With just over 65% of the vote counted in Alaska, it looks like Democrat Tony Knowles has lost, by a large margin, to Republican Sarah Palin. Again, Alaskan voters prove that we're not the sharpest tools in the drawer. Sadly, that includes the candidates. More below.
IMO, Knowles took his previous gubernatorial experience for granted. His campaign waited on the sidelines for too long and lost opportunities to solidify his message with voters. Even though Palin demonstrated an obvious lack of knowledge in many areas of government, to a point that the very conservative editors of the Anchorage Times endorsed Knowles, the prevailing anti-incumbent sentiment was enough to deny Knowles the nod, even though it's been four years since he was in office.
Another issue was Andrew Halcro, an independent who siphoned off 10% of the vote--enough to earn the Ralph Nader Spoiler award. Halcro, a fiscal conservative with left-leaning social views on many issues, was a real option for change, but was unable to attract enough support early on to afford him a stronger role. He also made an error by telling the truth regarding his ideas to actually use the Permanent Fund for what it was originally designed for, rather than the cash cow entitlement program it has devolved into.
Palin has a hard row to hoe. A contract with the oil companise to begin construction of a natural gas pipeline that Alaskans believe is their economic salvation for the foreseeable future heads the list. This is from the Anchorage Daily News:
Of course, a major chore on Palin's plate will be negotiating with the oil giants for a natural gas pipeline. "We think she can do it," said Jack Griffin, lobbyist for Conoco Phillips, calling her "Gov. Palin" as he talked. "She's a smart person, and our door is always going to be open to her."
There was some good news for Alaska democrats. "Right here" Ralph Seekins, a conservative who authored legislation that would've fined citizens for bringing ethics violation lawsuits, was roundly defeated. Juneau's legislative cadre is now entirely Democratic. And, finally, there was good news for all Alaskans, because as of December 4, Frank Murkowski is out of office.