Alaskans know the benefits of bipartisanship.
In a state where political roadblocks can mean life or death, we’ve managed to come together on many issues to protect our freedoms, preserve our way of life, and champion a future for our children. It hasn’t always been an easy; particularly today as extremists continue to see outsized political influence in our local, state, and national politics, but it has always been necessary.
Like Alaska, our national politics are in desperate need of a dedication to good-faith bipartisan collaboration. Fortunately, we have seen flashes of that at times. After all, Republicans wrote half of the bills I have cosponsored – bills that have delivered for our veterans, workers, and small businesses statewide.
Unfortunately, bipartisanship is increasingly becoming the exception -
Rather than the RULE.
We more often than not prioritize our differences, and in doing so stifle the potential for real gains for working people in Alaska and across the country. Of course, there exist red-line issues for both sides, but those shouldn’t stop us from being able to work together on everything else (and believe us there is plenty to work together on).
My tenure has been about carrying on the bipartisan legacy of Don Young, a Republican legislator who many Alaskans across the political spectrum have come to remember fondly – even if they disagreed with him at times.
I am not in the business of dictating to my constituents. I’d rather listen and fight for what Regular Alaskans tell me they need. In a state that has a wide variety of political ideologies, that means being open to bipartisanship each day – and legislating as such.
Alaskans need a strong, coalition builder that can deliver for us. I’m dedicating my time in Washington to being that coalition-builder – someone fighting for all Alaskans.
That’s what a representative of the people should do.
