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JUNEAU, Alaska – Alaskan Governor Bill Walker was surprised to drop his re-election bid in less than 21 days to bolster the chances of Democratic rival Mark Begich to beat Republican Mike Dunleavy.
Walker, the only independent governor of the country, said Friday that he could not win a three-way race and that the Alaskans deserved a choice other than Dunleavy. Begich and he do not agree on many things, but Walker said that Begich would be better for Alaska.
It remains to be seen two and a half weeks before the elections to know if Begich can exceed the so-called favorite. Begich, who said his campaign was "flooded" with calls after Walker's announcement, thinks he can win.
Some Democrats and independents have long been concerned that Walker and Begich share the vote and entrust the race to Dunleavy. Walker, a former Republican, was elected in 2014 with support from the Democratic Party. Walker's decision to leave the race appears to have been decisive for his lieutenant governor's abrupt resignation a few days earlier following an inappropriate opening given to a woman.
After his announcement on Friday, Dunleavy campaign manager Brett Huber criticized Walker's "bitter and partisan" attack on Dunleavy. In a statement, Huber said Walker's decision to drop his candidacy for reelection would provide voters with "a clear choice".
Crime, the economy and the future of the annual check that Alaskans receive from the state's oil wealth fund, the Alaska Permanent Fund, are at the heart of the race.
Walker fears that Dunleavy will be forced to cancel his actions as governor, such as the Medicaid extension. Dunleavy has expressed concerns about the program.
Dunleavy, a former senator, wants to cut state spending and is in favor of full payment of the Permanent Fund's dividend checks. Alaskans should have a say in any proposed change in the calculation of the dividend through an advisory vote, he said.
The size of checks has been capped since 2016, first by Walker, then by lawmakers, in the midst of budget deficits. Legislators began this year to use revenues from the Permanent Fund to fill a large portion of the deficit after saving billions of dollars in a lockdown and rejecting Walker's tax proposals. The fund's profits are also used for dividend controls, opening the way for a political struggle.
Begich, a former US senator, argued for the constitutional protection of the dividend and the use of bonds for infrastructure projects. He also noted his support for the right to abortion, which distinguishes him from Dunleavy and Walker.
Walker's announcement came three days after his lieutenant governor and close friend, Democrat Byron Mallott, resigned. Walker told the press that nothing had prompted him to abandon his campaign now, although he said the week had been tough. He added that the discussions he had with Begich about Begich's positions and the dynamics of the race were also considerations.
"There was not, quote, market as such on something like that," he said.
Begich said he had talks with Walker on the future of Alaska, born of common concerns about Dunleavy.
"So we would continue to have conversations to try to understand: is there a way to move Alaska forward and unify it in a sensible way? And we are where we are, "he said.
Jay Parmley, executive director of the Democratic Party, said he expects additional help from the Democratic National Committee. The Association of Republican Governors has already largely contributed to the support of a third party group supporting Dunleavy.
Pollster Ivan Moore said people were starting to pay more attention to the race. But he said the impact of Walker's decision was not yet known. He added that Dunleavy could also collect votes from Walker.
Stephen Gasche, an independent from Juneau, leaned toward Walker before Mallott's resignation and to Begich afterwards. On Friday, he said he would vote for Begich. "I'm so happy not to vote early!", He said via Facebook Messenger.
Lindy Jones, a supporter of Juneau's Walker, blamed Begich for creating a three-man race but said he would vote "reluctantly" for him.
The Democrats of Alaska opened their primaries to independents, and Walker, who wanted to introduce himself to Mallott, flirted with entry into the primary. He stepped back when it appeared that Begich was going to run and instead had gathered signatures to appear on the ballot, a decision that guaranteed he and Mallott could be teammates.
Jones said Walker's decision to abandon his campaign was another example of the tough decisions he had made.
"I think he's realizing that there will be a spoiler if it's a three-way race, and that's the only hope," he said. said Jones. "And frankly, I do not know if it's going to be enough."
The libertarian Billy Toien is also running.
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, disseminated, rewritten or redistributed.
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