Nick Begich III Attempts to Scam Alaskans Again

ANCHORAGE: Nick Begich III, who is running against incumbent Mary Peltola, and extremist Alaska Republicans are promoting Eric Hafner – a non-Alaskan in prison in New York for making bomb threats against elected officials.

Two-time loser Nick Begich III uplifted Hafner’s support of Kamala Harris in an effort to scam Alaskans into voting for Hafner instead of Mary Peltola.

“From what I’ve understood, Eric Hafner’s a strong supporter of Kamala Harris,” said Nick Begich III. “I assume he’s giving some Democrats an alternative choice.”

To further mislead Alaska voters, the National Republican Congressional Committee has spent millions of dollars promoting Eric Hafner as the Democratic nominee, specifically targeting Democratic voters in Anchorage and Juneau.

“Nick and his allies’ attempt to mislead Alaskans is despicable,” said Executive Director Lindsay Kavanaugh. “To think Alaskans will fall for these dirty tricks is beyond insulting. We are proud to stand with Representative Mary Peltola in her campaign for re-election.”

“If you plan on working with either [presidential candidate], whoever is elected, why would you use your time focused on a race you don’t really have any control over,” said Representative Mary Peltola in the Alaska Public Media Debate for the State. “Dog mushers talk about running your own race – I am running my own race and I’ve got a full plate representing Alaska, which would be the 18th largest country in the world if we were our own country.”

Meanwhile, Begich was former president Donald Trump’s second choice after he initially endorsed Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom. Trump even went on to state that Begich has “Democrat tendencies,” in his explanation of why he chose to endorse Dahlstrom over Begich.

This is not the first time Begich has scammed Alaskans. Begich’s company made him close to millions of dollars by scamming our seniors with fake medical devices. An academic study found these devices were NOT reliable and should NOT be used by themselves.

“[Begich’s] company’s website is rife with dubious medical advice and cryptic pseudoscientific claims,” The Alaska Landmine, 10/19/2022.

Additionally, Begich built his career outsourcing jobs overseas. He founded a technology company that hired most of its employees in India and Croatia with only one Alaska-based employee: himself. Begich has profited off scamming our seniors with faulty medical devices and outsourcing jobs overseas.

To further demonstrate Begich’s allies’ attempts to scam Alaskans, Alaska House Speaker Cathy Tilton admitted that she and her colleagues are actively working to disenfranchise voters to prevent the re-election of Rep. Mary Peltola. Tilton boldly stated that repealing the witness signature requirement would have “leaned the election towards Mary Peltola.”

Rural Alaskans disproportionately face the highest rejection rate of absentee ballots from across the state, and almost two-thirds of rejections were because of a lack of a witness signature.

One thing is clear: Begich’s history of scams is dangerous for Alaska and his extremist agenda demonstrates this even further. It’s crucial that we elect leaders who understand the values and priorities of Alaska – not candidates who have built a legacy on scamming Alaskans.

Mary Peltola Celebrates the 89th Anniversary of Social Security

Today marks the 89th anniversary of Social Security, a vital safety net that has assisted millions of Americans since its inception in 1935. In honor of this important occasion, we reflect on the program’s success and the importance of protecting and expanding it for future generations.

“In my community, we’re all raised to honor our elders,” said Representative Mary Peltola. “In Alaska, Social Security is a timely and critical issue. I don’t understand my colleagues in Washington D.C., or anyone running for office, that is not committed to saving and expanding Social Security.”

Unfortunately, Nick Begich, who is running against incumbent Mary Peltola, made recent remarks comparing Social Security to a “Ponzi scheme,” which have raised concerns for many Alaskans who rely on the program. These comments demonstrate a lack of understanding of the benefits that Social Security provides and raise questions about his commitment to the program’s future. Nancy Dahlstrom, who is also running for the Congressional seat, was recruited to run by DC insiders who want to cut Social Security and Medicare. Dahlstrom says Social Security and Medicare are big programs that need to be on the table.

