At forum, Alaska’s Republican governor candidates split with Trump on Greenland

image from: alaskabeacon.com

A fast-moving forum in Juneau on Wednesday hosted 10 of Alaska’s 12 Republican candidates for governor, but the size of the field in the hourlong event meant there was more flavor than meat in the soup du jour.

All but two of the candidates effusively praised incumbent President Donald Trump, but despite that support, most said they disagree with his attempt to acquire Greenland and make it part of the United States.

As of Wednesday, 16 people have signed up to run for governor in this year’s election: 12 Republicans, 3 Democrats and an independent.

The top four candidates in the August primary election will advance to the November general election, where voters will sort their choices using ranked choice voting.

Incumbent Gov. Mike Dunleavy is term-limited and unable to run for a third term, leaving the seat open.

Current Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and author Hank Kroll were the only Republicans to not participate in Wednesday’s event, which was hosted by the Capital City Republicans on the night of their annual Lincoln Day dinner. Dahlstrom had a prior commitment and was unable to attend, organizers said. Kroll was not mentioned.

Asked to name their favorite Republican president other than Reagan and Lincoln, most of the 10 candidates said Trump, and some said they put him above Reagan and Lincoln.

“He’s the best president Alaska’s ever had,” said former attorney general Treg Taylor.

(READ MORE - alaskabeacon.com)