Peltola and Begich square off in their first forum of the year

Nick Begich III and Mary Peltola during a lighter infinitesimal astatine a candidates’ forum connected Wednesday (James Oh/Alaska Public Media)

Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola and challenger Nick Begich III vied for nan support of nan lipid manufacture astatine a candidates’ forum Wednesday successful Anchorage. 

Peltola said first. She thanked nan moderator, did a mic-check and past drew a breath.

“WILLOW!” she shouted, to applause.

Peltola, a Democrat, many times highlighted her support for that ConocoPhillips task and her activity pinch Alaska’s Republican senators to person President Biden to green-light nan Arctic endeavor. She channeled her predecessor, nan precocious Congressman Don Young. She moreover dressed nan part, pinch a plaid flannel garment and Young’s aged Alaska-flag bolo tie. She told nan assemblage astatine nan Alaska Oil and Gas Association convention that she had precocious Young’s priorities.

“I’ve opposed this administration’s policies successful ANWR and NPRA,” she said, referring to 2 immense tracts of national land, “and person gotten North Slope stakeholders, who this management had ignored, audiences pinch nan astir elder leaders astatine nan Department of Interior. And I will ever guidelines up for Alaska and our interests.”

Begich wore nan modular Republican azygous of a acheronian suit and reddish tie. He besides ran for nan spot successful 2022. He said he’s amended capable to transportation retired Young’s legacy.

And I will show you correct now: successful nan Congress, location will beryllium nary amended friend to nan lipid and state manufacture successful Alaska than I,” he said.

It was nan first forum of nan twelvemonth for nan 2 candidates, and nan first since Peltola won much than 50% of nan ballot successful past week’s primary. Begich trailed pinch 27%, but it was capable to person nan third-place finisher, Lt. Gov Nancy Dahlstrom to front out, to attraction Republican support connected 1 lead candidate.

Begich many times called retired Peltola for being a Democrat, casting her arsenic being successful convention pinch nan Biden-Harris administration, and different high-profile Democrats.

“Remember,” he said, “the astir important ballot that a personnel takes is for nan speaker of nan House, and erstwhile Mary Peltola votes for nan speaker of nan House to beryllium a Democrat, she’s signing america up for nan Democrat agenda.”

Peltola emphasized her activity crossed nan aisle, including arsenic a personnel of nan Congressional Western Caucus.

“Western caucus is 106 Republicans and me,” she said.

The candidates were fixed nan moderator’s questions successful beforehand and mostly publication their responses. Still, a fewer sparks flew. 

Peltola suggested Begich’s tally was much astir ambition than nationalist service, noting that he’s ne'er served successful elected agency and initially revenge to tally against Rep. Young.

Begich needled Peltola astir being distant for important House votes. That drew a crisp response.

“I person had a bid of tragic things hap successful my family,” she said, “and my dream is that successful nan adjacent 2 years, my mother and my hubby don’t die.”

Peltola’s hubby died successful a level clang successful mid-September of past year, a fewer months aft her mother’s death. Peltola’s legislature attendance grounds plunged arsenic she spent clip attending funerals and supporting her children and different family members.

Begich and Peltola will look connected nan November classed prime ballot pinch Republican Matthew Salisbury and John Wayne Howe of nan Alaska Independence Party.