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Developing: Nick Begich tells Valley Republicans that ‘if’ he announces, he’ll do it in the Mat-Su Valley

Suzanne Downing
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Developing: Nick Begich tells Valley Republicans that ‘if’ he announces, he’ll do it in the Mat-Su Valley

At the Valley Republican Women of Alaska meeting on Thursday, Republican Nick Begich gave a talk ranging on everything from natural resources to ranked-choice voting.

In the question and answer period after his 30-minute talk, someone from the audience asked him if he is planning to announce a run for office, and he said he was not ready to announce anything yet. He was then asked to say that if he announces, he’ll do so in the Mat-Su Valley.

Begich, the grandson of the late Rep. Nick Begich, hesitated, saying that making such a promise is not something to be taken lightly. He finally said that “if” he announces, he’ll honor that request. Begich received a standing ovation at the end of his talk.

Politicos are speculating that Begich will run for Congress in 2022. He is a business investor who was the campaign co-chair for Congressman Don Young in 2020. He’s been talked about widely as Young’s replacement, and he has been seen in communities across the state this year, from Juneau and Haines to Kenai and the Mat-Su. Begich is somewhat of the unicorn in the Begich family of Democrats in that he is a staunch Republican activist who believes in smaller government and a free market.

Young has announced that he will run again in 2022. He has served as Alaska’s congressman since 1973 and is the oldest member of in the House and Senate.

On ranked choice voting, Begich used the analogy of friends trying to decide where to go to dinner. One person says “Simon and Seaforts,” another says “Brewhouse,” and a third says “Evangelo’s.” But all of them choose IHOP as their second choice, and so they end up going to IHOP for dinner.

Alaskans approved Ballot Measure 2, which is ushering in a new method of voting that involves an open primary ballot, and then a final-four ballot in November, where voters rank their choices 1-4.

Alaska Life Hack: Canadian border closure extended again, until late July

Suzanne Downing
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Alaska Life Hack: Canadian border closure extended again, until late July

Canada has extended its border restriction with the United States until at least July 21.

According to Canada’s public safety minister, the action was coordinated with the United States, which has now opened up its economy after the lengthy shutdown in 2020 and early 2021, due to the Covid-19 virus pandemic. The Canadians shut their border to all but the most essential traffic in March of 2020.

“As we have said, the government is planning measures for fully vaccinated Canadians, Permanent Residents, and others who are currently permitted to enter Canada and will provide further details on Monday, June 21,” wrote Bill Blair, inister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

According to the Canadian government’s website on the border closure, “Habitual residents of Alaska who drive through Yukon to get to another part of Alaska or return to their place of residence are exempt from pre-entry and arrival testing. You must remain in your vehicle while passing through Canada.” This requirement makes it exceedingly difficult to get fuel or scrape bugs off the windshield.

Technically, however, that would mean people driving across from the Alcan–Beaver Creek Border Crossing to Haines or Skagway would be able to pass through the Yukon Territory and northern British Columbia,, so long as they can show they are residents of Alaska if going north or proof of residence or employment in the lower 48 states if going south. But many Alaska residents say it’s not that easy and they’ve been turned back at the border, and the reasons given by Canadian border guards are varied. Travelers often don’t know until they reach the border whether they will be allowed through.

Breaking: Valley Republican Women’s club endorses Kelly Tshibaka for U.S. Senate

Suzanne Downing
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2
Breaking: Valley Republican Women’s club endorses Kelly Tshibaka for U.S. Senate

The Valley Republican Women of Alaska endorsed Alaskan Kelly Tshibaka for U.S. Senate at its Thursday meeting. A resolution was read aloud and a voice vote was taken of the membership, which appeared unanimous. There was no consideration of a resolution to support incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

Tshibaka is running as a Republican against Murkowski, who has held the seat since 2002, when former Sen. Frank Murkowski appointed her to the seat, as he won the governor’s race.

Formed in 2007, the VRWA club is an affiliate of the Alaska Republican Party and is the third affiliated Republican women’s club in Alaska to endorse Tshibaka, after Republican Women of the Kenai and Anchorage Republican Women’s Club.

