While I am more aware of Alaska, since Palin became McCain's running mate, I still know very little about the state. I have an image, probably more fantasy than fact, based on general popular knowledge. But I do know Alaska is more dependent than most states on the federal government. Its vast size and sparse population do not make it cheap to govern. So while I am no fan of the tea party candidates, some states probably can survive them better than others. Alaska, I fear, should Joe Miller be elected will suffer severely. And while there is a lot of humor in some of Miller's behavior, I fear that the real tragedy that may befall the state is being lost in the tabloid like coverage of the Alaska Senate campaign. If there is one state that could benefit from a nuts and bolts discussion of the effects of the various candidates positions, it's Alaska.
For the above reasons, I hope the Alaska campaign returns to a serious plane. I think that is where McAdams qualities as a candidate have their best chance to shine. If he can just get enough voters to give him fair consideration, I think he has a good chance. I know the polls have him trailing significantly, but his upside is strong, and Alaska must understand the enormous downside of Joe Miller. Just what to make of Murkowski in the curent political atmosphere is difficult to know. Whether she has a chance as a write-in is debateable, and she also must now continue to prove her bonafides to the current Republican party, which is not going to help her do what is right for the state of Alaska.
I don't think there is a politician who can benefit more from a serious and honest campaign than McAdams. If he can stay above the fray and still manage to be heard, I hope he can convince enough Alaskans he is their best hope. Because Alaska is a state with much to lose from being represented by a politician who really doesn't care about the real life consequences of his policies. I have no doubt he will throw the whole state under the bus to prove a point.
I just don't want Scott McAdams candidacy to get lost in the soap opera that this race seems to be evolving into. Nor do I want the important policy differences to be ignored while people read about the ongoing three way feud that seems to be developing among Palin, Murkowski and Miller. It will not be fun for Alaskans if Miller is elected, but that message gets hidden and diluted if people are concentrating on trivialities. All Alaskans should need to know is the difference between being represented by Scott McAdams or Joe Miller.