Opinions

Alaska Stalker - the best and worst of this week’s political social media and gossip

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Alaska Stalker, a lighthearted round up of the best and worst of Alaska’s social media landscape.

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We're already a week into 2020, and I can't help but share this boomerific New Year's Eve meme Sen. David Wilson posted last week. David, you're a millennial. Start acting like it! 🥳🤣

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Move over Sen. Micciche, there’s a new holiday video king in town. Don’t miss the Revak family singers’ delightful rendition of New Year favorite, “Auld Lang Syne,” featuring Sen. Josh Revak on guitar. Little Warden and Josh’s matching tiny hats are everything. 🐾

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Uh oh, is Sen. Revak headed back to the House?! 🤣🤣🤣 Might want to update that auto message, Josh.

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Senators, they're just like us! Even Sen. Mike Shower couldn't resist a dashboard thermometer picture during this recent cold snap.

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As Mike mentioned, -19 has nothing on Fairbanks. Here's Sen. Scott Kawasaki at 32 degrees below zero with the hot water meets subzero air trick.

View this post on Instagram

Brrrr. #akleg #sublimation

A post shared by Scott Kawasaki (@alaskascotty) on

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It was so cold on the North Slope a legislative trip was cancelled. -75 with wind chill? Unreal.

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The cancellation came after Rep. Sara Rasmussen was outfitted with the appropriate gear from her colleagues: a parka from Sen. Mia Costello and a pair of bunny boots from Rep. Laddie Shaw. Now that's teamwork.

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But, at the end of the day, the Legislature is non-essential for sure! Hey, Rep. Sara Hannan said it, not me. 🙃

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This might be the first time everyone agrees Sen. Lora Reinbold made the most strategic move in the legislature. I bet it's easily 75 degrees above zero there. Good call, Lora.

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A warm Alaska Stalker congratulations to Rep. Grier Hopkins and his wife, Kristina! Grier and Kristina were married on New Year's Eve. We hear the event was officiated by Former Gov. Bill Walker. Not bad for a couple that met on Tinder. Don't believe me? Click here.

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I'll just leave this here. Things really get going at 0:52. #epic

What an amazing and beautiful wedding we had on New Years Eve! But Kristina loves surprises and I’m always up for shenanigans! So we practiced and planned and made sure that we were skilled dancers for our first dance 😉 - watch past the slow stuff... (Thank you Slay AK for making this happen!! We had a blast working with you!)

Posted by Grier Hopkins on Friday, January 3, 2020

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Rep. Colleen Sullivan-Leonard dropped the news that she's not running for reelection with an FYI and a hair flip. 💁‍♀️ It was sweet to see so many politicos (and her son!) wish her well in the comments.

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Several folks have speculated former Rep. Lynn Gattis might throw her hat into the ring to replace Colleen. I took a look around Lynn's Facebook page for clues. More sleep and less stress in 2020? Sounds like it's going to be a hard pass. 🤣🤣🤣

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Tsk tsk tsk, Rep. Sharon Jackson. You’re not supposed to mix fundraisers with official legislator social media pages. While it was only up for a moment before Sharon deleted and re-posted to her re-election page, it was long enough for one tipster to get a screen cap. 👀

(Photo 11 Jackson)

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In one of the most relatable posts I’ve seen from him yet, Assemblymember (and candidate for Anchorage Mayor) Forrest Dunbar posted this hot weight-loss tip for the new year. Same, Forrest. Same.

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Y’all, I was joking about Assemblymember Christopher Constant turning over a new leaf last week, but look at this. I am shook. Can’t wait to see more positive vibes in 2020, Chris.

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While I agree with Assemblymember Suzanne LaFrance's overall sentiment she might have taken it a little too far. Posting a photo of one smiling outside when it's below zero? Now that's controversial! 🥶

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Former Rep. Les Gara has waded into the great “hoarfrost” vs. “rime ice” debate. For the record, the Alaska Stalker says it’s rime ice. 💁

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The Hildegram is back! Leave it to Anchorage School Board Member, Alisha (rhymes with militia!) Hilde, to always be learning. Even about topics as eclectic as Anchorage’s most famous superhero.

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Is candidate for House, Calvin Schrage a victim of seven spam comments in a row, or seven negative ones? 🤔 Very transparent, Calvin.

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You can call him Andrew Jensen, top Democrat. LOL!

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Warm Alaska Stalker birthday wishes to Sen. Shelley Hughes and Sen. Mia Costello! 🎈🎂

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Spotted in the air:

Former Gov. Sean Parnell and Palmer City Councilwoman Sabrena Combs on a flight to Ketchikan. Both seated in Premium!

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Overheard in Anchorage:

“Did you hear Sen. President Cathy Giessel is speaking at the Bartlett Club? That’s like Sen. Tom Begich presenting at an Americans for Prosperity meeting.”

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Overheard on the airwaves:

“Spenard Roadhouse has great tater tots and Snow City has a good crab omelet.” Dan Fagan deflecting when a caller recommended going to restaurants Mayor Ethan Berkowitz is part owner of and pulling a “dine and dash,” AKA stealing, “just like Ethan is stealing from us with his GAS TAX.”

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Overheard in Anchorage:

"Where were you all day?"

“AOGA. All-day seminar.”

"Oh nice. What was it about?"

"To tell us how much we need oil and how oil doesn't need us."

😬

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The Alaska Stalker was born and raised in Alaska, and lives in South Anchorage with her husband, daughter, and son. Send tips to akstalker@alaskalandmine.com

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.

Allison Hovanec

Allison Hovanec writes the weekly Alaska Stalker feature for Alaska Landmine and the Daily News. She was born and raised in Alaska, and lives in South Anchorage with her husband, daughter, and son.

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