This year's election for governor, and also for two members of Alaska's Congressional delegation, has created a bumper crop of negative campaigning on all fronts.
There's drama enough in the Congressional races, including a classic October Surprise, that we won't attempt to sort it out here. But the Sentinel feels an obligation to comment editorially on the election for governor.
Sitka not only has a hometown candidate in the race, but one who has emerged, in our opinion, as the most qualified and experienced candidate for statewide office in our half century witnessing the political process in Alaska from the vantage of the press box.
It helps that we knew and admired Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins years before he started his rise to leadership in the Legislature, which began with his upset win over an entrenched incumbent, using a door-knocking campaign in Sitka and the scattered towns and villages of his election district.
He demonstrated that tried and true process this year in his campaign for governor, taking his message to places usually overlooked in statewide elections, traveling in small boats to villages on the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers.
As for talent in political processes, JKT was known as a mediator and consensus builder during his 10 years in the Legislature, taking part in creating bipartisan coalitions that gave minority Democrats key roles in House leadership positions.
Endorsement by three former governors (Democrat, Republican and Independent) speaks well of the respect for JKT held by veterans who have served in this demanding role.
Well aware of Sitka's generally enlightened outlook on government affairs, we will cut off this lecture about our support for JKT with a final word. Do not take anything for granted. Your vote can be the one that makes a difference in any election.
Be sure to cast a ballot on or before election day next Tuesday.
-Thad Poulson
