New poll numbers show independent candidate Bill Walker has increased presence in the governor’s race. KDLG’s Chase Cavanaugh has more on the poll, as well as Walker’s stance on several issues.
Ivan Moore Research recently conducted its 2nd Quarter Alaska Survey Poll. Surveying a representative population of 574 registered voters that would vote in November, they asked about voters candidate preference in the upcoming gubernatorial election. When taking the most likely candidates from each party primary and putting them up against independent Bill Walker, 42% of respondents chose current Governor Sean Parnell. Walker came in second, with 29%, and likely Democratic frontrunner Byron Mallott got 16%. When only including Walker and Parnell, the Governor got 46%, while walker got 45%. When asked about these numbers, Walker said they reflect the appeal of a commonsense campaign message.
“We think what people pay for the cost of energy in Alaska in a majority of the areas is completely out of line of what we can afford. That’s been a major part of my campaign. Health care cost is important. Obviously it’s a critical issue. I’ve accepted the expanded Medicaid. Education is very important, jobs are important. It’s a message that’s resonating because it’s not a real hyper-technical political message. It’s just common sense and that’s what we are.”
KDLG got the chance to speak with Walker about his stance on several other issues. When asked about oil taxes, he said he was a definite supporter of Proposition 1. At the same time, Walker said as governor, he would follow the will of the people.
“My concern is that I think there needed to be an adjustment on aces, but we tend to swing the pendulum, I think it swung too far on this piece of legislation. We could have done better, much better. That being said, I, as governor, will follow the wishes of the people. If the voters say the revenue reduction to Alaska and increased revenue to oil companies stays in place, then it stays in place.”
When asked about Pebble Mine, he said generally, he was very pro-development. However, with its proximity to the salmon fisheries, and the potential damage the mining could cause, Walker has his reservations.
“Other mines, I’m very comfortable with and supportive of the Pogo Mine, but this one I’m concerned about.”
This feeds into Walker’s support for local advisory groups, such as Prince William Sound’s RCAC.
“I think that any time local input should be sought after and there should be a role for local stakeholders. Some sort of organization, not necessarily another layer of regulatory oversight, but to come alongside and say “based upon our knowledge of being here 10 years, 50 years, generations, however long it’s been, here’s what we should think you should be aware of and some concerns we have about the way you’re doing business.”
Walker will compete against the winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries in the general election, which takes place in November.
