Alaska's Mark Begich, a Pro-Gun Democrat Who Wants to Open Up Arctic Drilling

[davepc]

Arguably, Mark Begich is a Democrat in name only. Alaska's new U.S. senator joined a bipartisan group that whacked away at the economic stimulus, getting it down to $787 billion. He allied himself with Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska in a new push to allow oil drilling in the state's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. And he joined several Republicans who wish to let gun owners who have permits carry concealed weapons across state lines.

The low-key, boyish Begich (pronounced BEG ich) was mayor of Anchorage for almost six years before taking his Senate seat in January. He toppled the legendary Ted Stevens, who, when voters cast ballots in November, had just amassed seven felony convictions for lying about $250,000 in gifts.

...

Ideologically, he says he's a "moderate-to-conservative Democrat" and admires lawmakers such as Sen. Jim Webb. Begich calls the Democrat from Virginia an independent thinker who works across the aisle "to get things done." Both are strong supporters of gun rights.

Begich is part of a new generation on Capitol Hill—26 senators have been elected or appointed since 2006—and in Alaska. He professes a "good relationship" with the Republican governor, Sarah Palin, even though she is mentioned as a potential challenger. Begich says they've worked cooperatively—she as governor, he as mayor of the state's largest city. They are close in age, and both have small children, he points out. (Begich and his wife have a 6-year-old son.) His wife owns small businesses, including a bookstore and gift shop in Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

Begich is the only U.S. senator without a college degree. When he graduated from high school, Alaska was experiencing a "financial crash," which ruled out college. Instead, he helped his mother, who owned apartments, and two younger siblings. Over the years, he's taken classes, a la carte, at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, including ones on accounting and speech.

http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/politics/2009/03/05/alaskas-mark-begich-a-pro-gun-democrat-who-wants-to-open-up-arctic-drilling.html

[villager]

1. pro gun proliferation, and pro oil proliferation! What a champ!

n/t

[sharp_stick]

2. Well you do have to cater to your crowd

Bernie Sanders would probably not do so well up there. I'll take a vote in the Senate over a fellow traveler / election loser any day.

It will be a pretty chilly day in hell before we see a Progressive dem taking a seat in a State like Alaska.

[w4rma]

3. He's a good Democrat for Alaska. I do like the fact that he's pro-gun, however. (nt)

[Taitertots]

4. Sounds alright

Just what Alaska needs someone just conservative enough where they elect him, but progressive enough for congress. Alaskans did elect Palin, so this guy seems like a blessing.

I like affordable energy and petroleum based products. Also, I'm sure getting that oil money will make his state wealthier, and decrease OPEC cartel power.

Good to have another congressman to oppose any Obama gun bans.