The state central committee meets on July 10 in Fairbanks and there appears to be a push by these women’s clubs to have the party endorse Tshibaka. The Kenai Club has passed a resolution asking the State Central Committee to endorse her.

At its last meeting , the Alaska Republican Party passed a resolution by an overwhelming majority (77 percent), censuring Murkowski, asking her to not run as a Republican, and withdrawing all party resources from her. That means no party club, affiliate group, or state party officer can aid Murkowski’s reelection campaign.

Tshibaka won former President Donald Trump’s endorsement on Friday.

Read: Breaking: Trump endorses Tshibaka.

Breaking: Trump endorses Kelly Tshibaka vs. Murkowski as 2022 Senate race heats up

Suzanne Downing
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30
Breaking: Trump endorses Kelly Tshibaka vs. Murkowski as 2022 Senate race heats up

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Alaskan Kelly Tshibaka for Senate, in her 2022 race against Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

“Kelly Tshibaka is the candidate who can beat Murkowski — and she will. Kelly is a fighter who stands for Alaska values and America First. She is MAGA all the way, pro-energy, strong on the Border, tough on Crime and totally supports our Military and great Vets. Kelly is a powerful supporter of the Second Amendment and JOBS! I look forward to campaigning in Alaska for Kelly Tshibaka. She has my Complete and Total Endorsement!” Trump wrote in a statement.

The announcement was made today. Trump, who received poor treatment at the hands of Sen. Lisa Murkowski during his four years in office, has made no secret that he would not only oppose Murkowski, who has held the seat since 2002, but that he will come to Alaska to campaign against her. Until now, he did not say who he would campaign for, however.

“I am honored, excited, and grateful to have the support of the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. To have his strong endorsement is great news for our campaign and even better news for the people of Alaska, because it means we will be getting our Senate seat back from Lisa Murkowski,” Tshibaka said in a statement.

“President Trump won Alaska by double digits twice because his leadership and policies made him the best president our state has ever known. He knows our Alaska values, knows that we must be free to tap into our vast natural resources, and knows that we ought to be able to chart our own course without constant, authoritarian interference from Washington, D.C.,” she said.

Read Townhall: Trump endorses Murkowski Primary Challenger Kelly Tshibaka

“Lisa Murkowski’s career is in its twilight now, and it’s because of her own record. She inherited her position from her father and since has become a senator for the D.C. insiders, rather than the people she’s supposed to represent. She opposed President Trump in both 2016 and 2020, proving definitively that she has no idea what Alaskans need or want. President Trump recognizes this, and an overwhelming majority of Alaskans do as well. I thank President Trump for his confidence in our campaign and look forward to victory next November with him on our team,” Tshibaka said.

Tshibaka, a mother of five children, was raised in Alaska, left for college and to start her career, and returned to serve in the Dunleavy Administration. She announced her intention to run against Murkowski at the end of March.

This story will be updated. Check back.

The layoff letter State employees received on Thursday

Suzanne Downing
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The layoff letter State employees received on Thursday

Alaska State employees were given notice of a partial government shutdown that could result from the Legislature’s failure to pass next year’s budget. Here is the letter:

Dear Alaska State Employee,

I regret to inform you of a potential partial government shutdown.  A partial shutdown could occur as a result of the Legislature failing to pass next year’s annual budget with language providing an effective date of July 1, 2021.  The effective date for the budget provides authority for the Executive Branch to spend certain funds.  Under Article II, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, a spending bill takes effect 90 days after it is enacted.  An earlier immediate effective date is possible only when 2/3 of the legislators in the House (27) and Senate (14) agree.  Because that effective date concurrence did not pass both bodies with the 2/3 majority, the earliest the operating budget can come into effect is 90 days from enactment, which would be sometime in September.  We are hopeful the legislature will still take action to and we will not need to proceed with the shut down. 

This will impact your employment status with the State of Alaska. On behalf of Governor Dunleavy as well as all of Commissioners, I assure you this action is no reflection on your service.

