OPINION: Support Palin for the good of Alaska

The upcoming midterm elections is way more important than some feel.

The Kelly Tshibaka-Lisa Murkowski race is an easy decision. Lisa has been a friend of mine for years, and I have hated to see her vote in line with Joe Biden and being pro-abortion rights, and for those reasons alone I would vote for Kelly.

The race for our beloved Don Young’s seat is more complicated. It’s easy to see why Mary Peltola is now in Congress. Conservatives’ votes were split between Nick Begich and Sarah Palin. Mary Peltola is easy to like and a friend to many. In that she is a Democrat, the question is, are you happy with the position President Joe Biden and the Democrats have put our country in? There is no doubt Mary Peltola will almost always vote with Biden. No matter if you are a staunch Democrat or not, a vote for what is best for Alaska and the country is what matters.

Now, for Republicans to choose between Nick Begich III and Sarah Palin is also a matter of what is best for Alaska and America. Begich seems like a nice fellow. However, when we look at his background, he has absolutely zero experience in politics, but touts his courage and willingness to show it on the floor of Congress. But why should we trust this, and how can we be sure he will understand what goes on in Washington, D.C.? Many say whatever success he has enjoyed seems to have come from riding the coattails of his uncle Mark Begich. Let’s be honest about this. He wouldn’t even be on the ballot if not for his last name. Some say Nick Begich is a lukewarm candidate hoping his potential win will result from anti-Palin sentiment and that Begich is a lightweight not suited for this challenge.

For those who are looking to Sarah Palin, but still have that bad taste in their mouth remembering back when she left the governorship before her term was up, she claims it was due to unfounded lawsuits and an overflow of media attention and for the good of the state of Alaska. I feel it was a legitimate reason, along with her decision to make Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell her replacement. It turned out that he did a very good job in representing our state.

One thing for sure, Sarah has experience at many levels, isn’t afraid to speak up and actually does show courage and resolve. We know for certain she will stand up in favor of the change needed, and fast. Yes, Donald Trump supports her. Even if for some reason you don’t like Trump due to his personality or language, should we be concentrating on that? No, we should be looking at results and what has changed in the past two years.

The border, inflation, energy independence, gas prices, the military, or the threat of war from China, Russia or North Korea: All these things were under control with the past administration, as we had respect from the world and strong health, both militarily and economically. This has changed dramatically.

The reason I address this, outside our local elections, is that if Mary Peltola is elected to a full term, she will follow Biden and we will be looking at a continuation of what we have been forced to endure. If Begich wins, we will have an inexperienced representative in Congress who may or may not do a good enough job. One thing we can question is if he will show the courage necessary in challenging the other side of the aisle. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind, Sarah Palin will be up front in standing strong for all of us.

Like her or not, and if not, I say swallow hard and vote for Sarah Palin for the good of Alaska and for the good of America.

Frank Dahl is the former owner of Blues Central and a past president of the Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association (CHARR).

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