October 12, 2002
Saturday - 12:50 am

Anchorage ­ Saying Alaska voters deserve the chance to evaluate all bona fide gubernatorial candidates in public debates, Republican Frank Murkowski today called on his Democrat opponent to join with him in asking debate organizers to open their events to

"To exclude certain candidates from full participation in the debates that are such an important part of the election process would be undemocratic, and runs counter to the spirit, if not the letter, of state elections law."... Frank Murkowski

candidates of all parties.

"These candidates will be on the ballot - they should be on the stage, too," Murkowski said. "If the whole point of a debate is to give voters a look at the people who want to lead Alaska, it just seems like letting every candidate participate is the right thing to do."

In a letter to Democrat candidate Fran Ulmer today, Murkowski said he was prompted to issue his call for full inclusion after hearing of protests by candidates of smaller parties who had been excluded from several debates and forums. He also noted that state law reserves a place on the ballot for parties who received 3 percent of the vote in the prior gubernatorial election.

"To exclude certain candidates from full participation in the debates that are such an important part of the election process would be undemocratic, and runs counter to the spirit, if not the letter, of state elections law," Murkowski wrote. "If you agree, I would ask you to join me in calling on those organizing debates and newspapers forums to open their events to all bona fide candidates for governor.

In addition to Murkowski and Ulmer, the Nov. 5 ballot will include gubernatorial candidates Don Wright of the Alaska Independence Party; Diane Benson of the Green Party of Alaska, Billy Toien of the Libertarian Party, and Raymond VinZant Sr. of the Republican Moderate Party.

Murkowski noted that he has accepted debate invitations from commercial TV stations, public radio and television stations, chambers of commerce, public policy groups, newspapers, and youth and student government organizations, and has also agreed to answer specific questions on the issues for publication in several newspapers. He sent letters to these organizations seeking full inclusion, as well.

"It is my desire, if elected, to serve as the governor of all Alaskans," Murkowski wrote. "As such, I would much rather take part in debates in which candidates representing all candidates may participate. I hope you will be able accommodate all candidates, so that their participation and mine may provide the fullest possible range of information to the voters of Alaska."

Source of News Release:

Murkowski for Governor Campaign
Web Site

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