In this April 2014 file photo, Sen. Mike Dunleavy, R-Wasilla, left, speaks with Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, before their Senate Finanace Committee meeting at the Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

In this April 2014 file photo, Sen. Mike Dunleavy, R-Wasilla, left, speaks with Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, before their Senate Finanace Committee meeting at the Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Meet Gov. Walker’s first big challenger

Five years ago, Mike Dunleavy ran for Alaska Senate and asked residents of the Mat-Su to kindly not shoot him.

“Mike Dunleavy knows that Alaska is on a freight train to Brokeville. If you see Mike Dunleavy coming up your driveway, don’t shoot. Mike’s bringing good news,” his campaign ads stated.

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• Contact reporter James Brooks at james.k.brooks@juneauempire.com or call 523-2258.


In this February 2016 photo, Sen. Mike Dunleavy, R-Wasilla, speaks in support of his bill, SB 89, that would prohibit a school district from contracting with an abortion services provider or allowing them to furnish course materials or instruction concerning sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases. The bill passed on a 11-7 vote. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

In this February 2016 photo, Sen. Mike Dunleavy, R-Wasilla, speaks in support of his bill, SB 89, that would prohibit a school district from contracting with an abortion services provider or allowing them to furnish course materials or instruction concerning sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases. The bill passed on a 11-7 vote. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

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