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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Like the rest of Alaska, I spent my Tuesday night watching KTVA's live stream of the plane carrying 200 Americans from Wuhan, China sitting on the tarmac, while the cameraman breathed heavily and talked about food. And it still got almost 40,000 views. Incredible.

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Curiously, Sen. Bill Wielechowski seemed to be the only legislator continuously updating folks on the situation. Bill, did Commissioner Adam Crum ever call you back, or did the Department of Health and Social Services just keep sending you more press releases?

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According to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, "There's basically zero chance anyone in Alaska could become ill." Am I the only one that's seen this movie before?! This line's as cliche as "I'll be right back" or the call coming from inside the house. Any guesses on who's going to play Gov. Dunleavy in the film adaptation of "Coronavirus?" Vince Vaughn has the height and is also besties with Donald Trump.

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I was starting to get a bit worried until I saw this conspiracy post from Rep. David Eastman. Really put things in perspective. I guess it's time to go back to worrying about the flu again. 😷

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The surprise of the week was when now-former Rep. Tammie Wilson announced she was resigning to take a job with the Office of Children’s Services.

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Many House members wrote tributes on social media wishing Tammie well. Some of Tammie’s colleagues have a... “unique” way of showing their appreciation. 😮

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This one from Rep. Harriet Drummond was my favorite. "I will actually miss her..." 🤣

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Now this is how it's done. Bravo to Rep. Geran Tarr for sending Tammie off with some heartfelt and jab free well-wishes.

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When I first heard the news I immediately wondered what was going to happen to pseudo-satire Twitter account @WammieTilson. They haven't Tweeted since August. Fingers crossed for a grand farewell.

(Photo 7 Wammie Tilson)

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In the end, Anchorage Assemblymember and mayoral candidate, Forrest Dunbar, had the best take. Let's only hope Mr. Claus makes the nice list up in District 3. Just think of the material!

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Speaking of an abundance of material, please pay no attention to Rep. Geran Tarr's terrible, no good, very bad idea to digital detox. The Alaska Stalker highly recommends all elected officials spend as much time on social media as possible, particularly in highly charged political debates, throwing shade at rival candidates, or especially after a couple of drinks. 🍻💻👍

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Rep. Josh Revak is embracing the "kill them with kindness" mantra on social media. I don't know about you, but when someone writes that I'm a traitor on my personal Facebook page, my first inclination isn't to "like" it. At least Josh wasn't the "heart" reaction.

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Okay, come clean, who signed Rep. Harriet Drummond up for the MAGA mailing list? This might be even worse than whoever canceled Jeff Landfield’s reservation at the Driftwood in Juneau. While red is certainly Harriet’s color, I imagine she’ll be sticking with a hat of the pink and knitted variety.

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Happy Anniversary to Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer and his wife Marty! 💕

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I am shocked and disappointed to report there is no bolo tie for sale in Congressman Don Young's campaign store. I was also surprised to find no "Dean of the House" coffee mug, no apparel featuring Don holding a pound of weed, nor any bumper stickers that read, "Don't you ever touch me. The last guy who touched me ended up on the ground dead!" Seems like the campaign is missing out on a lot of sales opportunities.

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Of course, congressional candidate, Alyse Galvin, posted the link for HER online store just days later (I'm sensing a pattern here). While hoodies are currently not available in Alyse's signature yellow, I was glad to see the witty "Galvinizeak" phrase bumper sticker for sale.

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Let's compare these two posts about the MOA's Transportation Fair from Anchorage Assemblymembers Forrest Dunbar and Felix Rivera. Forrest's post is concise, features a photo of him engaging, has hashtags, and has a surprising amount of engagement for a post about a transportation fair. While Felix features a photo of someone's butt, mansplains the word "redevelopment," and invites folks to publicly comment on what the worst project was. Step it up, Felix! 🤷

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May I present Anchorage's newest biker gang: Anchorage Assemblymembers Christopher Constant, Forrest Dunbar, and John Weddleton. Oh, and Assemblymember Kameron Perez-Verdia. Always forget about him... Hopefully Meg can join in on the fun trails work-session next time!

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It seems Assemblymember Suzanne LaFrance is a cut above the competition when it comes to her re-election. A tipster sent this photo with the note, "These two postcards were stuck together in my mailbox and I am dying." 🤣🤣🤣

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The deadline to file for office for Anchorage’s upcoming Spring Municipal election is 5:00pm today. Just over two months to go before the April 7th election. Municipal races can get weird, so expect things to start heating up.

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While there could be a couple last minute surprises, the Anchorage Assembly races are shaping up as expected. Here’s a sneak peek, subject to change. Wait a minute, did candidate for West Anchorage Assembly, MoHagani Magnetek, first file for the wrong seat and then have to withdraw and refile? What a loose start to the campaign! Can’t wait to get to know the new slate of candidates in the weeks to come. 👀

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Spotted in Juneau: Senate President Cathy Giessel meeting with President of the AFL-CIO, Vince Beltrami. 👀 OMG! Is this a first?!

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Spotted in the Capitol bringing his wife, Betty, a sandwich: Former Commissioner Bruce Tangeman.

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Spotted on the Senate Finance side getting coffee: Rep. Adam Wool. Sen. Bert Stedman asked him, "What are you doing on our side?!"

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Overheard in Juneau:

"Can we please have Lora's twin sister fill in for her someday."

"Wait, there are two of them?!!!"

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Overheard in Juneau: "Can I get land on Campbell Lake with this new land option for the PFD?"

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Overheard in Anchorage: “Who would you rather have refuel in Anchorage, President Trump or the plane from Wuhan? For me, it’s a toss-up.”

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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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