An Alaska state senator said he may run for governor in 2006 if incumbent Gov. Frank Murkowski decides not to run for re-election.
Republican Sen. Ralph Seekins, a Fairbanks car dealer, announced his intention to explore the possibility of running for "statewide office." He filed a letter of intent with the Alaska Public Offices Commission to run as a candidate in the 2006 race.
"I think the governor will run again," Seekins said. But in case Murkowski chooses not to run, Seekins wants to "leave that option open."
Murkowski has left the state guessing at his intentions, as he has not announced what he will do next year.
Seekins said his announcement was not made to pressure Murkowski into a decision. Filing a formal letter with APOC allows him to begin fundraising, he said.
Former Republican legislator Andrew Halcro of Anchorage told The Associated Press on Thursday he will run as an independent candidate. Republican Sarah Palin, former Wasilla mayor who ran for lieutenant governor in 2002, has also expressed an interest.
Senate President Ben Stevens, R-Anchorage, has not announced whether he will run for governor or for his father, Sen. Ted Stevens', seat in Congress whenever he retires.
At least two Democratic lawmakers could put their names in.
"I'm a distinct possibility," said House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz, D-Anchorage. Fellow legislator Rep. Eric Croft, D-Anchorage, may also run.
Berkowitz said it may come down to the primaries before the Democratic party has a clear idea of its candidate.
"Most of us want the opportunity to debate Murkowski one-on-one," Berkowitz said.
The deadline for a candidate to file an intention to run for governor is May 31, 2006. The general election will be on Nov. 7, 2006.
Senate Finance Chairman Gary Wilken, R-Fairbanks, said Seekins would make a fine governor if elected.
"He has the ability to bring people to the middle, and the ability to listen," Wilken said.
Seekins, 60, has served in the Legislature as a senator since taking his seat in 2003 and continuously operates a Ford-Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Fairbanks. He chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. Seekins is also a 31-year resident of Alaska.
Last session, the senator sponsored a bill that passed both houses for tort reform that would cap medical malpractice winnings at $250,000 for noneconomic damages.
Seekins also authored two ethics bills waiting for votes that would limit the amount of stock a state employee could hold in a company involved in state negotiations, but would penalize anyone speaking to the public about filing a complaint.
• Andrew Petty can be reached at andrew.petty@juneauempire.com
