Alaska Democrats and an independent recently renamed their caucus in the state House the "Independent Democratic Coalition." Previously, the caucus was simply called the "Democratic" caucus. Many people have asked me what I think about the new caucus name, and what it might mean for policies in the Legislature.
Alaska's best interests should always come ahead of partisanship. I am proud that Alaska Democrats in the state House are working with an independent. It is appropriate that the name of their caucus reflects an independent, nonpartisan spirit.
As Alaskans, we can be proud of a long bipartisan tradition in the state Legislature. For years, the "Senate Bipartisan Working Group" collaborated across party lines to save $18 billion for the state. Today, those savings are helping us get through tough budget times that result from low oil prices. Going even further back, Democratic legislators from the "Bush Caucus" frequently have worked with both parties to bring infrastructure investment to rural Alaska.
Great Alaska governors as well as legislators have reflected this nonpartisan philosophy. Jay Hammond was a progressive Republican who worked with Democratic legislators to establish the Permanent Fund Dividend. Wally Hickel changed his party affiliation to independent, reflecting his focus on "owner state" rather than partisan principles. Gov. Bill Walker continues to inspire Alaskans with his nonpartisan "Alaska first" philosophy.
It is in this long Alaska tradition of nonpartisanship that Democrats and an independent are working together in the Independent Democratic Coalition.
Political parties are just a means to an end. I want Alaska to have sound finances, with support for infrastructure investment and good public schools. Many Alaskans who are registered as unaffiliated or nonpartisan share Democrats' goal of protecting personal privacy and reproductive health. Across party lines, Alaskans strongly support oil development and oppose the president's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge proposal. I am proud that Alaska has a long history of bipartisan support for labor unions, which is why we have the highest wages in America.
While Alaska faces serious budgetary challenges right now, we have a very strong track record of working together on key state policies. Alaskans worked across party lines for statehood. Democrats counted on Republican support for legislation approving the trans-Alaska oil pipeline as well as the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Both parties have supported labor unions and the economic prosperity that comes with them. Democratic legislators worked with a Republican governor to establish the Permanent Fund Dividend. Democrats worked with another Republican governor to boost oil revenue and fix the last budget deficit.
The federal government and other states have allowed themselves to be crippled by partisanship. That isn't the Alaska way. I'm proud our legislators are working across party lines. By continuing to work together, we can tackle our present budget challenges and ensure Alaskans continue to benefit from one of the least partisan state governments in the country.
Mike Wenstrup is chairman of the Alaska Democratic Party.
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