Republican Party abusing power from constituents

Enough is enough.

The Republican Party in Alaska is totally out of control. They, our elected representatives, believe that they can do anything they want -- legal or otherwise. If the Republican Party cannot, or will not, take action, then we the voters in Alaska must take action.

Frank Murkowski, the governor of Alaska, has determined twice that the Constitution of the state of Alaska does not need to be followed. When he took his oath of office, he swore to defend the Constitution of the state of Alaska.

His most recent disdain for the Constitution was to deny the recommendations of the Judicial Council for appointment of judges as mandated in the state Constitution. His arrogance and disregard for ethical actions does not bode well for the voters. All of this was done after he appointed his daughter to replace him in the U.S. Senate and after disregarding all of his campaign promises (such as not touching the permanent fund).

The chair of the Alaska Republican Party was found guilty of using his appointed state office to conduct political actions while on the state of Alaska payroll working in the oil and gas offices. Sen. Scott Ogan was involved in working for an energy company as a consultant while serving on the Senate Resources Committee. His constituents initiated a recall initiative to show their displeasure. His actions were a conflict of interest in almost anyone's eyes. Another Republican representative from Anchorage was found to have been strong-arming companies to become their consultant. Rep. Masek has just been fined for misappropriation of campaign funds for personal use.

A Republican member of the Legislature voted his conscience and his constituents' wishes. His vote was contrary to the party platform. His reward from the Republican Party was to be stripped of all committee chairmanships, and he was relegated to having no power or position within the Legislature. The party justified his right to vote his conscience but still removed him from all power because he wouldn't follow the party line. Since when does the Republican Party believe that their platform is more important than their constituents' desires and best interests?

The unlawful, illegal and unethical conduct of the Republican Party must be stopped. I find it offensive that our elected officials can get away with this sustained activity and nobody seems to care. Now we also are being subjected to illegal campaigning on behalf, or at the behest, of the Republican Party.

Enough is enough. If changes aren't made for the better, we the voters can always vote in someone else from a different party.

Len A. Malmquist

Soldotna