WASILLA -- Don Benson of Palmer, a Republican challenging state Rep. Carl Gatto in the upcoming statewide primary election, is getting support from Gatto's colleague, state Sen. Linda Menard.
Benson, a pilot and site superintendent with Palmer-based construction company New Horizons Telecom, sent out a press release this week acknowledging Menard's support and the support of David Parks, a Republican who announced last week he withdrew from the race. In an e-mail announcing his decision, he pledged his support to Benson, whom he said "has the leadership, integrity and vision the Valley deserves."
Menard did not return messages left on her cell phone and at her home and office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday seeking confirmation that she is supporting Benson, not Gatto, whose House district encompasses half of Menard's Senate district. She appears on Benson's campaign literature, however, and employs Benson's son, Dalton, at her legislative office.
Benson said he and Menard have been friends for years, and that they share common views on the importance of building a natural gas line from the North Slope and a spur line to Southcentral Alaska. Benson is a board member of the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority, a state agency pursuing gas pipeline projects.
What does all that mean for the Mat-Su delegation, which tries to work together to bring home the legislative bacon for Valley residents?
Gatto said it's not a big deal. He knew Menard planned to support Benson a few months ago and had hoped to talk with her about it.
A meeting never happened, but if he wins re-election, he said, he doesn't plan to hold any grudges.
"If you have an issue of who you support during the campaign, that will be over (by the time the session begins)," Gatto said.
"Mat-Su has to represent its own special interests ... our job is to try to show ourselves as a unified group."
Gatto added that he believes he has the support of other Mat-Su legislators.
By RINDI WHITE
rwhite@adn.com