Democrat Byron Mallott and independent candidate Bill Walker were in their second day of discussions Monday about whether they would run as a bipartisan or non-partisan ticket, Mallott spokeswoman Laury Scandling said in an email to The Associated Press.
A formal statement was expected by noon Tuesday, said Scandling, who added that she plans to leave the campaign at the same time.
Any changes to the ballot have to be made by Tuesday.
The Alaska Dispatch News reports discussions would have Walker as the gubernatorial candidate and Mallott as lieutenant governor.
The current lieutenant governor candidates for the campaigns would have to drop out.
Polls have suggested for months that Republican Gov. Sean Parnell would win a three-way race against Mallott and Walker, but would face a more difficult challenge against a single candidate, especially Walker.
Some Democrats and Republicans who oppose Parnell have been pushing Mallott and Walker to join forces.
"I can say comfortably there's a common desire in both camps to not see the governor re-elected," said Tom Begich, a high-level Democratic party volunteer who has been promoting the merger.
I have to admit that I am kind of on the fence when it comes to Walker, after all he switched from Republican to Independent just for this race, however many of my progressive friends seem to think he is a good guy. And the unions up here seem to love him.
However my bottom line is to vote for ANYBODY that might win and keep Parnell out of office.
It is WAY past time for Captain Zero to hit the bricks.
Walker's least palatable trait is that he would like to take away a woman's right to choose, but what Republican doesn't? With Walker we'd get "Republican Light" compared to Parnell so while exactly not a win for Dems and Progressives he would be a better choice than Parnell. I think Mallott is kind of "meh" but he might get the Native vote, which would help their campaign.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts as well. He does state that he would expand Medicaid and respect the voters' choice on the marijuana initiative so I'll hold my nose and vote for him. Mallot doesn't have a chance on his own. My biggest reservation about Walker is that my Bible-thumping fundie SIL has been hot for him since he started running. So I am skeptical.
DeleteActually, I just did some reading on Walker and while he is pro-life he has stated that he would not pursue any change to the status quo in AK regarding abortion rights.
DeleteCome on Alaska let's get rid of the son-of-a-bitch that covered for the most corrupted governor in Alaska and redacted all of her emails and allowed the state to lock up her and her family's records.
ReplyDeleteBill Walker is a GREAT man.
ReplyDeleteSarah would vote for Walker.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there's much love lost there.
DeleteI'm sure they (Walker and Mallott) will NOT be asking for Palin's endorsement! They know it would be the kiss of death!
DeleteLet her provide it to Parnell that has covered for her and Todd for years.
Or, will she kick him under the bus too? (the zero personality guy that she put in the position to begin with). Lordy, lordy, what will the woman say and do about Parnell?
I'm from Michigan (where I hope Republican Gov. Snyder is defeated this Fall). This sounds like a decent plan that's worth a try.
ReplyDeleteLOVE Bill Walker. PLEASE DONT JOIN WITH ANYONE
ReplyDeleteYou must not want him to win with stupid statements like this...
DeletePretty sure Sarah would vote for Walker
ReplyDeleteI can hardly wait to cast my vote for Walker and Mallott! Both are very good guys and I want the jerk/Captain Zero out of office! He has not helped Alaska!
ReplyDeleteWe (Alaska) is rated horribly in all types of polls when compared to other states across the nation (economics, etc.). But, for some reason that information doesn't seem to garner much attention in Alaska.
Parnell has a job awaiting him at his old employer, Conoco. For those that might worry for him - don't - he could even become a lobbyist for the oil industry - an industry he has very publically supported!
Plus, he has continually protected Sarah and Todd Palin during the years he's been in office. It's way past time to disclose all the information the State of Alaska and Alaska Legislature has on the Palins! Parnell has kept it covered up!
VOTE Alaskans and get rid of Parnell!
IMO, Walker is a true old school conservative - something that is indeed rare to find these days. While some of his social positions are antithetical to my own, I do believe him when he says that he will not attempt to legislate anti-abortion from the Gov's office; that there are so many more pressing issues, he could actually address in Alaska instead of concentrating on ideological/social issues.
ReplyDeleteReally hope for the best. Get rid of the Palin/Parnell dynasty forever. Maybe their minions will all scatter like ants and start talking.
ReplyDeleteAt this point, ABP: Anybody But Parnell!
ReplyDeleteI was involved in 6 hours of teleconferences on this yesterday and IMO it is a wonderful thing for AK. Walker is honest and trustworthy, and says he will allow Gay marriage to become law through the courts as in other states, and will veto any legislation that further restricts a woman's choice. He is supports raising the minimum wage, is pro labor, anti Pebble mine, will expand Medicaid, is against SB21, and will give up his Republican Party affiliation. Parnell isn't the only thing to worry about - mayor Dan is waiting in the wings...
ReplyDeleteWalker seemed like he would be a good candidate but I couldn't get past his choice for Lt. gov. Fleener abandoned his wife and children for his mistress, who was barely older then their oldest child, in Anchorage and then refused to help his wife money to pay for heating fuel or any bills. His wife struggled to make ends meet that winter while still holding out hope her 'husband' will come back to her and the kids. He then fought for custody after ignoring them for years so he wouldn't pay for child support. The judge was disgusted when he could not remember kids birthdays. if fleecer could not even care for his children and the wife he gave marriage vows to then how can he care for people he never met? This is why i questioned Walkers choice and vote. If Walker and Mallot join then yeah.. I'm for it.
ReplyDeleteWalker will have an outstanding man on his ticket in Byron Mallott.
ReplyDeleteThere was absolutely no need to bring up, or worry about, Fleener IF your statement is even correct! Sounds pretty gossipy to me!
Your right. No matter my feeling concerning Fleener and his treatment of his family, I shouldn't have said anything. More careful in the future on comments.
Delete10:00 PM I'm 11:44 AM and appreciate your kind response.
DeleteOh no, Steven Sotloff the reporter was killed. You know the Right Wing is going to have a field day w/this. Poor man. Fundamentalism of any kind leads to scary places. :-(
ReplyDeletehttp://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/steven-sotloff-video-appears-show-isis-execution-american/story?id=25216725
America and our allies have two choices:
DeleteBomb these cretins back to the stone age (collateral damage included)
or
Walk away and let them live their lives and govern themselves without our interference (genocide included)
America needs to stay out of the troubles in the Mideast and stop financially supporting Israel and their nasty leader!
DeleteThere is enough to worry about in our own country!
I wonder who could be sabotaging the Alaska Democratic Party? It is disheartening to see them come to this point , running a republican as your candidate for Governor, really?
ReplyDeleteHuffington Post has an article this a.m. listing the 50 states as to their economic status and guess who is the worst? ALASKA which is in the #1 position!
ReplyDeleteIt's way past time Alaskans get rid of Parnell (R)! The Alaska Legislature is majority red too so we need to vote out those that are up for reelection in November.
Vote for Walker and Mallott!