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Negative Nick (Begich)

Negative Nick (Begich)

The inconvenience of truth

By Frank Dahl

August 15, 2022

Facts matter.

At least, they should.

Negative Nick (Begich)

I heard congressional candidate Nick Begich’s latest radio ad today and could only shake my head in disbelief.

Begich is attacking former Governor Sarah Palin with disparagements.

I guess that’s the strategy used when you’re behind in an election or you have nothing substantive to say. Tearing down opponents is a growing, disappointing trend. I’m doubtful it resonates with hardworking Alaskans who simply want a better, stable life for their families.

The radio begins with these lines:

“Alaska. A big land. A land of big issues. Issues that impact thousands of lives. Fisheries; oil and gas; renewable energy; government; mining; timber; tourism; transportation. Alaska needs a congressman who understands these issues. A congressman who can fight – and win – the battles Alaska cannot afford to lose.”

Negative Nick (Begich)Admittedly, I assumed this was an ad for Sarah. It sums up her experience as a Wasilla councilmember and mayor, as an oil and gas policy administrator, and of course as the state’s elected governor. Sarah Palin has worked in all of these sectors as a local policymaker, local and state executive, and industry regulator.

But as I continued to listen, I realized the ad isn’t for Sarah despite essentially summarizing her credentials.

The ad is for Nick Begich, Mark Begich’s nephew, of all people.

The guy who challenged former Assemblymember Amy Demboski in Eagle River and lost by almost 20%.

As far as candidate Nick Begich is concerned, his latest radio ad is unbecoming of a wanna-be congressman because not only does it list attributes he doesn’t possess, but also the second half of the ad is highly disrespectful towards Sarah. The ad reeks of desperation.

Nick has very little experience in anything, from what I can gather. It’s laughable he highlights policy sectors in which he has zero experience. His ad is misleading to the public.

Then there’s the line about Alaska needing a fighter in Washington DC.

Ever met Nick Begich?

He’s a bureaucrat like the rest of his family. He’s certainly not a fighter because of a mailer with him holding a shotgun. I’ve owned some pretty rough-and-tumble bars in my day, like in Valdez during the Alaska Pipeline build. I’ve seen really tough people fight. I’ve also dropped my share of wild game as a longtime hunter.

To my knowledge, Nick Begich is neither a fighter (in the physical or policy-centric way) nor a hunter. Don’t let radio scripts and posed photos make you think any different. He’s a tech guy.

Further, Begich hasn’t protested the onslaught of negative diatribes from Americans for Prosperity against Sarah over the last three weeks. AFP has wasted so much money on mailers that are being tossed into the garbage and are unnecessary against a superior Republican (Sarah Palin) candidate to Nick. Who is deciding on this expensive and counter-productive AFP messaging in Alaska? They should be fired for incompetence and bias.

Ever heard of former President Ronald Reagan’s use of the “11th Commandment”?

Thou shall not speak ill of any fellow Republican.

I have to hand it to Sarah and her campaign manager, by the way. I haven’t seen any negative ads from the Palin team. Sure, a response to mudslinging, but otherwise 100% positive.

That’s a true Alaskan for you.

So tomorrow, Tuesday, August 16th, it’s Primary Election and I’m voting for Sarah Palin for Congress because, without question, she actually has the credentials, experience, aptitude, and tenacity to get the job done and move Alaska forward.

Sarah is the best fighter we have on the ballot for Alaska’s next U.S. Representative.

And when it comes to filling the titan Don Young’s shoes, do you want a poser – or the real deal?

Reject “Negative Nick” and vote your conscience for Congress.

For me, that’s Sarah Palin.

Frank Dahl has owned bars, restaurants and lodges throughout Alaska and in the Lower 48 for over five decades including Blues Central at the Chef’s Inn. As the founder of Anchorage CHARR and a former Board Member of Alaska CHARR, he has been active in hospitality and tourism industry policy development for years. He is a member of Rotary and a recipient of an Alaska Legislative citation for public service.

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Negative Nick (Begich)

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  • Honestly, Nick Begich was on my list of candidates to vote for this election. I was on the fence really leaning ever so slightly towards him when I saw his smear campaign of Sarah Palin. When standing in the ballot booth I can tell you I did not vote for him based on that singular issue. I always say I don’t want smear campaigns or talking points when choosing a representative, give me something I can sink my teeth into and can get behind and I will vote for that person all day long. Sarah has my vote.