As I have pointed out so many times, Alaska is a strange place politically.
The Last Frontier is largely a red state, although it is not a red state in the same sense that Texas or Alabama are red states. Alaska has a robust libertarian bent; Alaskans are, by and enormous, some of the most mind-your-own-business, leave-me-alone people you can find anywhere.
But while the Legislature is technically dominated by Republicans, it’s still on the tough side. And thanks to ranked-choice voting, we have a Democrat representing us in Congress – and of course there’s the question of Princess Lisa Murkowski.
However, presidential politics here in the Great Land are more decisive. The last time Alaska sent its electoral votes to a Democrat was in 1964 when the people voted for Lyndon Johnson over Barry Goldwater in the second election after statehood.
But now Bloomberg is asking the unthinkable: Could Kamala Harris win Alaska?
Here’s what they’re doing completely wrong:
There are sparks of enthusiasm for Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, whose Carhartt-and-Camo appeal resonates in a state with 734,000 residents spread across a land area more than twice the size of Texas. Jessica Cook, the state Democratic Party’s vice chairwoman, said President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and endorse Harris sent a jolt of energy through the state. Some of her fellow teachers wear pearls and Chucks sneakers to school, a subtle nod to Harris’ signature style. Cook says she hears people quoting Walz, suggesting that even the vice presidential candidate made an impression.
Wait, what? Tim “Great Walz of China” has “Carhartt and camo appeal”?
Such a plea from Tim Walz is as false as a three dollar bill, and it’s just pathetically obvious. And Kamala Harris, with her false claims that she owns a Glock and her previous statements about gun bans? If there’s one thing that’s the death knell in Alaska politics, it’s the rejection of the Second Amendment.
As I like to point out, here in the Valley even the hippies have guns, know how to employ them, and won’t give them up.
There are few presidential elections in Alaska, partly because the population is skinny, but mostly because it is taken for granted that Alaska will go into the red. Here’s where the limited polls in Alaska As of now:
- Alaska Survey Research, April 27-29 September: Trump +9
- Alaska Survey Research, 11-12 September: Trump +5
- Cygnal, August 30 – September 1: Trump +10
There are polls before this point, but these reflect Trump vs. Biden, not Trump vs. Harris.
And yes, those are pretty solid numbers for the Trump/Vance ticket. Remember, our Democratic Congresswoman Mary Peltola is in the fight of her political life against Republican Nick Begich III This race was a draw – for now.
See related: The house in limbo? Alaska’s general race is now neck and neck
Repeal of ranked-choice voting confirmed: Alaska Supreme Court rules issue should come to vote in November
Ranked-choice voting arguably put Mary Peltola in that spot – and allowed Princess Lisa to keep hers. However, it is possible to cancel ranked choice voting on the ballot paper also this year. With any luck, we’ll put this bad idea behind us.
So, relax. Alaska’s three Electoral College votes do not go to Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. And with a little luck and good voter turnout, we’ll send Mary Peltola back to Bethel – and get rid of ranked choice voting to boot.
