Unity ticket: running as Independent with Democrat Lt. Gov.
Republican former state Sen. Mike Dunleavy advanced from the primary to the general election, where he is expected to face mark Begich, who was unopposed in the Democratic race, and Gov. Bill Walker, an independent who skipped a head-to-head primary
fight with Begich and instead gathered signatures to appear on the November ballot. Walker's move was intended to ensure that he could run as a team with his Democratic lieutenant governor, Byron Mallott.
Walker in 2014 changed his party affiliation from Republican to undeclared in forming a so-called unity ticket with Mallott that was backed by Democrats.
Party primaries for governor and lieutenant governor determine who runs as a ticket in November.
Candidates who bypass the primaries and instead gather signatures to appear on the general election ballot--as Walker opted to do--have a say in their running mates.
Cancer survivor after routine prostrate cancer screening
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who reached out to me following my cancer diagnosis. In October, I received a phone call from my urologist informing me that I had prostate cancer. Following my surgery, I feel incredibly blessed to be a cancer
survivor. We've been deeply moved by well wishes and prayers from across the state. I am fortunate that the cancer was diagnosed early through routine screening. I encourage all Alaskans: Please, get recommended screenings.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Alaska Legislature
, Jan 18, 2017
Don't panic when times are tough; make a plan
Prior to the 1964 Earthquake, my family had the only homebuilding business in Valdez. When the earthquake struck, it devastated our community to the point that the entire town had to be relocated. Not only did we lose all of our materials and tools, we
lost our livelihoods.
To financially survive, we seized the opportunity and the Walker family became janitors. Our hard work paid off! When the new town-site was ready some years later, we were able to invest and buy houses in the Old Town, have them
moved onto foundations in the new town and resold. We became house movers!
This is what I learned from my parents: Don't panic when times are tough. Make a plan. Stick to it. Stay focused. Stay positive. And get to work. Now is not the time to sound
the alarm, my fellow Alaskans. Now is the time to pull together, to make a plan, sharpen our focus and get to work. We have the tools. We have the ingenuity. We have the team. We will work our way out and build an even stronger Alaska.