eddie burke wants to be alaska’s next lieutenant governor!

For such a moderately populated state, Alaska certainly seems to have more than its share of pioneering men and women who willingly - and enthusiastically - offer themselves up to serve others.

Today, The Last Frontier offered up its newest shining example of the pioneering spirit as Eddie Burke - conservative talk radio host, and someone whom many of us have come to know as a friend - officially announced his entry into the race to become Alaska’s next Lieutenant Governor!

Once again, the state of Alaska has proven to inspire great love and devotion from all those who call it home, and Eddie Burke is no exception.  The text of Mr. Burke’s press release (issued today) is below - take a look and see what he’s all about!

- tdc

*Photo courtesy kfqd.com

*************** OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - APRIL 1, 2010 ***************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eddie Burke Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor

CONSERVATIVE MEDIA PERSONALITY BEGINS REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN TO CHAMPION RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT IN ALASKA

—ANCHORAGE - April 2, 2010 – Former Anchorage radio talk show host and small business owner Eddie Burke has entered the race as a Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor.  Though Alaska has financially benefited from its abundant natural resources, particularly the success of the oil and gas industry, Eddie understands that current state budgets are unsustainable over the long term.  Therefore, he will encourage and support the Governor and State Legislature to be fiscally responsible in the governance of Alaska.  Eddie knows that thoughtful actions taken today will help secure the future for Alaska’s children. 

The issues important to Eddie Burke are those that are important to the livelihood of all Alaskans.  As a well-known and outspoken media personality on local radio, Eddie has been a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, the rights of the unborn and the concerns of Alaska’s veterans.  As he campaigns for Lieutenant Governor, he will continue to be a passionate proponent of these important issues, while also stressing the importance of the responsible stewardship of the State’s financial resources. 

Eddie Burke has been an active member of the Alaskan community since he arrived 38 years ago.  In addition to his media career, he has been a small business owner and active on the boards of Special Olympics, Crimestoppers, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Legislative Committee and President of Alaska State Snowmobile Association.  Furthermore, Eddie gained valuable legislative experience as a Chief-of-Staff in the Alaska State Legislature.

Eddie Burke resides in Anchorage, Alaska with Linda, his wife of 28 years.  They are the parents of four children, and the proud grandparents of three young Alaskans.  Eddie Burke is seeking the office of Lieutenant Governor in order to secure a bright future for his family and all Alaskans.

 

the mutual respect of senator john mccain and governor sarah palin

The 2010 election cycle has illuminated the contrasts between so-called RINOs and “true” conservatives.  Thankfully, the beauty of our country’s electoral tradition enables and encourages competitive primaries within parties, allowing voters to determine who wins their trust. 

Along these lines, there is a healthy contest happening in Arizona between Senator John McCain and his challenger, JD Hayworth.  There are those within the Republican party who feel that Senator McCain is the less conservative of the two candidates, and he is, therefore, not their preferred choice to speak on their behalf in Washington, DC.  Alternatively, there are McCain supporters who believe that his experience and high-profile opposition to the current administration’s policies will continue to serve his constituents well.  Regardless of one’s views, it should be evident that these types of debates are healthy for our country and our political discourse.  And indeed it would seem that Governor Sarah Palin feels the same way.

The good Governor campaigned for her friend and former running mate in Arizona today, delivering her usual barnstormer of a speech.  She was energized, she was passionate, and she was clearly happy to be there on the Senator’s behalf.

To be sure, Governor Palin and Senator McCain do not agree on the means and methods of addressing every issue facing our nation.  However, the fact is that they both agree that we are moving in the wrong direction, and the only way to correct our course is to move back towards the philosophical center (certainly, how far each would go can be debated).  Ultimately, though, these two political giants share a mutual respect and friendship that unites them beyond any disagreements they might have.  And in the harsh political environment in which we find ourselves these days, it was wonderful to hear Senator McCain and Governor Palin today speak so warmly of one another. 

Neither had to say as much as they did, but as is evident from the video clip below, there is a special bond between these two politicians that allows them to be uninhibited in expressing the appreciation that they so clearly share for one another.

- tdc

*See Part I and Part III (Palin solo) of Greta Van Susteran’s interview