  • For permanent and probationary employees in the classified service (typically this means you are represented by a union), you will be placed on layoff from your current position effective July 1, 2021. You will receive notice by email should your layoff be rescinded prior to July 1, 2021, or should you be recalled from layoff after July 1, 2021.
  • For partially exempt and exempt employees (statutorily appointed employees), you will not need to report to work as of July 1, 2021. You will receive notice by email prior to July 1, 2021, should there be any changes to this direction, or after July 1, 2021, should your employment return to regular status.
  • For non-permanent employees whose positions will continue beyond June 30, you will not need to report to work as of July 1, 2021, until further notice by email.
  • For student, college, and graduate interns, you will not need to report to work as of July 1, 2021, until further notice by email.

This letter constitutes notice under your respective bargaining agreements or applicable statutes.  No additional notice will be provided.

You have until June 29th to send in a leave cash-in.  Please know that you will have health insurance until July but depending on the time of the shut down you may need to self pay your employee contribution. If you are a member of a collective bargaining unit, you may also want to contact your union for additional information; we are working closely with them. We are all here to assist you as much as possible.

Kate Sheehan

Director

Division of Personnel and Labor Relations

Read Governor says he won’t sign this flawed budget, and layoff notices go out.

Gov. Dunleavy says he won’t sign this flawed budget, as layoff notices go out to state workers

Suzanne Downing
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Gov. Dunleavy says he won’t sign this flawed budget, as layoff notices go out to state workers

Gov. Mike Dunleavy says that the budget, without an agreed-on effective date, is unacceptable because it means the government will shut down until September.

He said in a press conference he expects the Legislature to fix the problem by Friday night, the final day of special session, and he is ready to call them back into another special session that would start next Wednesday, if necessary.

On Thursday, the required layoff notices went out, because the Legislature was unable to agree on the effective date, which either must be changed, or is constitutionally mandated to go into effect after 90 days.

If the government shuts down, it would only be partially because the governor has a constitutional duty to keep public safety and health functions going. That means Troopers, guards, and public health nurses would continue to work.

Also, the airports will remain open because of a federal requirement to not impede interstate commerce. Even Alaska State ferries could come under that requirement. But things like permits and drivers’ licenses may not be available, as many functions of government would be put on pause.

Rep. Zack Fields, who voted for the budget and for an immediate effective date, as did all Democrats, said it’s the governor’s fault and that Dunleavy could ask the Republican minority to “rescind action and vote yes on the floor this week, and get the 2/3 vote. But he has not done that because he’s manufacturing a crisis to hold the whole state & economy hostage over the dividend.” He did not, surprisingly, say that the governor should just sign the budget and let it go into effect July 1.

It was the Republican House Minority, with the exception of Rep. Bart LeBon, that voted to block the effective date, as they are unhappy with the $525 Permanent Fund dividend, and also unhappy about the inappropriate use of the Constitutional Budget Reserve as the fund source for the dividend.

The governor has had several conversations with leaders of both the House and Senate, and likely advised them as to his plans before his 2:30 pm press conference.

When asked by a reporter what he thought was the reason the budget failed, Dunleavy said there are 60 different legislators representing different districts.

Left unsaid by the governor is that in the past, the “binding caucus” made it easier to get the budget passed, but with no binding caucus in the House or the Senate, there are 60 moving parts at any given moment on a budget, making the problem for legislative leaders that much more difficult.

Event: Bronson to hold town hall on his ending homelessness plan

Suzanne Downing
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Event: Bronson to hold town hall on his ending homelessness plan

Mayor-Elect Dave Bronson and transition team leader for homelessness Dr. John Morris will host a community dialogue Thursday, June 17 from 5-7 pm at the Wilda Marston Theater on the ground floor of the Anchorage Loussac Library to discuss their preliminary blueprint to address the next steps for the homeless in Anchorage. 

Bronson will be sworn into office on July 1. He presented the framework for his homelessness solution to the Anchorage Assembly earlier this week.

Rick Whitbeck: Russia builds pipelines, as Biden stifles oil production in Alaska

Suzanne Downing
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Rick Whitbeck: Russia builds pipelines, as Biden stifles oil production in Alaska

By RICK WHITBECK / THE DAILY CALLER

Anyone who turned on the news or opened a newspaper during the Trump presidency heard “Russia” on an unending loop.

