“When we ask which candidate knows Alaska best and is most capable of advocating for our state, our answer is Sen. Mark Begich.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/29/2014

ANCHORAGE — U.S. Senator Mark Begich earned the endorsement of the Juneau Empire, Southeast Alaska’s largest newspaper. The Juneau Empire is based in Alaska’s capital city and publishes news from around the state.

The paper recognized Mark Begich’s record of supporting Alaska’s veterans, using his clout on the Appropriations Committee to fund Alaska projects, and his work fighting the EPA to move forward resource development projects like Kensington mine.

The paper also chided Dan Sullivan for his refusal to address Alaska issues, his reliance on talking points and his clear cut association with the Koch brothers:

“Earlier this year, an approachable, likable and conversational candidate talked to the Empire in person. Lately, we’ve seen a candidate using GOP talking points and buzzwords with generic and scripted dialogue. Honestly, we liked Sullivan better before the Koch brothers started backing him before the Republican primary. That’s when we noticed Sullivan change.”

During this campaign cycle, the Juneau Empire has endorsed both Republican and Democratic candidates for elected offices around the state, illustrating what Alaskans already know, voters support people, not political parties in Alaska.

Highlights from the Juneau Empire endorsement:

“Judging on past records and their plan moving forward, Alaskans should send Begich back to Washington D.C. for another term. He knows Alaska best and since 2009 has done his part to ensure others in the nation’s capital got to know it better, too.”

“For those who think Begich hasn’t done enough for resource development, he pushed the Environmental Protection Agency to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to permit Kensington Mine. As for the Greens Creek Mine, Begich helped secure permits for its facility expansion, going so far as to hold up the confirmation of USDA undersecretary nominee Robert Bonnie until the two had a chance to discuss Greens Creek and the Roadless Rule.”

“When we ask which candidate knows Alaska best and is most capable of advocating for our state, our answer is Sen. Mark Begich.”

“Alaska needs a strong advocate regardless of who is president, and we’ve had that for six years with Mark Begich. If we send Begich back to Washington, we’ll get the same results for another six: funding for rural communities, a proven advocate for veteran and Native rights and a straight-shooter who will make sure Alaska gets everything it deserves.”

You can read the full endorsement here.