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Jake Hamburg
Alaska Democrats Concluded Successful Convention
Sanders wins 13, Clinton 3 Alaska Delegates to National Convention
ANCHORAGE: The Alaska Democratic Party concluded its biennial state convention Sunday with the election of party officers, the adoption of changes to the party plan and the passage of a resolution aimed at ending the use Unpledged Delegates.
“The state convention was an exciting time for the Alaska Democratic Party. From new Democrats participating in the party for the first time to lifelong Democrats, the enthusiastic involvement and contribution of new ideas we saw was a win for Alaska,” said Casey Steinau, Chair of the Alaska Democratic Party. “The record turnout and great work conducted throughout the weekend shows Alaska Democrats are engaged and committed to building a better future for everyone.”
More than 550 Democrats from all 40 state house districts attended the state convention.
Larry Murakami of Fairbanks was elected as the party’s State Treasurer, Julianne Baltar of Dillingham was elected State Secretary, Sheila Selkregg of Anchorage was elected National Committeewoman, and Ed Wesley of Anchorage was elected National Committeman.
Attendees heard from DNC Chair Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott, Vic Fischer, Democratic and Independent candidates running for office, party leaders and other distinguished guests.
Convention attendees also participated in a variety of committee meetings and workshops. Alaska Democrats took an important step toward expanding access and participation in the presidential nomination process with discussion about the caucus and possible reforms. The Party Plan Committee and Platform Committee worked for many hours Friday to update the party rules and shape its principles.
Election of Delegates to Democratic National Convention
Sen. Sanders won 13 of Alaska’s Delegates to the Democratic National Convention that were elected Saturday. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received 3 delegates. When combined with the state’s four unpledged delegates selected earlier, the state’s 20 delegates to the national convention are currently 14 for Sanders, 4 for Clinton, and 2 remain uncommitted.
“We are pleased to have a diverse group of Alaskans representing our state in Philadelphia this summer,” said Steinau. “Alaskans will join other Democrats from across the nation, and we will unite behind our Democratic nominee and help them defeat presumptive Republican Nominee Donald Trump this November.”
Abiding by the rules set by the Democratic National Committee and Alaska’s Delegate Selection Plan, the award of delegates was based on a presidential fan out in which 523 state convention delegates participated. Sanders received 426 (81.5%) and Clinton received 97 of the state convention delegates (18.5%).
The Pledged Delegates are:
· Mikki King Barker of Fairbanks
· Katrina Domnick of Bethel
· Olivia Garrett of Fairbanks
· Traci George of Eagle River
· Edward Alexander of Fort Yukon
· Gregory Jones of Wasilla
· Nathan Sidell of Palmer
· George Wesley Sookiayak of Anchorage
· Jill Yordy of Fairbanks
· Taz Tally of Homer
· Genevieve Mina of Anchorage
· Peter Andrew of Dillingham
· Diana Carbonell of Fritz Creek
· Rep. Andy Josephson of Anchorage
· Tamara Kleiner of Anchorage
· W. James Smallwood of Anchorage
Alternates are:
· Gavin Hudson of Metlakatla
· D’Arcy Hutchings of Anchorage
· Charles Degnan of Unalakleet
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