At a packed house at a campaign rally in Soldotna, there was notable enthusiasm for the Republican candidates, with headliners Kelly Tshibaka for Senate, Nick Begich for Congress, and Charlie Pierce for Governor. A representative for Gov. Mike Dunleavy was also there.
Organizers said the get out the vote rally at Soldotna Sports Center had “tons of newcomers. People came early and stayed late they were motivated to come up to candidates after the rally to sign up to help and hand over donations.” Pictured above are from left, Rep. Ben Carpenter, Heath Smith, Charlie Pierce, Nick Begich, Kelly Tshibaka, Rep. Ron Gillham, Rep. Sarah Vance, and Tuckerman Babcock, who was the emcee.
“Nick Begich and Kelly Tshibaka were in sync like I’ve never seen before,” said one attendee. “She was very warm toward Nick when they were campaigning together on the Kenai.” Earlier, Tshibaka had been more in sync with Sarah Palin, but something has changed.
Tshibaka thanked Babcock, saying he was the best boss she had ever had (he was chief of staff when she was commissioner of Administration.) The event was hosted by Kenai Peninsula Republican Women’s Club.
Debate watch party – Save the Date:
Among items to be auctioned at the Nick Begich fundraiser, all kinds of Trump-signed paraphernalia, prints signed by Sen. Ted Stevens and Rep. Don Young, a vintage Chilkoot Charlie’s mug, a book autographed by Karl Rove, a gift certificate to White Spot Cafe, an autographed 1980 U.S. Olympic Mens Hockey Team poster, about about 20 other auction items that are of interest to Alaska history buffs.
In the national media:
Politico story on the Peltola-Begich says Alaska could be bellwether.
Yahoo News on why Don Young staffers are backing Peltola at this link.
Former staff and friends have signed a letter — which was shared with Insider and released after publication on Friday — urging Alaska voters to give the congresswoman a full, two-year term, highlighting Peltola’s “commitment to running a positive race, bipartisan approach to public service, and legislative priorities that put Alaska at the forefront.”
Evidently, they didn’t see this story about the D.C. Mafia:
