Candidates file, districts set
Friday was the deadline for candidates to file for state senate and house of representatives seats, as well as U.S. house of representatives. Also, on Thursday Alaska Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell signed regulations to adopt new precinct boundaries for the elections based on the redistricting plan approved by the Alaska Supreme Court on May 22, though the U.S. Department of Justice is still reviewing the plan to ensure Voting Rights Act standards are met.
The Eastern Kenai Peninsula is now part of House District 28 which includes Seward, Moose Pass, Cooper Landing and Hope. Also in the district are Nikiski and Salamatof. The house district is part of Senate District N, which also includes South Anchorage and Girdwood.
Filing for the 2-year House District 28 seat was incumbent Charles M. “Mike” Chenault (R) of Nikiski. He will run unopposed.
For the Senate District N, 2-year seat the candidates are Joe Arness (R) of Kenai and incumbent Catherine A. “Cathy” Giessel (R) of Anchorage.
Nine candidates filed for the 2-year position of U.S. Representative: incumbent Don Young (R) of Anchorage, Debra Chesnut (D) of Fairbanks, Sharon M. Cissna (D) of Anchorage, John R. Cox (R) of Anchor Point, Terre L. Gales (R) of Eagle River, Jim C. McDermott (L) of Fairbanks, Matt Moore (D) of Anchorage, Doug Urquidi (D) of Eagle River and Frank J. Vondersaar (D) of Homer.
Two measures are on the primary election ballot. One is an act increasing the maximum residential property exemption and the other is about establishing a new coastal management program.
On the general election ballot are two measures. One would create a convention to revise, alter or amend the state constitution and the second is for general obligation bonds for transportation projects.
The primary election on the two measures and to select party candidates for the general election is Aug. 28. The deadline to register to vote in the primary is July 29.
The general election is Nov. 6 and will include national candidates, state senate and house candidates and the two ballot measures.
City and borough elections are in October and the deadline to file for the local offices will be announced.