Alaska politics
In elections for President, Alaska has been solidly Republican.Romney beat Obama 55-41 and McCain beat Obama 60-38.
Statewide, Alaska's other senator is Lisa Murkowski, a Republican and its lone House member is also a Republican (Don Young).
The Senate race
Mark Begich: The Democratic candidate for Senate from Alaska
Begich first won election in 2008. Progressive Punch ranks him the 36th most progressive member of the senate, which marks him as a moderate Democrat. On the issues rates him as a "moderate liberal populist". His motto (from his website) is "As independent as Alaska". He is pro-choice and pro-gay rights; moderate on the environment; strongly pro-gun rights; conservative on drug issues.
The Republican primary
The Republican primary includes five declared candidates. The leaders are Dan Sullivan, Mead Treadwell and Joe Millier. Miller is the most conservative and the favorite of the Tea Party.
The polls:
In the Republican primary, the most recent poll shows Sullivan leading with 30%, Treadwell second with 25% and Miller third with 20%. In the general election, the PPP poll shows Begich leading all Republican challengers, but it is close against Treadwell or Sullivan. If Miller wins the primary, Begich should win re-election easily.
Fundraising
According to the FEC, at the end of 2013 Begich had $2.8 million cash on hand; Miller had $232,000, Treadwell $95,000 and Sullivan $1.1 million
Sources:
Election results: http://uselectionatlas.org/...
Fundraising and other stuff http://www.fec.gov/...
On the issues: http://www.ontheissues.org/...
PPP Poll: http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/...