Sullivan repeatedly voted against more than $8 million to improve trail safety, breaking with Republicans, Alaska delegation.
ANCHORAGE – As Alaskans gather this weekend for the Iditarod, one thing is missing: Dan Sullivan’s support for the Last Great Race.
Sullivan voted against two pieces of legislation to provide over $8 million for Iditarod National Historic Trail improvement and maintenance, funding that would have improved athlete safety and benefited Alaska communities.
“Dan Sullivan can’t hide his disdain for Alaska traditions after he sold out the Iditarod Trail and our public lands not once, but twice,” said Alaska Democratic Party Chair Eric Croft. “Iditarod weekend brings folks together from all across Alaska. Instead of making it safer for mushers and sled dogs alike, Sullivan betrayed us yet again. This is no surprise, it’s just another Alaska-last vote in a long line from a senator who would rather make himself richer than stand up for the people he represents.”
His votes stand in sharp contrast to members of his own party and in direct conflict with the best interests of Alaskans. Senator Lisa Murkowski voted for and championed the critical funding included in these bills. The funding was praised by community leaders: the Alaska Trails Executive Director hailed it as “a great benefit to both outdoor recreation and the economy in Alaska.”
This weekend, as Alaskans recognize and celebrate decades of history and culture central to Alaska’s identity, they deserve to know this tradition is possible in spite of, not because of, Dan Sullivan.