At a crowded event on Monday night in Wasilla, Representative Chris Kurka (R – Wasilla) announced Paul Hueper as his running mate. Kurka, a conservative pro-life Republican, announced his run for governor in late November.
Hueper and his wife Marilyn Hueper gained national attention last April when their home in Homer was mistakenly raided by the FBI. The FBI was searching for Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D – California) laptop that was taken from her office during the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Although the Hueper’s were in D.C. on January 6, 2021, they say they never entered the Capitol. Marilyn Hueper resembled a woman caught on surveillance in the Capitol. However, it was later revealed the woman the FBI was looking for was in New York.
Joe Miller, who defeated Senator Lisa Murkowski (R – Alaska) in the 2010 Republican primary but later lost to Murkowski in a historic write-in election, spoke at the event. Miller heavily criticized Governor Mike Dunleavy (R – Alaska), stating his administration is “morally bankrupt.” Miller spoke about COVID restrictions and election integrity, themes that were echoed by Kurka and Hueper.
Hueper, 59, said he and his wife have lived in Alaska for 23 years and have three daughters. He spoke about the FBI raid of his home, describing it as “devastating.” In his speech, Hueper talked about what he referred to as “corrupt elections.” One of the main duties of lieutenant governor is overseeing elections. He also criticized Dunleavy for not delivering on his campaign promise to restore the dividend. After former Governor Bill Walker vetoed the dividend in 2016, the Supreme Court ruled the dividend is subject to legislative appropriation. Dunleavy ran on a full statutory dividend in 2018 but has been unable to get the Legislature to appropriate a statutory, or even a 50/50 dividend.
The Landmine was at the event and live streamed the entire thing. You can watch it here.
In 2020, voters approved a new voting system that moves to a single, open primary and ranked-choice general. The top four vote getters in the primary advance to the general election. Another result of the new election system is candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run as a ticket. Before, they ran in separate elections and were paired after the primary.
Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce recently announced he will also run for governor. Pierce’s entry marks the second elected Republican to challenge Dunleavy. Pierce has not yet announced a running mate. In late December, Lieutenant Governor Kevin Meyer (R – Alaska) announced he would not seek re-election. Dunleavy has not yet announced his running mate.
Democrat Les Gara filed to run for governor last summer, but has been unable to find a running mate. Former Governor Bill Walker also filed to run for governor last summer. He chose Heidi Drygas, who served as his labor commissioner, as his running mate. Libertarian Billy Toien and Republican Bruce Walden have also filed to run for governor. The deadline to file to run for office is June 1.
While being rightfully upset about the FBI search, what other experience with the government does Mr. Hueper have?
How do you know, Jeff, that Gara “has been unable to find a running mate”? Maybe he’s found one but hasn’t announced it. Maybe he’s focusing on fundraising, and will announce a running mate later. “Unable to find” is loaded. Typical of you to swing words around dangerously.
Yeah this stuck out to me too. I seriously doubt Les is “unable to find” one – more likely that he has too many willing (and qualified) people to choose from. I predict they will be an Alaska Native woman.
Heuper’s home wasn’t “mistakenly raided by FBI”. The FBI obtained a search warrant and legally executed a search.
When the FBI “thinks” they have identified a person through a photograph and said person is in possession of the Speaker of the House laptop, yes, they were “mistakenly raided”. Hint? Congrats!
Kurka dresses like a car salesman
And I wonder if his running mate will “dress it up” and wear a t-shirt with a necktie printed on it for the inaugural?
Lynn, you call people out if they offer “mean” comments. So, allow yourself to get called out: your own comments will help solidify a vote in the name of the candidate you’re making fun of. Those people vote, and you should know that by now. You may not agree with the Valley politically, but don’t make the Ben Stevens “Valley Trash” mistake. Isn’t that beneath you, or so you’ve established?
If a “dude” who hasn’t the sense to show up at his announcement as a candidate for Lt. Governor of Alaska can’t grasp that a certain level of decorum is expected, how do think he and Kurka will respect their office?
Do you think the voters who see the attempted insurrection as a good thing or who are convinced that the election was “stolen” are concerned with things like “decorum”?
No, and this is probably just another symptom. Today Kurka was praising the Oath Keepers during remarks to the House Floor.
As reprehensible as people would find statements like that, Kurka, who is experienced at reading the field and playing on people’s emotions in his “right to life” capacity, is doing this on purpose, to very real people, who comprise a voting base he is openly taking advantage of. He is not as stupid as you play him off as, and to call him that would be to give him a pass. He (and politicians like him) says these things because they are effective with enough voters to win them elections. That voting base is probably just as powerful as the… Read more »