Governor of Alaska Bill Walker announced on Friday to drop his re-election bid just 18 days before the midterm election, publically backing Democratic candidate…
Governor of Alaska Bill Walker announced on Friday to drop his re-election bid just 18 days before the midterm election, publically backing Democratic candidate Mark Begich over Republican Mike Dunleavy.
Addressing the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention on Friday, Walker said that he would suspend his campaign with immediate effect, adding that ‘Alaska First’ is and cannot be just a campaign slogan.
“In the time remaining, it has become clear we cannot win a three-way race. The decision was made that at this point, Begich has the better odds. Alaskans deserve a competitive race and Alaskans deserve a choice other than Mike Dunleavy.”
Per Reuters, Walker was formerly a Republican, but changed his political affiliation to independent before embarking on his successful 2014 campaign for governor “on a unity ticket with his running mate, Mallot.”
Elisabeth Pearson, the executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, called the move a “game changer in the Alaska Governor’s race.”
“This race immediately becomes a tossup, open-seat race between a popular Democrat in Mark Begich and a fringe Republican in Mike Dunleavy,” she added.
“Governor Walker could have chosen a dignified, graceful exit to his campaign. Instead, he opted to bow out with a bitter, partisan attack on Mike Dunleavy. It’s too bad – Alaskans deserve better.”
Walker also took to Twitter and thanked everyone who appreciated him. He termed the support he received “the honor of a lifetime”.
More grateful for the most challenging days as Governor of AK than I would be for the best days in any other role. Thank you for the handshakes, hugs, songs, regalia; your jokes, tears, & laughter; kind words & wishes; your prayers. It is truly the honor of a lifetime. #akleg pic.twitter.com/KKcXVkkyp7
— Governor Bill Walker (@AkGovBillWalker) October 20,2018
