"I would like to respond to Elise Patkotak's piece dated Oct. 20, 2010, "2010: Year of the stealth candidate" and her remark that I am running a lackadaisical campaign. I've never been one to campaign via the media. I instead choose to travel our great state and speak to those who this job is all about -- Alaskans.

I have traveled throughout Alaska during this campaign, and I would like to thank the individuals and organizations that have graciously taken time out of their busy schedules to meet with me on a variety of issues affecting Alaskans during this campaign. I can honestly say that it was an honor and a privilege to sit down with Alaska residents from Southeast to Barrow.

I'd like to thank the Association of Village Council Presidents for allowing me to hear your concerns during the annual convention in Bethel and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation for hosting a community dinner during the same visit.

I'd like to thank the City of Nome and the Bering Straits Leadership Team for hosting a great community event and for discussing a range of issues important to the region, and KNOM and the Nome Nugget for interviewing me.

I'd like to thank the City of Sitka, the Sitka Chamber of Commerce, and the board, students, and faculty of Mt. Edgecumbe High School for giving me the opportunity to hear what was on your minds. That was a great opportunity to hear from young Alaskans from all over the state. And I'd like to thank the private business and individuals I met in your great town while weathered in and waiting for a flight to Ketchikan.

My apologies to the residents and organizations from Ketchikan and Prince of Wales Island. As you know, the 90-mile- per-hour winds prevented my departure from Sitka and I had to cancel my travels to your area. However, I will be back in the near future."

Get the Story:
Don Young: Young defends his personal campaigning (The Anchorage Daily News 10/28)