LUTHERAN QUILTERS – Members of the Quilts for Comfort Group stand between pews draped with some of the 205 quilts they made, in the Sitka Lutheran Church Tuesday. The group made the quilts for five local non-profits and one in Anchorage. The remaining quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief which distributes them to places around the world in need, such as Ukraine, as part of Personal Care Kits. Pictured are, from left, Helen Cunningham, Kathleen Brandt,Vicki Swanson, Paulla Hardy, Kim Hunter, Linda Swanson and Sue Fleming. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
By JAMES BROOKS
Alaska Beacon
Federal officials on Wednesday approved most of Alaska’s four-y [ ... ]
By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
At an hour-long work session with the Assembly Tuesda [ ... ]
By GARLAND KENNEDY
Sentinel Sports Editor
The story behind a classic, though often misunderstoo [ ... ]
By CLAIRE STREMPLE
Alaska Beacon
The state government risks losing millions of dollars in feder [ ... ]
By JAMES BROOKS
Alaska Beacon
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Wednesday signed a bill that promise [ ... ]
By YERETH ROSEN
Alaska Beacon
Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, known for its steep mountains [ ... ]
By Sentinel Staff
Playing Wednesday in competitive division City League volleyball matches, Ca [ ... ]
Police Blotter
Sitka police received the following calls by 8 a.m. today:
March 27
At 2:36 p.m. a dead [ ... ]
This Week in Girls on the Run
By Sitkans Against Family Violence
and The Pathways Coalition
During th [ ... ]
By GARLAND KENNEDY
Sentinel Staff Writer
The future of management and operations at the Perform [ ... ]
By Sentinel Staff
The Sitka Sound commercial herring sac roe fishery continued today with open [ ... ]
By GARLAND KENNEDY
Sentinel Sports Editor
After storming into the state 3A boys basketball brac [ ... ]
By Sentinel Staff
The Queen Bees’ spotless season record ended Tuesday night with a 2-1 loss [ ... ]
By SHIRLEY SNEVE
Indian Country Today
A major renovation at an Alaska museum to attract tourist [ ... ]
By CLAIRE STREMPLE
Alaska Beacon
A presentation about a jump in the number of inmate deaths in [ ... ]
By NATHANIEL HERZ
Northern Journal
Tribal and environmental advocates calling for a crackdown o [ ... ]
Police Blotter
Sitka police received the following calls by 8 a.m. today:
March 26
At 2:10 p.m. a man e [ ... ]
Big Rigs Sought
For April 13
The 3 to 5 Preschool’s spring fundraiser and Big Rig event is happening [ ... ]
By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
The city’s reassessment of taxable real estate, alo [ ... ]
By Sentinel Staff
The third opening in this year’s Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery was held Mon [ ... ]
By GARLAND KENNEDY
Sentinel Sports Editor
Sitka High’s Lady Wolves bounced back from an openi [ ... ]
By GARLAND KENNEDY
Sentinel ports Editor
Competing in the state 3A basketball tournament in Anc [ ... ]
By Sentinel Staff
Playing in a competitive division City League volleyball game Monday evening [ ... ]
By JAMES BROOKS
Alaska Beacon
A bill that passed the Alaska House of Representatives on Monday [ ... ]
Daily Sitka Sentinel
Gov Race in Turmoil After Mallott Leaves
By BECKY BOHRER
Associated Press
JUNEAU (AP) — Some supporters of Alaska Gov. Bill Walker struggled today to understand the abrupt resignation of Walker’s lieutenant governor and what that means for his re-election hopes.
Byron Mallott resigned Tuesday after what Walker, an independent, described as an “inappropriate overture to a woman,” Walker spokesman Austin Baird said.
Walker campaign manager John-Henry Heckendorn said “as of today, the campaign is moving forward,” with new Lt. Gov. Valerie Davidson as Walker’s running mate. But he acknowledged the campaign was communicating with Walker’s Democratic rival, Mark Begich.
Heckendorn declined to characterize the talks but has said they were prompted by concerns about the dynamics of a three-way race. Some Democrats and independents have worried Walker and Begich would split the vote, giving the race to Republican Mike Dunleavy.
Begich’s campaign manager did not return messages.
Mallott, in his resignation letter, apologized. He has not returned a phone message. A huge “Walker Mallott” campaign sign still stood outside his house in Juneau.
State Rep. Jason Grenn, an Anchorage independent and Walker supporter, said with early voting starting Monday, Alaskans want to hear from Walker on his plans.
“Everything in politics is timing,” he said. The next few days “will be extremely critical for a lot of people on both sides to kind of see where the path to victory lies, if there is one still, for Gov. Walker.”
Mallott’s sudden departure was a blow to a ticket that grew out of political necessity in 2014. Walker and Mallott, who were both running for governor in 2014, decided their best shot at defeating Republican Gov. Sean Parnell was to join forces.
As part of that arrangement, backed by state Democrats, Walker changed his party affiliation from Republican to undeclared, and Mallott, an Alaska Native leader and Democrat, ran for lieutenant governor.
This year, after the state Democratic Party changed its rules to let independents run in its primaries, Walker flirted with that option, but backed out when it appeared Begich would run. Walker instead gathered signatures to qualify for the Nov. 6 ballot, ensuring he could run with Mallott.
Dunleavy, in a statement, said his campaign “remains focused on restoring trust in state government.”
Beth Kerttula, a Juneau Democrat and former legislator, supported Walker and Mallott. She called the situation shocking and sad but praised Davidson as a “tremendous leader.” She said uncertainty remains about what may happen next.
Before Tuesday’s resignation, Stephen Gasche, a Juneau independent, was leaning toward Walker. On Wednesday, he said he was still undecided but leaning toward Begich. “This is why I don’t vote early,” he said via Facebook messenger.
Begich told Ketchikan public radio station KRBD that combining his campaign with Walker’s was unlikely. But he said the dynamics of the race have shifted. “The question now, really, is the viability of campaigns,” he said. “We’ve always believed we have a strong campaign.”
Walker said it’s too late for Mallott’s name to be removed from the ballot. Heckendorn said if Walker wins, Davidson would be his lieutenant governor.
The Division of Elections said if Walker wins, Mallott technically would be re-elected. But given Mallott’s resignation, Walker could able name a replacement.
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20 YEARS AGO
March 2004
Advertisement: Tea-Licious Tea House & Bakery 315 Lincoln Street Grand Opening! Freshly Baked Scones, Cakes & Pastries Innovative Salads, Soups & Sandwiches Harney & Sons Tea. Lunch * Afternoon Tea * Supper.
50 YEARS AGO
March 1974
Photo caption: National Republican Chairman George Bush takes a drink of water offered by Jan Craddick, Sitka delegate, during the Republican convention held here. Mrs. Craddick explained to Bush that the water was from Indian River, which means, according to local legend, that he will return.