Research Group shows strong local support for a fully funded Permanent Fund Dividend and demonstrates that Ortiz is vulnerable.
In the survey 69 percent of the likely voters supported a fully funded PFD with 25 percent supporting a reduced PFD to support government. Undecided on the issue stands at 6 percent.
The poll asked the question:
If the November General Election for State House were held today, would you vote for the Republican Leslie Becker or the Independent Dan Ortiz? The result:
- Dan Ortiz: 47%
- Leslie Becker: 43%
- Undecided: 10%
That puts Becker near the margin of error in general election voters.
However, after telling voters that Ortiz caucuses and votes with the Democrats over 90% the people asked changed; Becker pulled ahead.
- Leslie Becker: 46%
- Dan Ortiz: 43%
- Undecided: 11%
This will be a race to watch.
