It's rare that Alaska shows up on the national radar during election season. Our measly three electoral votes always go to the Republican candidate.
However, this year, a U.S. Senate seat is in play. Two years ago, in a fit a stupidity, Alaska elected then U.S. Senator, Frank Murkowski (a republican), Governor. Frank then turned around and appointed his daughter Lisa to his vacated senate seat. Well, the resulting uproar is still going on.
I happen to really like Lisa - she is very smart (unlike her Dad), works very hard (again, unlike her Dad), and is very reasoned and thoughtful. However, in a move to protect her conservative Republican flank, she's moved to the right. As a result, she's alienated her stong middle base. Thereby exposing herself to a challenge from former Governor, Tony Knowles - a democrat.
And now, you see why all of a sudden Alaska is in play on the national scene. If Tony is elected, the democrats gain a seat in the senate which puts them quite close to regaining control of the senate.
We also have a Marijuana legalization initiative on the ballot that is attracting tons of national money.
So, why am I even writing about this? Well, Peter and I are what's known as "supervoters" - we never miss an election. As a result for the past month, we've been getting at least - and I exaggerate not - twenty calls a week imploring us to vote for one thing or another.
The really obnoxious calls are those automatic calls, where after an irksome autodialer delay, an obviously prerecorded voice comes on to say:
Hello. I'm Joe Blow. I've lived in Alaska for a bazillion years and I'm a loyal Democrat/Republican/Independent/Greenie/whacko. I urge you to vote for Lisa/Tony/Pot. Lisa/Tony/Pot are supported by evil Outside interests. But Lisa/Tony/Pot know what's best for Alaskans and will work hard for Alaskans and Alaska's interests. And Lisa/Tony/Pot will get along famously with "Uncle Ted Stevens".
5:58:54 PM 
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