Social Security plays a crucial role in Alaska, providing essential support to its residents. According to recent data, Social Security benefits help lift thousands of Alaskans out of poverty, with 31,146 individuals benefiting from this assistance. The economic impact of Social Security in Alaska is significant, with annual payments totaling at least $1.7 billion, benefiting various groups such as retirees, their family members, survivors, and individuals receiving disability income.

Additionally, Social Security benefits are a vital component of Alaska’s economy, supporting not only individuals but also contributing to the overall financial well-being of the state. With a considerable number of residents relying on Social Security, its importance cannot be understated in providing financial stability and security for many Alaskans.

“As a co-sponsor of key pieces of Social Security legislation like the, You Earned It, You Keep It Act, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), and Government Pension Offset (GPO), my commitment to protecting and improving the program is clear,” said Rep. Peltola. “It is imperative that we continue to elect leaders who understand and respect the critical role of Social Security in all of our communities.”

As we celebrate Social Security’s 89th anniversary, let us reflect on its success and renew our commitment to protecting and expanding the program. Social Security plays an essential role in providing retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor benefits to millions of Americans, and we must work together to ensure it serves future generations.

Incumbent President Joe Biden Wins Primary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 13, 2024 

CONTACT: Lindsay Kavanaugh

info@alaskademocrats.org

(907) 258-3050

Incumbent President Joe Biden Wins Alaska Democratic Party Primary

Allocated 17 pledged delegates

ANCHORAGE: Incumbent President Joe Biden has been allocated all 15 pledged delegates and two pledged alternates after winning the Alaska Democratic Party’s (ADP) primary for presidential preference. 

Candidate  Percentage of Vote  Delegates 
Biden  100%  17

In-person and virtual attendees at 40 house district caucuses across the state took a voice vote on the remaining presidential candidate on the ballot. Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips met the Alaska Democratic Party’s ballot access requirements but suspended his campaign in March after Super Tuesday. The first votes for Biden were cast in the MatSu Borough by State House District 26 Democrats. 

Despite there being only one candidate on the ballot, Party leaders remained committed to a democratic process to determine presidential preference. “The Alaska Democratic Party has prioritized providing opportunities for Alaskans to participate in each step of the delegate selection plan,” said Lindsay Kavanaugh, Executive Director. “We welcome all Alaska Democrats.”  

Other business was conducted at the caucuses including the election of Party officers and election of delegates to the ADP State Convention in Juneau, Alaska, on May 18. 2024. Delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, will be elected at the State Convention. 

Interested Alaskans can find more information at this link.

Alaska Democratic Party Condemns the Alaska Board of Education Decision   

Alaska Democratic Party Condemns the Alaska Board of Education Decision   

The Alaska Democratic Party stands with trans students across Alaska today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 1, 2023

CONTACT: Shayla Freirich

info@alaskademocrats.org

(907) 531-2086

ANCHORAGE: The Alaska Democratic Party (ADP) condemns the Dunleavy appointed Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development’s vote last night to limit trans-female students’ participation in school sports. This is yet another attack on Alaska’s youth and the LGBTQ+ community from Governor Dunleavy and his administration. 

“What’s clear is that Governor Dunleavy will stop at nothing to push his extreme agenda. If Gov. Dunleavy truly cared about bettering Alaska for generations to come, he would not discriminate against young members of the LGBTQ+ community. The only thing students should have to worry about are their grades, not whether or not the government is working to limit their opportunities and experiences, ” said Executive Director, Lindsay Kavanaugh. “This is not the safe and welcoming environment Alaskans deserve.”

