State attorneys Elizabeth Bakalar, foreground left, and Margaret Paton-Walsh, foreground right, listen to arguments made by attorney Jon Choate on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017 in Alaska Superior Court in Juneau. At background left is Judge Philip Pallenberg, who is expected to decide the Alaska Democratic Party’s lawsuit against the state next week. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire File)

State attorneys Elizabeth Bakalar, foreground left, and Margaret Paton-Walsh, foreground right, listen to arguments made by attorney Jon Choate on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017 in Alaska Superior Court in Juneau. At background left is Judge Philip Pallenberg, who is expected to decide the Alaska Democratic Party’s lawsuit against the state next week. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire File)

Alaska Supreme Court allows independents into Dems’ primary

With an order released Wednesday morning, the Alaska Supreme Court has allowed independents to challenge Democrats in the Democratic Party’s primary elections.

The decision has major implications for this fall’s statewide elections: Gov. Bill Walker is an independent, and no major Democratic candidate has registered for the fall election. If Walker were to run in (and win) August’s Democratic primary as an independent, he would limit the number of challengers in November’s general election.

“Of course it makes strategic sense for him,” said Jay Parmley, director of the Alaska Democratic Party.

Parmley said the party has not had any discussions with Walker, and his decision remains his own.

“I’m simply waiting. It’s going to be the governor’s decision; it’s not ours,” he said.

For the rest of this story, visit the Juneau Empire.

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

More in News

Rep. Ben Carpenter, R-Nikiski, walks down the Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai, Alaska, during the Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Rep. Ben Carpenter endorses controversial ‘Project 2025,’ writes ‘What’s not to like?’

The set of conservative policy proposals were compiled by the Heritage Foundation and other conservative groups

Member Jordan Chilson speaks in support of an ordinance that would establish a residential property tax exemption during a meeting of the Soldotna City Council in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna City Council defeats proposed residential property tax exemption

The proposed ordinance was first considered July 10

Alaska SeaLife Center Animal Care Specialist Maddie Welch (left) and Veterinary Technician Jessica Davis (right) feeds the orphaned female Pacific walrus calf patient that arrived from Utqiagvik, Alaska on Monday, July 22, 2024. Walruses are rare patients for the Wildlife Response Department, with only eleven total and just one other female since the ASLC opened in 1998. Photo by Kaiti Grant
Female Pacific walrus calf admitted to Alaska SeaLife Center

The walrus calf, rescued from Utqiagvik, was admitted on July 22

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Central Emergency Services Chief Roy Browning and other dignitaries toss dirt into the air at a groundbreaking for the new Central Emergency Services Station 1 in Soldotna on Wednesday.
Central Emergency Services celebrates start of work on new Station 1

Construction might begin at the site as soon as Monday

A sockeye salmon rests atop a cooler at the mouth of the Kasilof River on Monday, June 26, 2023, in Kasilof, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Sockeye ‘good’ on Kenai, Kasilof

Northern Kenai Fishing Report

Kelsey Gravelle shows a hen named Frego and Abigail Price shows a goose named Sarah to Judge Mary Tryon at the Kenai Peninsula District 4-H Agriculture Expo on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
4-H ag expo returns this weekend with animal shows, auction

The events take place at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28

Amandine Testu. Photo courtesy of Delta Wind
Missing hiker in Kachemak Bay State Park found

Park rangers reported Amandine Testu as ‘overdue’ Wednesday morning

Voters fill out their ballots at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, Alaska on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Incumbents show lead in fundraising for state offices

Candidate spending is detailed in disclosure forms due Monday

Alaska State Troopers logo.
Anchorage man dies after being found floating in Kenai River

The man had been fishing in the area with friends, according to troopers

Most Read