Alaska Stalker

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Alaska Stalker, a lighthearted roundup of the best and worst of Alaska’s social media landscape and political gossip. Published in partnership with The Alaska Landmine.

Happy Friday, y’all! Is state Rep. Sharon Jackson channeling Democratic candidate for President, Marianne Williamson.

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While we wish we could just post photos of staffers making themselves old with Facebook’s newest craze, the Face App, we have a job to do. Okay, I’ll post a couple. I’M SCREAMING! 👴👵🤣🤣🤣

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I didn’t know Bruce Wayne moved to Wasilla. Who knew he was a full PFD guy. Maybe fellow millionaire and brother to the governor, Frances Dunleavy, tipped him off about the neighborhood. Or, maybe Bruce wanted to move some place with more crime than Gotham City. P.S. Can someone get Anchorage Mayor Berkowitz a Bat Signal ASAP?

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Speaking of a full PFD, here’s Gov. Mike Dunleavy wearing one in the middle of a wildfire. If that isn’t symbolic I don’t know what is. Actually this isn’t a bad idea. Maybe he should trade in his trademark jacket and start wearing a personal flotation device everywhere. When people ask him about it he can simply respond, “Full PFD.”

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Things have gotten downright nasty online over the past couple of weeks. Due to his vetoes, the governor has borne the brunt of attacks, name calling and even threats. One post stood out above the rest, and we feel an obligation to our readers to publish it. Ladies and gentleman, may I present the most savage burn Gov. Michael J. Dunleavy will ever endure. Way to go, DonF. Mike will be shamed into stepping down after this one. 🤣🤣🤣

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Over on Twitter, the Alaska GOP posted this quote from the blog Must Read Alaska that described folks on the left as, “profane guttersnipes.” Holy ratio! I’m surprised the GOP hasn’t deleted it yet — almost all of the 2,000+ comments are negative.

As Senator Mitch McConnell learned with “Nevertheless she persisted,” the left never lets a good turn of phrase go to waste. Thus “Profane Guttersnipes for Justice” apparel was born. Well-known Alaskan artist Pat Race got in on the fun and posted his artistic rendition.

Here’s a closer look. “This small bird can be found all across Alaska and is known to be quite protective of its nest. The Profane Guttersnipe is easily recognized by its distinct call.” It will be interesting to see if designs bearing “Profane Guttersnipes” take off - people will have to decide if they really want to wear a phrase coined by Mrs. Downing or not.

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Folks are continuing to find new and unique ways to show their disapproval with state officials. Senator John Coghill changed his Facebook profile picture to him literally holding a baby and some people are VERY ANGRY about it.

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Time to get serious. This is an actual link Rep. Harriet Anagnostis Drummond shared on her Facebook page. YIKES! This isn’t even subtle.

When one of her constituents weighed in with a different opinion, Harriet hit him hard with the Facebook block. We prefer the Senator Scott Kawasaki approach when it comes to dealing with folks who disagree.

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Sen. Lora Reinbold is no stranger to controversial Facebook posts. This time she crossed the line from controversial to downright inaccurate. Here’s her original post, where she questions if Native corporations are taking care of Native peoples and claims that they receive state subsidies.

Some of Alaska’s largest Native organizations called the post “inflammatory” and sent a letter to Reinbold asking her to publicly retract the statement. You can read the full story here. Reinbold did make some changes to the original post and, in an addendum, she wrote, “I didn’t intend to offend anyone - yes I admit I was young when ANSCA and ANILCA took place - my history is rusty.” I guess U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan was wrong when he told The Washington Post, “most Alaskans would know all about ANILCA.” 'Cause it’s not even most senators!

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Rep. Zack Fields is in a bit of hot water over a now-deleted Facebook post. If only there was someone out there who was quick enough to get that screen cap.

Don’t worry fam, I got this. Fundraising during session is a no-no, Zack! We’d link to the news article about this Facebook faux pas but there doesn’t seem to be one. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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Meanwhile, Rep. Sharon Jackson is on Twitter yelling at the Senate Majority. Not sure how helpful that is. What happened to her chill Marianne Williamson vibe?

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While tensions are higher than ever, it’s nice to see the relationship between legislators and the media is improving. OMG, WHAT?!

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In other media news, the Bradner brothers seem to be churning out some quality, unbiased reporting lately. Oh. 😳

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I’m not sure the Alaska Legislature would agree. Day 100 and we’ve lost count and still no deal.

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I kinda like former Rep. Bob Lynn’s Facebook posts; a throwback to simpler times. Back when you could spend $14 billion a year and nap through committee meetings. Take a look at this sweet tribute to his former staffer, Nancy Manly.

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Welcome to another installment of...

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Anchorage Assemblyman Christopher Constant hasn’t been holding back when it comes to discussing hot topic issues in Anchorage. He has made a point to share a wide variety of stories and perspectives, no matter how uncomfortable they might make you.

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Some of his commentary is drawing the ire of people on his side of the political aisle.

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We gotta give Chris credit. Sometimes telling it like it is is hard. I suspect if the Assembly would have used Chris’ “unvarnished truth” approach when communicating to the public about homelessness, the recent alcohol tax might have not have been defeated so badly. Keep it up, Chris. Now do SAP and the Port!

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What’s going on at the Anchorage Assembly? First Chris shows some dissent and now John breaks free from the nine-strong progressive voting block. What’s next, is Assembly member Austin Quinn-Davidson going to vote against the next gas tax increase?

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Here it is folks, the first (and probably last) time you’ll ever see Forrest Dunbar get a piddly 18% of the vote.

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Anchorage Assemblyman Kameron Perez-Verdia recently posted a South Anchorage mother-in-law apartment for rent.

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The Stalker brings people together. Hey Joe, you find a place yet?

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The Alaska Landmine was live in downtown Anchorage this week at what’s being called “Occupy Park Strip.” Check out the Facebook Live below. I’m not touching this issue with a 10-foot tent pole.

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Overheard in Juneau: “Is the governor going to call them to Adak next?”

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Overheard at an ACLU press conference: “Dunleavy is great for lawyers and lobbyists.”

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Spotted at political hot spot, Steamdot in Midtown Anchorage:

Representative JKT dressed in Alaska chic and sandals.

Anchorage Assemblymember Meg Zalatel and Special Assistant: Education, Youth Development, Diversity and Economic Development, George Martinez. (Yeah, we had to look that title up.)

Senator Mia Costello catching up with her former staffer, Josh Walton.

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Spotted at the Hotel Captain Cook: Congressional candidate Alyse Galvin, still on crutches. Note: To the Stalker’s supreme delight she was spotted next to the Whale’s Tale. 🐳

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Spotted at Denali Federal Credit Union: Sen. Tom Begich.

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Spotted at the wedding of Travis Smith (former campaign manager for Forrest Dunbar) and Mackenzie Morrison-Heath: Jim Lottsfeldt and Forrest Dunbar.

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Stalker Scoop: Former U.S. Sen. Mark Begich and his wife, Deborah Bonito, are set to host a big fundraiser in the coming weeks. The slate of $500 co-hosts is growing daily.

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Alaska Stalker is published on Fridays at ADN.com in partnership with Alaska Landmine.

The views expressed here are the writer’s and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)adn.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Read our full guidelines for letters and commentaries here.