The ADP is holding true to our values as we gear up for 2024. If you are interested in running for office, please email the Party at info@alaskademocrats.org

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970 Alaskans Now Eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness Thanks to Biden-Harris Administration

970 Alaskans Now Eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness Thanks to Biden-Harris Administration

The Alaska Democratic Party is excited to uplift the Biden Administration’s continued commitment to breaking barriers to higher education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 19, 2023

CONTACT: Shayla Freirich

info@alaskademocrats.org

(907) 531-2086

ANCHORAGE: Today, Alaska Democratic Party Chair Mike Wenstrup released the following statement after the Biden-Harris administration announced that 970 borrowers in Alaska are eligible for a total of 51.4 million dollars in automatic student loan relief through income-driven repayment plans. 

“Getting a college degree should be a tool to get ahead, but for far too long, it’s been a burden that saddles so many families in decades of debt. Even in the face of MAGA Republican efforts to block relief, President Biden and Vice President Harris have maintained an unwavering commitment to providing a pathway to the middle class through education. Thanks to their leadership, hundreds of borrowers across Alaska will now be eligible for loan forgiveness – further evidence that Bidenomics is helping everyday Americans get ahead.”

Alaska Democratic Party One Year Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Overturn

Alaska Democratic Party One Year Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Overturn

One year after the overturn of Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision, the Alaska Democratic Party (ADP) reiterates its commitment to electing Democratic candidates that support access to abortion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 23, 2023

CONTACT: Shayla Freirich

info@alaskademocrats.org

(907) 531-2086

ANCHORAGE: Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the attack on a constitutional right to access to abortion by the highest court in the land. The Alaska Democratic Party remains committed to complete access to reproductive care and will be doubling down on recruiting and supporting candidates at every level of government that will restore and protect rights to our own bodies.

When the United States Supreme Court overturned nearly 50 years of precedent last year, extremist Republicans jumped at the opportunity to continue to degrade personal freedoms, privacy, and choice. In a June 2022 press release, Senator Dan Sullivan stated “I support the Supreme Court’s decision today…As a pro-life Catholic, I believe there is no greater gift than that of life. Going forward, I will continue to support legislation protecting the most vulnerable in society.” Senator Sullivan and Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy have continuously gone after full access to healthcare despite a majority of Alaskans supporting access to abortion.

“Anti-choice Republicans in Alaska like Senator Sullivan are woefully out of touch with the majority of Alaskans. Alaska was one of the first states to make abortion legal and safe and a majority of Alaskans support access to abortion,” said Executive Director Lindsay Kavanaugh. “It’s imperative we elect candidates at every level of government who appropriately represent us and will protect our privacy, rights, and freedoms.”

“While reproductive healthcare is protected in Alaska through our state constitution, it’s not good enough. Republicans continue to attack this fundamental right and all persons deserve full access to healthcare,” said Vice-Chair Jessica Cook. 

Persons interested in running for office may contact the Party at info@akdems.org

Alaska Democratic Party Reproaches Governor’s Public Education Funding Veto

Alaska Democratic Party Reproaches Governor’s Public Education Funding Veto

After a much needed funding increase for public schools was adopted by the Alaska State Legislature, the ADP condemns Dunleavy’s veto 

June 20, 2023

CONTACT: Shayla Freirich

info@alaskademocrats.org

(907) 531-2086

ANCHORAGE: The Alaska Democratic Party (ADP) condemns Governor Dunleavy’s veto of a desperately needed increase in public school funding approved by the Alaska State Legislature. Alaska’s public schools have been underfunded for years resulting in decreased programs, teacher shortages, and even plans for potential school closures. Increased funding for education had bi-partisan support this year in the legislature and was an immediate priority of the majority bi-partisan coalition in the state Senate. 

Senator Löki Tobin, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, sponsored Senate Bill 52, which raises the Base Student Allocation (BSA) to $680 for school programs, including student transportation. This increase would be instrumental to developing accessible high quality school programs. 

“Adequate funding for schools to meet the basic needs of Alaska’s youth is not a partisan issue and should never be on the chopping block. It’s the responsibility of every elected official,” said Executive Director Lindsay Kavanaugh, “Indications the Governor vetoed this funding because of ‘inflationary pressures’ just shows how uninterested and unconcerned he is about Alaskans and their future.”