Paulette Simpson: Stronger tripod in D.C. bodes well for Alaska

By PAULETTE SIMPSON

In politics, as in sports, bench strength matters. As players come and go, teams can shift from championship to obscurity in one season, or vice versa. Republicans now hold the White House and, narrowly and temporarily, Congress.  

Alaska’s political bench is ready for play, but the season is short.  

Most voters no longer identify with a political party, but even those who do register with a party occupy different places on the spectrum of political thought depending on the issue. Voters’ views range from very liberal to very conservative, often regardless of which party they’re in. 

Some of the 146,661 Alaskans registered with the Republican Party embrace Ronald Reagan’s “big tent” ideal, meaning they accommodate a range of views on the “right” side of the political spectrum.  

Different views within a Party deserve their share of representation so we can keep the tent big.  Elections are won by addition and multiplication, not by subtraction and division. It’s why since her first statewide election in November 2004, Lisa Murkowski has had my support. While saying so has made me a heretic to some, I have also voted for Nick Begich every time I had the chance. 

The only way for Republican or Democratic candidates to win elections in Alaska is to enlist the support of independent voters. Lisa Murkowski figured that out early on. She gets most independents and quite a few Democrats – many of whom are loathe to cast their ballots for a Republican – to do just that. 

That’s been good for Alaska, because it’s helped the Republican Party hold power against the extreme tendencies of the Democratic Party that perennially tries to completely lock up our state.  Remember, without Lisa we almost certainly wouldn’t have scored wins like the Kensington Mine, ANWR, and CD-5 and Willow in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. These are practical realities, and they matter. 

But there are limits. What Lisa could not do in 2024 is convince all of her supporters to vote for Mary Peltola. 

Perhaps the electorate looked deeper and decided another skill set would enhance our small delegation. Or maybe voters thought Alaska would be best served if our lone representative in the U.S House was aligned with their choice for president.  (55% of Alaska voters chose Donald Trump.  41% chose Kamala Harris.)

Whatever the reason 164,000 Alaskans picked Nick, his election to Congress is a win for the most useful sense of the word “diversity.”

Alaska’s population reflects a range of differences that include metrics like age, cultural identity, educational and socioeconomic background, religious beliefs and political worldview. 

How does Alaska’s Congressional delegation now measure up on that diversity index?  

Start with age. Dan Sullivan just turned 60.  Lisa is 67.  Nick is 47. 

Then consider viewpoint diversity. For the past 22 years in the U.S. Senate, while supporting pro-development projects, Lisa Murkowski has also given voice to Alaska’s large cohort (maybe 41%) of more left-of-center-leaning voters, many of whom prioritize social issues.  

Sen. Sullivan’s devotion to military and veterans’ issues, with his State Department and national security experience, has rightly earned him the respect of his peers, plus a national media profile. That’s been good for Alaska and more broadly good for America.

Both Senators Murkowski and Sullivan have been and remain especially devoted to causes and interests that benefit Alaska Indigenous people, their Native corporations, and tribes. 

And now, Nick Begich brings a fresh entrepreneurial bent to our delegation. His background in tech, 21^st century business success, and modern conservative mindset (think Vivek, not Mitch) add private sector depth and balance to our congressional team.  

Because Nick has such intellectual and actuarial capacity, he has the ability to achieve meaningful tenure in Congress, opening the door to Alaska once again gaining seniority in the House of Representatives. Don’t be surprised if he ascends to House Leadership within just a few terms.

With their combined 32 years in Congress, Lisa and Dan should offer the rising Nick Begich friendship, mentorship, and a thick Rolodex of relationships to help him accelerate. Not for his sake, but for Alaska’s.

Our delegation shares a love of state and country and a commitment to the responsible development of Alaska’s resources. It’s that commonality, combined with their diverse strengths, life experiences and yes, differing opinions, that give heft and added value to our new DC team.

Each member of our delegation will play an important role in the 119^th Congress, as will our aligned Governor.  With all bases covered, we’re seriously positioned for a winning season. There is no time left to look back, and even less time to waste.

Paulette Simpson lives in Juneau and has been politically active for decades.

Breaking: Sen. Dan Sullivan endorses Nick Begich for Congress