May 31, 2002
Friday - 12:25 pm

Fairbanks ­ Today, in his hometown of Fairbanks, U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski officially filed for the office of Governor by submitting the required paperwork with the Division of Elections.
 
"How can anyone in public service, or anyone with a family, not be moved by the realization that Alaska has somehow come up short in providing an economic future for our children?" asked Murkowski. "35,000 of our young people have left the state over the last eight years to seek better employment opportunities elsewhere. This tragic loss of the best and brightest of our youth has me deeply troubled. Frankly, that is why I'm running for governor. I want to get this state moving again so that our young people can build careers and raise their families in Alaska."
 
"Alaska needs a governor who will stand up to the main reasons our economy has stopped growing: outside environmental interests, the intrusive Federal government, and a culture of stagnation and inaction in our state government," Murkowski said. "The problems we face today are caused more by 'attitude' than substance, an attitude of decline and despair rather than optimism and growth. The current administration has demonstrated neither the discipline to control spending nor the courage to grow the economy. Therefore, they instead are forced to tax working families to support their spending increases and uncontrolled bureaucracy."
 
"I seek the office of Governor to build Alaska's future, not a political career. Alaska's governor must have a vision for the future and the courage to act on it. I'm ready and willing to accept that responsibility," said Murkowski.
 
During the Memorial Day recess, Murkowski spent the weekend in Ketchikan and Sitka. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Murkowski was in Anchorage, where he met with Alaskans regarding resource development, public safety and aviation issues; with leaders of the Korean Community; with AARP representatives, financial planners and accountants; and had a brown bag lunch with BP employees. On Thursday, Murkowski spent most of the day on the Kenai Peninsula in meetings with business leaders, representatives of fishing groups and spoke to the Nikiski Chamber of Commerce at noon. He flew to Fairbanks Thursday night to speak to students at the graduation ceremony of the IDEA learning program. Murkowski will spend Friday in Fairbanks in meetings with Native leaders; participate in National Guard briefings and meetings with miners and senior citizens. Along with Mrs. Murkowski, he will attend the Relay for Life cancer benefit opening ceremonies Friday night. Murkowski will return to Washington over the weekend.

Source of News Release:

Murkowski For Governor - P.O. Box 101299, Anchorage, AK 99510  - Nancy Bear Usera & Oliver Leavitt, Co-Chairs
Web Site

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