The Alaskans Are Getting Restless....

this just in: Governor Palin Neglects Alaska Duties for Partisan Stumping on Campaign Trail in Georgia.

Alaska faces challenges that need attention now.

Anchorage - While Gov. Sarah Palin is out of state again, this time in Georgia campaigning for incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss on the eve of the runoff election, Alaska faces challenges including a lack of leadership from the Governor.

Palin will stump for Chambliss, the draft-evading incumbent Republican who waged a notoriously misleading campaign against a decorated war hero, at rallies Monday in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah and Perry, Georgia. Palin has been back in Alaska at work for only a few days since running for vice president.

"Alaskans need our Governor here earning her salary and working on key problems facing Alaska families," said Alaska Democratic Party Chair Patti Higgins.

Alaska is facing significant challenges, Higgins said, including:

* Oil prices have dropped dramatically to about $45/bbl from the peak of $144/bbl in July, which threatens the state budget.
* Alaskans are paying some of the highest prices for gas in the nation, averaging $2.87 per gallon, while the national average is $1.91.
* The state's oil production continues to decline, due to falling prices and mature fields.
* The global credit crunch and falling natural gas prices threaten the Alaska gas line.
* The State is failing to meet its constitutional obligation to take care of public education as shown by the high drop out rates and the low graduation rates.
* Many Medicare patients cannot find doctors.
* There is continued flight from rural villages.
* Alaska faces the prospect of reduced federal dollars from Washington, D.C.

"Alaska's challenges are significant, and there is much that needs to be done right now. Our Governor should remember that her primary job is to work on behalf of the citizens of Alaska, not engage in partisan politics in other states," Higgins said. "Governing is more than creating photo ops. We'd like a commitment that the Governor is working, not just scheduling media appearances."

Enough is Enough! Someone needs to tell Sarah that SHE DIDN'T WIN. She has been paid for her governor job for months during a campaign. Show up or shut up.

Follow Shannyn Moore on Twitter: www.twitter.com/shannynmoore

Comments

[nabrum]

To the people in AK, re Sarah: Stop whining - DO something about it. Recall and/or Impeach her, but stop the endless blathering. We've had enough of her during the campaign.

[Shannyn Moore - Huffpost Blogger]

I don't starting our own PAC is whining. Alaskans For Truth.
http://shannynmoore.wordpress.com/2008/11/24/alaskans-for-truth-call-to-action/

[falcon17]

Way to go Shannyn! Just went to your website, signed your petitions. Take your state back and ditch Palin. Any chance writing and calling legislators to take action in January re: the Branchflower report finding her guilty of ethics violations would help? Otherwise, use those community org techniques and work from the ground up for your citizens, not the rich and the corrupt. Keep the pressure on the legislature, you're on your way and good luck!!

[Stashpanache]

Shannyn, the only reason I don't want Palin to go away is so I can listen to you on Jon Elliott at night!!

Actually, I hope the GOP continues to think of her as their Savior and then we can be assured of Democratic leadership.

[indy girl]

Sarah Palin is not about Alaska, and she never was. Sarah is all about Sarah, self-promotion, and an ego the size of the sun......with nothing of value to offer anyone but hot air. Unfortunately Alaskans are finding this out the hard way.

[nowalnuts]

Your articles are so informative. I just wanted to thank you for the great work you do covering Alaskan politics and let you know that I've learned so much I didn't know about Alaska from reading your articles.

[theotherfringe]

Palin is stumping to hone her skills at campaigning. She figures if she stays out on the trail she will learn some things along the way. This is on-the-job training at the expense of Alaskans. Alaska needs to cut her loose because she is not doing the job they elected her to do.

[Oonagh]

Go home girl......­..........­..your time is up...

[leatherbunny]

Can some one tell me why was she exonerated from Trooper Gate again?

[sweetlucy47]

She wasn't exonerated, she was found to have "abused her power by violating Alaska Statute 39.52.110(a) of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act" That's a direct quote from the report by the Legislative Commitee.

They just haven't voted on what her punishment is yet. When they come back next month they are supposed to vote on it.

[tm68]

Well, they do have the contradicting report from the Personnel Board that has to be added to the equation. But, in a nutshell, the reason that investigation found that she did NOT violate ethics laws is because the conversations that Monegan stated had occurred, under oath, were categorically DENIED by Palin.... UNDER OATH. So he had to conclude a lack of evidence to support the ethics charge. Sooooo, the million dollar question is, which person is lying? Sarah certainly has WAY more to lose than Monegan. Monegan is already fired and only seeking justice for having been so- he's not asking for his job back, but just wants the truth out in the open. Palin on the other hand could have her entire political hopes and dreams flushed down the toilet if this Troopergate doesn't go her way. And our entire nation was witness to the ease in which she can tell lies. I just hope our legislature does the right thing and I hope Alaskans For Truth as some clout to push these issues.

[timbonotes]

is AK cruisin for a bailout?

[unite4change]

Alaska to small for Sarah now. She like the national scene.

[AdamAnt12]

Ouch...

[jfor]

I wonder if Alaskans will re-elect her?

[time2impeach]

She mocks Obama for voting "Present?" At least he was there!

[meede]

Palin hasn't been in the Governor's office in Juneau since her return from the Presidential campaigning. I'm sure she continues to charge her per diem for playing Governor from her home.

[Cil]

I wonder if Palin is going to CHARGE THE GOVERNMENT OF
ALASKA FOR THE DAYS THAT SHE HAS BEEN CAMPAIGNING
FOR SARAH PALIN FIRST, and Chambliss SECOND?

Don't forget, this is the SAME WOMAN WHO CHARGED PER
DIEM FOR OVER 300 DAYS THAT SHE SPENT AT HOME! This
is the SAME WOMAN WHO CHARGED THE STATE OF ALASKA
FOR HER FAMILY'S TRAVEL EXPENSES, TO FUNCTIONS TO
WHICH THEY WERE NOT EVEN INVITED!

I CANNOT BELIEVE that Alaskans are so very GULLIBLE!

SOMEONE NEEDS TO TALK TO THESE ALASKANS!

[ObjectiveRealist]

They get annual checks for their oil. They don't care that she wastes money and they don't care about CO2 pollution because they're in on the payoff.

[meede]

Oil prices have dropped so much that I doubt there will be another check issued.

[bookwoman121]

Please make her go away.

[psch]

Let her neglect her duties. When the time comes for re-election she might just not make it again. Though I do feel bad for the people who will suffer because of her ambitions and lack of focus.