Americans were inundated with rumors and innuendo – many of which turned out false – about so-called connections between the 45th president and Russia at every turn, whether they liked it or not.

The mainstream media just could not get enough.

For the first five months of the Biden administration, the media has focused its attention elsewhere: the “existential threat” of climate change, untold amounts of government spending and various other attempts by Biden and his team to shift American left-ward.

But with Wednesday’s meeting between Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva, Russia is back front and center.

For those of us in Alaska, it was once said we can see Russia from our house. While that line has become a joke, for those of us who care about energy jobs and domestic energy production, the early actions of the Biden administration are serious as a heart attack. The most significant action we have seen regarding Russia involves pipelines: canceling the one with our friends and enabling the construction of one by our foes.

Last month, the Biden administration decided against sanctioning the Russian company behind the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, claiming it would destabilize relations with Russia and the European countries that will receive fuel from the pipeline.

It’s indisputable that completing Nord Stream 2 will be a huge geopolitical victory for Putin. The ability to go straight to Germany further puts the squeeze on Ukraine, where gas currently must pass through to reach Western Europe. Barring further developments, the pipeline’s completion is slated for this summer.

Unfortunately, Biden’s fondness for pipelines doesn’t extend to domestic producers here at home. Last week, they put the nail in the coffin of the Keystone XL Pipeline, and here in Alaska they have shut down the opportunity for tens of billions of barrels of potential production from the 10-02 area in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and from on- and off-shore federal lands – although the latter’s ruling has been held up by a federal judge from Louisiana.

Read this column at The Daily Caller, where it first appeared. Rick Whitbeck writes for The Daily Caller, Must Read Alaska, The Federalist, and other publications in his role as Alaska director for Power the Future, a nationwide non-profit focused on supporting energy workers, while pushing back on radical green groups and the ideologues who fund them. Contact him at [email protected].

Culture wars continue as Colorado cake artist being sued in court for not celebrating gender transition with a special cake

Suzanne Downing
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21
Culture wars continue as Colorado cake artist being sued in court for not celebrating gender transition with a special cake

Colorado cake artist Jack Phillips won in the U.S. Supreme Court after the Colorado Civil Rights Commission took action against him because he declined to design and create a custom wedding cake celebrating a same-sex marriage. That lawsuit was filed in 2012 and not resolved until 2018, when the Supreme Court ruled that the state had acted with “clear and impermissible hostility” toward Phillips’ religious beliefs, violating his rights under the First Amendment.

That same Colorado agency went after Phillips again, right after the Supreme Court decision, because he had declined to design a cake celebrating someone’s gender transition. Phillips filed a federal lawsuit against the agency in that case and the Colorado Civil Rights Commission withdrew its complaint.

Now, the person who requested the gender-transition cake is suing Phillips and Masterpiece Cakeshop in state court for discriminating against him/her.

Phillips doesn’t make cakes that advocate certain things that are in conflict with his deeply held Christian beliefs. Those include Halloween cakes, cakes that disparage people or degrade others. No, he won’t bake you a cake that celebrates Satan, demons, or blasphemy.

The attorney, formerly a man but now presenting as a woman, is Autumn Scardina, who called Masterpiece Cakeshop in June of 2017 and requested a custom cake designed with blue frosting on the outside and pink cake on the inside to celebrate and reflect a transition from male to female. The call came on the same day that the Supreme Court agreed to hear Phillips’ original case about the same-sex wedding cake.

“The shop declined the request [for a gender transition cake] because the message of the cake contradicts Jack’s religious belief that God creates us either male or female,” said Alliance for Defending Freedom.

“And a few months later, Scardina made another request of Masterpiece Cakeshop. This request was for a custom cake featuring Satan smoking marijuana,” ADF wrote.

Scardina first filed a charge against Phillips with the Colorado Civil Rights Division, which got involved but eventually dropped that case.

Scardina wasn’t done. He/she has taken the matter to a state court to litigate against Masterpiece Cakeshop.

Read more about this case at Alliance for Defending Freedom, which is defending Jack Phillips.

“For some, it won’t be enough until Masterpiece Cakeshop closes its doors. They want Jack, an average American business owner, to pay a hefty price—all because he wants to live according to his faith,” ADF wrote.

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