AK-Sen |

Version Compare

Back to page history

Changes

All you need to know about this race

We never thought we'd write this, but Sen. Ted Stevens (R) appears to be in serious electoral jeopardy. Stevens, a legend in Alaska politics, has drawn considerable scrutiny from a federal investigation into a pay-to-play scandal involving an Alaska energy company. Democrats sense an opportunity and are optimistic that Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, the son of late Alaska Rep. Nick Begich (D), will decide to take on Stevens. A recent independent poll conducted in the state showed the depth of Stevens's potential problems: 44 percent felt favorably toward him while 40 percent felt unfavorably. Stevens, 83, insists he has no plans to retire. If the investigation continues to proceed, however, Stevens may rethink that plan.

Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich and Ethan Berkowitz, a former state legislator, have both met in Washington with party officials.
The mayor is the more highly prized recruit, and several Democrats say he appears to be deciding between seeking the Senate seat, which runs for six years, or running for the House for personal reasons. Begich's father,
Nick, was a first-term congressman when he was killed in a plane crash in 1972. He was also the last Alaska Democrat to serve in Congress.
Berkowitz, a former state legislator who lost a race for lieutenant governor in 2006, predicted in a recent interview he and Begich will sort out their ambitions amicably.
Begich agreed, and added that Stevens and Young remain formidable candidates despite their legal difficulties.
"These are two people that we know to be tough fighters," he said. "They don't lay down easy."

Sabato's Crystal Ball has this to say about Begich:

"Begich would be a big fish to land, but even he would need some help from federal investigators before this race could be called truly competitive."

They also had this to say about the primary election:

"Republican fiscal conservative groups, most notably the Club for Growth, have begun courting possible primary challengers. These groups have been incensed by Stevens unabashed earmarking and pork-barrel project, including his championing of the most infamous earmark of all, the ''Bridge to Nowhere.'' Although they have yet to find any takers for a primary challenge, the list of possible candidates is extensive and will likely only grow if the federal investigation headlines keep up."