Byron Mallott speaks at the annual convention of the Alaska Federation of Natives. Photo from the candidate
Results from Tuesday's vote are still being counted but Alaska might might make history with a unique ticket for governor that includes a Native candidate. Independent Bill Walker and Democrat Byron Mallott hold a very slim lead over incumbent Gov. Sean Parnell (R). Only 3,165 votes separate the campaigns, according to the Secretary of State. Mallott, a former board chair and former CEO of Sealaska Corporation, is well known across the state and first entered the race as a candidate for governor. He joined Walker's campaign after the two decided they had the best shot at defeating Parnell, who has opposed Alaska tribes on subsistence, sovereignty, voting rights and Indian Child Welfare Act issues. The Alaska Federation of Natives endorsed Walker and Mallott at the group's annual convention last month. If the ticket wins, Mallott would be the second lieutenant governor with Native heritage - the first was Loren Leman, according to Wikipedia. Get the Story:
Alaska governor's race: Parnell trailed Walker all night (The Anchorage Daily News 11/5)
Alaska governor's race too close to call (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 11/5)
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Mark Trahant: Alaska Native man in running for state governor (10/30)
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