ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Leaders of the Alaska Federation of Natives say there was strong support for the organization’s rare endorsements in the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races.
Officials with the largest statewide organization of Alaska Natives, known as AFN, held a news conference Friday to explain the recent endorsements and to call for additional steps to help prevent Alaska Native voters from being disenfranchised.
Democratic Sen. Mark Begich, independent gubernatorial candidate Bill Walker and Walker’s Democratic running mate Byron Mallott also attended the event.
AFN President Julie Kitka said the group has endorsed only three times before — twice for Democrat Tony Knowles in gubernatorial races and for Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski in 2010.
Begich is being challenged by Republican Dan Sullivan. Walker is challenging Republican Gov. Sean Parnell.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
