FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/18/2014
ANCHORAGE- Mark Begich has earned the endorsement of The Tundra Drums for re-election to the United States Senate. The Tundra Drums was established in 1974 and publishes the news of Bethel and the surrounding Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Here’s What the Tundra Drums Had to Say About Why They’re Supporting Mark Begich:
“A good public servant is a good negotiator; and in the give-and-take environment of the U.S. Senate, Begich has performed admirably by delivering on his commitments and promises to work hard and staying focused on the needs of his constituents.”
“Sen. Begich is proving to be a very effective advocate for rural Alaskans. He’s there fighting for traditions and cultures that are so important to the residents and to the identity of Alaskans. His effectiveness can be judged in the terms of the Washington gridlock. Sen. Begich has never lost sight of the fact that he was elected to represent Alaskans and to do what a good senator must do to be effective.”
“Sen. Begich remains true to the independent nature of Alaskans who are not bound to various political philosophies that hamper effectiveness in the delivery of results for Alaskans.”
Read the full endorsement below:
Thunder from the Tundra
Op-Ed
The race for the U.S. Senate is an important one for rural Alaskans and that’s why we’re making an early endorsement of incumbent Mark Begich. We think that Sen. Begich is the best candidate and deserves our support in his bid for reelection. We have an investment in the senator and he has an investment in rural Alaskans. It’s a win-win for all Alaskans!
A good public servant is a good negotiator; and in the give-and-take environment of the U.S. Senate, Begich has performed admirably by delivering on his commitments and promises to work hard and staying focused on the needs of his constituents. There are two ways to measure delivery; one is by tangible results and the other way is through advocacy.
Under the Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the senator has delivered on his promise to fight for much needed funding for projects in the Bethel census area. As of the end of December 2013, $116 million had been awarded and more is sure to come. Then there’s the effort to secure funding for better communications via broadband. Again under the Recovery Act, $88 million was awarded to help finance the TERRA SW project. The funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture will improve local and long-distance telephony, wireless, video, Internet and data communications throughout the state. In this era of globalization, better communications is not a luxury but a need if the 58 communities in the Y-K area are to improve the quality of life for local residents.
The other way to judge results is by advocacy effectiveness. Sen. Begich is proving to be a very effective advocate for rural Alaskans. He’s there fighting for traditions and cultures that are so important to the residents and to the identity of Alaskans. His effectiveness can be judged in the terms of the Washington gridlock. Sen. Begich has never lost sight of the fact that he was elected to represent Alaskans and to do what a good senator must do to be effective. That means walking across to the other side of the aisle and negotiating in the best interests of his constituency. The senator has developed a reputation of a person who is willing to cross the aisle without regard to partisanship or national politics. Sen. Begich remains true to the independent nature of Alaskans who are not bound to various political philosophies that hamper effectiveness in the delivery of results for Alaskans.
We sincerely believe that given another term as U.S. Senator, Mark Begich will perform more effectively and deliver on the funding needs that are so critical to Alaska’s development. With another term, Sen. Begich will add seniority and thus more influence and effectiveness. Out of 100 senators, Sen. Begich is now 63 in seniority and with several retirements this year, he will be even higher when the new term starts in January. This bodes well for Alaska’s needs and wants for federal funding of public projects that are so critically needed in this new era of globalization. We endorse Sen. Mark Begich’s reelection.
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