Written by Frank Dahl
Updated: 47 minutes ago, Published: 3 hours ago
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Serving as Alaska's only lawmaker comes with tremendous strain and extraordinary pressure. Our state’s needs and priorities rarely fit neatly into the partisan politics of Washington, DC. We are fortunate to have members who understand this challenge and rise to the occasion by fighting for Alaska's needs above all else. Unfortunately, Mary Peltola is not one of those members.
Over the past week, Mr. Peltola's inexperience and lack of political courage have come to the fore. She had to make difficult decisions, and she floundered as her re-election approached, choosing to side with Joe Biden and political donors rather than defend her state or stand across party lines.
Ms. Peltola chose to vote “yes'' on the bill she originally proposed, entitled the “Alaska Production Rights Act.'' She was dismayed at her worst moments, afraid to rebel against her party leadership and do what was right for the country. Her “Dear Colleague” letter told us everything we needed to know. That is, she voted against Alaska.
We must rely on Minnesotans to help our state fight for Alaska, help grow our economy, and pass legislation that reverses Joe Biden's disastrous Arctic National Wildlife Refuge decision. is embarrassing.
As Election Day approaches, Mr. Peltola is clearly panicking. She ran as an independent voice who would prioritize Alaska over the Democratic Party, but she is now faced with the reality that she cannot risk putting our needs above her own re-election chances. ing. She needs to ensure that Democrats spend millions of dollars on her. She must defend President Biden even as he closes off options for future energy production. She literally doesn't have the wherewithal to stand up to leadership. It might cost her $4 million to book a TV ad.
Peltola hasn't shown up for Alaska, both literally (she missed 21% of the vote, fourth most among absentees) and figuratively. They can't even hire staff. Her lack of experience and belief attracts attention. Not only is it embarrassing for our state, it threatens our economic success and potential.
Alaskans must remember this when they vote in November. Most importantly, we cannot risk sending an inexperienced and selfish candidate to Washington, DC. I think it's clear that what we need is someone who has a track record of political courage and is not afraid of a tough fight.
It's time to end Mary Peltola's failed legislative experiment and vote for Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom to represent Washington state.
Frank Dahl is the former owner of Blues Central and past president of the Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association of Alaska (CHARR).
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