Murkowski faces several rivals in debate on Arctic issues

  • By Becky Bohrer
  • Wednesday, October 26, 2016 10:02pm
  • News

JUNEAU — Voters weighing who they will support for president should consider issues such as energy development and opportunities for developing Alaska’s resources, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in a debate Wednesday.

The Alaska Republican said Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has espoused a philosophy that will hold back Alaska, the Arctic and the country.

Murkowski did not remark on her party’s nominee, Donald Trump, except to repeat that she cannot support him or Clinton.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The debate, focused mainly on Arctic issues and broadcast online, was held in Barrow, the northernmost U.S. city, at the edge of the Chukchi Sea. Residents of the largely Inupiat city recently voted to change Barrow’s name to Utqiagvik (oot-GHAR-vik).

The debate featured three of Murkowski’s rivals — Democrat Ray Metcalfe and independents Margaret Stock and Breck Craig. Libertarian Joe Miller and independent Ted Gianoutsos did not participate.

Stock, who has won backing from factions of the state Democratic party, has struggled to break through the crowded field. She said she doesn’t think Clinton would be a “disaster” for Alaska or the Arctic.

President Barack Obama, a Democrat, has been supportive of Alaska Native interests and concerns, Stock said.

Craig, who is supporting Clinton despite some “serious reservations,” said Trump would probably have little interest in the Arctic unless he could build a hotel there.

Stock sought to paint Murkowski as a career politician and part of an ineffective Congress. Stock and Metcalfe each said they would serve just two terms if elected.

Murkowski, who has served in the Senate since 2002, said some would argue that building up seniority is important for a state that has only a three-person congressional delegation. During this campaign, Murkowski has touted her seniority as an asset.

The candidates talked about the need for greater investments in the Arctic and helping to protect a subsistence way of life and communities in rural Alaska.

It was the third of four debates or forums in which Murkowski will participate. The last one, a public media debate, is scheduled for Nov. 3.

More in News

A screenshot of a Zoom meeting where Superintendent Clayton Holland (right) interviews Dr. Henry Burns (left) on Wednesday, April 9, while Assistant Superintendent Kari Dendurent (center) takes notes.
KPBSD considers 4 candidates for Homer High School principal position

School district held public interviews Wednesday, April 9.

Organizer George Matz monitors shorebirds at the former viewing platform at Mariner Park Lagoon. The platform no longer exists, after being removed by landowner Doyon during the development of the area. (Photo courtesy of Kachemak Bay Birders)
Kachemak Bay Birders kicks off 17th year of shorebird monitoring project

The first monitoring session of 2025 will take place Saturday.

The Alaska State Senate meets Thursday, where a bill boosting per-student education funding by $1,000 was introduced on the floor. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Education bill with $1,000 BSA hike — and nothing else — gets to Senate floor; veto by Dunleavy expected

Senate president says action on lower per-student education funding increase likely if veto override fails.

A table used by parties to a case sits empty in Courtroom 4 of the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Trial for troopers indicted for felony assault delayed to 2026

The change comes four months after a judge set a “date-certain” trial for June.

Members of the Alaska State Employees Association and AFSCME Local 52 holds a protest at the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
State employee salaries fall short of levels intended to be competitive, long-delayed study finds

31 of 36 occupation groups are 85%-98% of target level; 21 of 36 are below public/private sector average.

The Kahtnuht'ana Duhdeldiht Campus on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninula Clarion)
Tułen Charter School set for fall opening

The school’s curriculum integrates Dena’ina language, culture and traditional values.

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks during a meeting of the Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Micciche says borough budget will include $57 million for schools

The mayor’s budget still has to be approved by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly.

Zaeryn Bahr, a student of Kenai Alternative High School, speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, April 7, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Alternative would lose staff member under proposed district budgets

Students, staff champion school as “home” for students in need.

Most Read