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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It’s here, it’s here! The second session of the 31st Legislature has officially begun! This is the high-level content we have all been waiting for. In the days leading up to session, each legislator had a different way of marking the occasion. Sen. Tom Begich posted a photo of his office (lucky number 11) with an official count down to open office hours.

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Rep. Andi Story chose a family movie date to see “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” I agree with Andi, there’s nothing better than a feel-good action movie with a positive message. But I would add: Always beware of senators.

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Before the “Mr. Speakers” and NEastmans began in earnest, Rep. David Eastman elected to have one-on-one time with his daughter and a side of fries. Good call.

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Sen. Shelley Hughes did what Sen. Shelley Hughes does — posted a Facebook Live marking the occasion. I tuned into this one because a very special guest made her debut at the 14-minute mark. 🐾😍

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Some even wore their Sunday best! 🤣

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For those of us who claim politics as our sport of choice, the word of the week was surely pettifogging. But, former Anchorage Assemblymember Amy Demboski has another timely contribution.

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The Sara/h caucus is looking strong this year!

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Happy birthday to Sen. Josh Revak. It's not every day your staff surprises you with a new pet. Welcome to the Capitol building, Bandit! I sure hope Warden isn't too jealous of the little guy.

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Can we please start calling Rep. Kelly Merrick DJ REP from now on? “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses is the obvious choice for the beginning of session, but Maxine Nightingale’s “Right Back Where We Started From” works, too.

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Rep. Sara Hannan (sans the rest of her namesake caucus) is embracing the cold Juneau weather with this fashionable yet practical look: local Kodiak Coats coat, handmade trapper hat, and handmade river otter and lynx scarf! 💁

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Not to be outdone, Sen. Lisa Murkowski and her sister, Carol, happened to run into each other twinning in stylish and warm fur trimmed parkys. 👯

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The sweater is back! Is candidate for U.S. Senate, Dr. Al Gross, going the route of fellow independent Alyse Galvin and adopting an early campaign uniform? Fingers crossed he wears this bad boy to the first debate.

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For those who missed it, Saturday’s Storm Campbell Lake event had a great turn out! More than 100 people braved negative temperatures to enjoy burgers, beverages, and camaraderie on the peaceful and public Campbell Lake. Hat tip to ADN for describing the event as “loosely organized.”

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The high-energy event was even attended by two Anchorage Assemblymembers: John Weddleton and Christopher Constant. <---- You’re gonna want to click that.

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Anchorage mayoral candidate Eric Croft also stopped by. You know, this guy.

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Tsk tsk tsk, Assemblymember Austin Quinn-Davidson. I think you mean it was a *ruff* game for you. 🙃 Good to see Cleo and Dexter are treating sweet Rosie like one of the team.

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I'm a bit worried about the state of our Assembly when I see Assemblymember Christopher Constant proudly proclaiming how he's "literally" spending his Friday nights thinking about "how to breathe." 😂

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While Assemblymember Forrest Dunbar’s tweet is discussing Game of Thrones, I have to wonder if he’s subconsciously referencing his own political arc. Your pacing is admirable, Forrest. Any bets on which will happen first: Winds of Winter or Congressman Dunbar?

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Eagle-eyed former staffer and #akleg Twitter fanatic Nona Dimond busted Americans For Prosperity on Twitter using footage of Ketchikan instead of Juneau in its recent ad. 🤦‍♀️

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KWHL Morning Show host Bob Lester sure knows how to stir the pot. The comments tho... 👀 For the record, Theresa is still around, remains active in politics and will always be a legend.

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Overheard at Covenant House Fire & Ice Ball: "The only member of my codel I like better than Lisa Murkowski is Lisa Murkowscoot."

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Overheard in the lobby of the Capitol, the morning after a tense first day in the Senate: Sen. Lora Reinbold giving a VERY cheery "Good morning!" to Sen. President Cathy Giessel.

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Overheard at the Capitol:

Lobbyist asks security for a key to the building, like they used to have. Security: “No, you have to work in the building.”

Lobbyist: “Who do you think gets all the work done here?”

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As seen in the Juneau Empire: “At least he (new Office of Management and Budget Director Steininger) has some familiarity with state government,” (Sen. Tom) Begich said. “He’s not Donna Arduin, which is another plus.” 😮

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Overheard on NPR’s Fresh Air: Andrea Bernstein, author of “American Oligarchs,” mistakenly placing Friedrich Trump’s “restaurant” business in Alaska instead of Canada. Twice. For the record, Terry Gross didn’t make the same mistake.

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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.

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