Congressman Don Young files for re-election
Originally published Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 2:04 p.m.
Updated Friday, May 30, 2008 at 12:10 a.m.
Digg
delicious
Facebook
Mixx
Reddit
Stumble It!
Rep. Don Young officially filed for re-election Thursday.
Alaska’s at-large congressman was all smiles as he greeted office workers at the Division of Elections office in Fairbanks with his wife, Lula, and staffers in tow.
“Check it over to make sure it’s legitimate,” Young said with a smile as he handed over the paperwork. “I don’t want to do it wrong.”
The 74-year-old Republican’s mood turned, however, after reporters started asking him about the ongoing federal investigation into his fundraising activities.
“(Voters) know I can do the job and continue to do the job,” Young said. “And remember, allegations are allegations.”
Young is the subject of a federal investigation into his connections to VECO, an Anchorage company whose top two executives have been convicted of bribing state legislators. The 74-year-old congressman has denied any wrongdoing, though his campaign has spent more than $1 million on legal fees during the past year. Young refused to talk about that money Thursday.
“There’s no comment. It has nothing to do with the race,” he said.
“It’s ironic to me that everybody says he doesn’t say anything, but even if you watch other people they have no comment in this process. Yet, because I don’t say anything, everyone wants to make an issue about it.”
Some observers believe that Young has been weakened politically by the investigation, as well as the Senate recently taking the rare step of asking the Justice Department to investigate a $10 million earmark requested by Young that was changed before reaching President Bush’s desk.
Democrats Diane Benson and Ethan Berkowitz have also filed to run for Young’s seat, as well as Jake Metcalfe, who has already dropped out of the race. Still, the stiffest competition might come from within Young’s own party, as he will face Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell in the primary. State Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat as well.
Young had no specific words for his opponents Thursday, though he touted his decades of experience in Congress as the main reason for Alaskans to re-elect him.
“We know that the state of Alaska needs the extra abilities that I’ve been able to bring the field and the knowledge working with the minority or the majority and if I didn’t think I could do the best job, we wouldn’t run,” he said.
The Alaska District Council of Laborers agreed, endorsing Young at an appearance later in the day.
“Congressman Young has a very strong and consistent record in advocating aggressively on those issues affecting Alaskan workers,” said Tim Sharp, business manager for the union in a statement.
Community Discussion
Newsminer.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full user's agreement.
May Don Young do his best (lose) and return to live out his life in his trailer at Fort Yukon.
This reminds me of a story I was told eight or ten years ago: two women (whom you would know; I'll never tell) who lived in another village went to Congressman Young's stated residence in Alaska, his trailer, in Ft. Yukon, and peeked through the window, and there was a tree growing up through the living room floor. And as described, it was a good-sized tree. This just cracked them up. Sort of. Ah, the stuff of rural and urban legend!
Don Young has done a good job in bringing federal dollars to Alaska. However, he is also a rock in the river of time. He is simply too disconnected from reality to make good decisions for Alaskans anymore. As times change, so should Senators.
... and members of Congress. ;)
In the reality of the political world we live in. He's done better than most. I doubt anyone challenging him right now will do better. Nobody will have the pull Don has now. Unless he's actually in jail or dead, he'll get most of Alaska's votes.
Just add an 'e' at the end of Don's name and you'll have what he is.
May Mr. Young find peace with god for selling out for a little retirement bonus.
Love the photo!
Out with Young, time to go. You've proven your point way too much as to be being an arrogant person, with such a loss of touch of reality.
I was totally blown away that the The Alaska District Council of Laborers is backing him. Did I miss something is Don for the working men and women and the employee free choice act?
The Alaska District Council are no dought giving him money to hire lawyers to keep him out of jail,, what is wrong with that??? This guy needs to be a cell mate with Jim Hayes....
Ive said it before and Ill say it again...Young and Stevens are two glaring examples of why we need term limits for the legislative branch...Yes, both brought home the pork for Alaska, to the tune of making us a national joke...gee, thanks guys...We got rid of King Frank, now its time for the two jesters to go...Don, Ted, if you're reading this, its time to start packing...You've outstayed your welcome...
I have to wonder what contributions critics like those above have made to Alaska. I mean besides their sparkling personalities. Young and Stevens have flaws, none are perfect, but they each have contributed more to the improvement of Alaskan's lives in one day than most have in their entire lives.
Kudos to the Laborers for having the guts to endorse a Republican, because he creates employment. My union supports and contributes to Stevens and Young for the same reasons (although, sadly, we dont go as far as endorsing).
Democrats dream of the day Alaska would be represented by a rookie congress member subservient to Speaker Pelosi. Pelosi, who only yesterday was cheering the Iranians for their peace making in Iraq. Pelosi, who regularly tries to cut funding for American soldiers fighting in Iraq.
Actually, Young has been supportive of the efforts of working people in AK. And it aint about party politics. Don has crossed the partyline on more that one occasion to ensure working peoples wages were protected and jobs available. So, Kudos to the Laborers for their early endorsement.
It seems to me the definitive question is:
"If defeated in the election, would your candidate remain in Alaska, or choose to live somewhere else?"...
If we don't elect Don(e, LOL) I cannot imagine him leaving D.C., but I guess this is an after-the-fact test anyway.
Anyone know where ole Murky lives now?
There are good folks from Ft. Yukon and he isn't one of them. I agree w/everyone else terms need to be limited.
I sent Don Young 5 (five) letters....each mailed from the post office in Ft Yukon. How many responses did I get....NOT ONE!!! We knew Don from when he would come up to the Fort and have his picnics to get re-elected and we had a federal pay issue that he could have resolved with one phone call or letter. Not ONCE did he respond!!! This is the kind of representation we get from Don Young. It is time for him to GO. Go back to that little hovel you called home at the Fort, yeah, right, like that is going to happen. He will call Alexandria, Va home, of that, I would take bets on. Don Young is a laughing stock, granted, he has done some good for Alaska, but not in years. How many of us remember his address to the senior class that year back fifteen years ago or so?? I remember it well!! Lets send him packing!!
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.