Dunleavy, GOP attempt to pressure Supreme Court on recall

What we have here from Dunleavy, his support group and the Republican Party is an attempt to use political influence on the courts to help Dunleavy. This should be resisted.

Dermot ColeFebruary 26, 2020 Comments

Extreme budget cuts remain central to Dunleavy's confused 'plan' for Alaska

As long as Dunleavy plays the part of a hapless and helpless politician, waiting for the legislative gang of 60 to mobilize, the state will drift aimlessly. And speed toward a recall election.

Dermot ColeFebruary 24, 2020 Comments

Dunleavy balks at revealing involvement in Clark Penney no-bid contract

Rather than deal with the political origins of the Clark Penney contract, Dunleavy launched into a Costanza-like airing of grievances. He blamed Reps. Zack Fields and Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for everything from long legislative sessions to lower Permanent Fund Dividends.

Dermot ColeFebruary 23, 2020 Comments

Dunleavy put Arduin at the helm, steering Alaska Marine Highway toward chaos, collapse

The basic pitch from Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Donna Arduin during the Dunleavy/Koch Network road show was the same—the state appropriation for ferry service could be cut by 75 percent to $24 million and the results would be great for Alaska. They were wrong.

Dermot ColeFebruary 22, 2020 Comments

Dunleavy's attorney general won't back Dunleavy's baseless claim of court bias

What should happen now is that Dunleavy should either fire Attorney General Kevin Clarkson over this decision or apologize to Supreme Court Justice Joel Bolger. If anyone fails the test of impartiality, it’s Dunleavy.

Dermot ColeFebruary 21, 2020 Comment

Dunleavy's grandstanding on dividend falls flat

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, on the run from the recall, introduced a bill Wednesday to add $815 million to the state deficit by giving Alaskans an additional $1,304 in Permanent Fund Dividends for last year. It’s not going to pass.

Dermot ColeFebruary 20, 2020 Comments

Top 10 violations of state regulations with Dunleavy's Clark Penney no-bid deal

I want to thank blogger Suzanne Downing, unofficial spokeswoman for Gov. Mike Dunleavy, for confirming that it was Dunleavy who wanted a no-bid contract to go to the grandson of Bob Penney, the businessman who spent $350,000 to help get Dunleavy elected.

Dermot ColeFebruary 19, 2020 Comments

Dunleavy's support group pulls out of court challenge, but state will still fight recall

During his appearance on Talk of Alaska Tuesday, Dunleavy tried to sell the idea that no one named Mike has any control over Stand Tall With Mike. That’s not what he tells groups Outside.

Dermot ColeFebruary 18, 2020 Comments

Dunleavy's budget stall pushes state closer to fiscal crisis

The big problem with Dunleavy in 2020 is that he wants to spend $1.5 billion more than the state is taking in every year, but he won’t propose taxes, spending cuts, dividend cuts or any budget move of consequence. It’s the Dunleavy Disaster 2.0.

Dermot ColeFebruary 17, 2020 Comments

Legislative plan could save $600,000, with state attorneys handling anti-union crusade

The Legislature has a plan to end the wasteful $600-per-hour contract with President Trump’s lawyer. One or more of 160 civil division state attorneys on the payroll could handle the case. If the Dunleavy administration tries to spend the money anyway and cut something like consumer protection, that will be another reason for recall.

Dermot ColeFebruary 16, 2020 Comment