Alaska gubernatorial primary elections, 2006

The 2006 Alaska gubernatorial primary elections took place on August 22, 2006 to select party candidates for the 2006 Alaska Governor's race. Incumbent Frank Murkowski, first elected governor in 2002, ran for reelection but was defeated in a landslide in the Republican primary by former Wasilla mayor Sarah Palin. [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/23/washington/24alaskacnd.html?ex=1313985600&en=45b5420ee62be74e&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "Alaska Governor Concedes Defeat in Primary," New York Times, August 23, 2006] ] Murkowski's approval rating at the time of the election was 19%. [http://www.surveyusa.com/50State2006/50StateGovernor060822State.htm] Murkowski also faced opposition from former state lawmaker and Fairbanks businessman John Binkley.

Former two-term Governor Tony Knowles and state lawmaker Eric Croft competed for the Democratic ticket for governor. Knowles had a substantial lead over Croft, both at the polls and with fundraising.

Anchorage businessman Andrew Halcro is running as an Independent in the race for governor. Halcro has served in the Alaska State legislature in the past, and is known as a fiscal hawk. Halcro collected about 4,000 signatures to be placed on the general election ballot without party affiliation.

Winning candidates

=Democratic Party=

*Tony Knowles - Governor 1994–2002, Anchorage mayor 1981–1987, businessman, 68% in primary

=Republican Party=

*Sarah Palin - Former Wasilla mayor, 2002 lieutenant governor candidate, 51% in primary

Alaskan Independence Party

*Don Wright - bush pilot, '02 gubernatorial nominee, 48% in primary

=Green Party=

*David Massie

=Libertarian Party=

*Billy Toien - '02 gubernatorial nominee

=Independents=

*Andrew Halcro - Former Republican state representative, businessman

Losing Candidates

Democratic Party

*Eric Croft - State representative 1996–, businessman, 24% in primary

Republican Party

*John Binkley - Former state senator, Fairbanks businessman, 30% in primary
*Frank Murkowski - Incumbent governor, U.S. Senator 1981–2002, 19% in primary

Alaskan Independence Party

*Eddie Burke (pundit) - 36% in primary
*Daniel DeNardo - paralegal, 16% in primary

ources

*Christiansen, Scott. [http://www.anchoragepress.com/archives-2005/coverstoryvol14ed24.shtml Grooming the gov: Frank Murkowski seems to be in an endless battle with reporters. That may be just the way he likes it.] "Anchorage Press". June 22, 2005.
*Moore, Jason. [http://www.ktuu.com/CMS/anmviewer.asp?a=13835&z=4 Croft takes first step into governor's race] . KTUU. June 16, 2005.
* [http://elect.alaska.net/data/results.htm State of Alaska Division of Elections results]

References

ee also

*U.S. gubernatorial elections, 2006

External links

* [http://gov.state.ak.us/ Office of the Governor of Alaska]
* [http://www.palinforgovernor.com/ Sarah Palin for Governor]
* [http://www.ericcroft.com Eric Croft for Governor]
* [http://www.ethanberkowitz.com Ethan Berkowitz for Lt. Governor]
* [http://www.tonyknowles.com Tony Knowles for Governor]