The Anchorage Daily News asked candidates for U.S. House running in the special primary election to answer a series of questions. Read all of their responses here.
MIKE E. MELANDER, Republican from Fairbanks
What in your background qualifies you to represent Alaskans in Congress?
I was raised on a family farm in Kansas. Graduated high school in 1976, attended one year of junior college and 1 year at Kansas State University. Owned and operated M & M Contracting Co., Inc., removing obsolete communication and signal pole lines for railroads, pipelines and telecommunication companies nationwide. In late 1990s, I focused on Southwinds Buffalo Ranch Inc., and owned and operated Shooter’s Liquor, all in Kansas. I moved to Alaska in 2012, and have been employed by Sourdough Express, First Student, Alpenglow Shuttle, Water Wagon and Carquest.
Why are you running for U.S. Congress in Alaska?
I signed up to run for the U.S. House seat to promote conservative values and represent all of Alaskans, their resources and benefits to the United States
What would be your top priority if elected to Congress?
To promote America leading the world.
What is your position on abortion?
Support.
If legislation came before the U.S. House that would guarantee the same abortion rights nationwide as the Roe v. Wade decision, how would you vote?
No.
If you support abortion rights, what limitations, if any, do you think should be placed on those rights, such as waiting periods or a specific point in a pregnancy where abortion should no longer be legal?
Before gender is known.
Would you support a bill, if it came before the House, to expand the size of the U.S. Supreme Court? Why or why not?
No. Nine is enough.