Facebook Twitter Email
MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2001

The candidates seeking to run the state of Alaska don't disagree racism exists in their state, but they do differ on how much exists and how to fight the problem.

The Anchorage Daily News talked to the candidates about the issue. Here's what the paper reported.

Wayne Ross, a Republican, said: "Alaskans are divided because we have too many people pointing out the perceived problems and we don't have enough people pointing out how well we work together." He doesn't believe racism is enough of a problem to warrant solutions.

Sen. Frank Murkowski, a Republican, said: "You've got to dwell on the positive aspects of how to reduce it, because you're never going to eliminate it. We have it all over the country, unfortunately."

Lt. Gov. Fran Ulmer, a Democrat: She said she wants to help pass a hate crimes law. She sat on a commission that examine racism, intolerance and related issues.

Nels Anderson Jr., a Democrat, said he has experience racism first hand since his father is Yup'ik.

John Wayne Glotfelty, an independent, said: racism will continue because the state's constitution "does not acknowledge the presence of Alaska Natives prior to the arrival of white pioneers."

Get the Story:
Opinions vary on racism (The Anchorage Daily News 12/24)

Relevant Links:
Alaska Commission on Tolerance - http://www.gov.state.ak.us/tolerance

Related Stories:
GOPs balking at racism reforms (12/7)
Racism commission holds final hearings (10/22)
Paint-ball attacker wants to be let out (10/18)
Alaska Natives march to racism hearing (8/27)
Alaskans talk of racism at meeting (8/24)
Racism meeting begins in Alaska (8/23)
Sentencing considered for paint-ball attacker (8/15)
Neo-Nazi Group indicts Alaska Natives (8/14)
Racism persists, say Alaskans (8/3)
Second tolerance meeting held in Alaska (7/27)
Alaskans air stories of intolerance (7/19)
Alaska racism hearings begin tonight (7/18)
Alaska racism forum meets (6/29)
Officer cleared in shooting of Native man (6/11)
Native women call attention to rapes (5/29)
Art event targets Alaska Native rapes (5/24)
FBI holds hate crime seminar (5/22)
Paint-ball attack victim files lawsuit (5/16)
Groups seek teaching of Native culture (5/15)
Alaska Natives recall acts of racism (5/14)
Governor forms racism commission (5/2)
Racism forum held in Alaska (5/1)
Tourism director quits over Native remarks (4/30)
Woman sentenced for Native attack (4/30)
Racism hearings planned in Alaska (4/27)
Comments on Natives lead to reprimand (4/25)
Governor calls for action on racism (4/18)
Racism boycotts planned in Alaska (4/16)
Senator changes mind on racism vote (4/13)
Paint-ball resolution debated (4/12)
Alaska Natives call for racism study (4/2)
Students suspended for paint-ball attack (3/27)
Racism investigation urged in Alaska (3/23)
Paint-ball charges filed (3/22)
Forum focuses on racism in Alaska (3/19)
Paint-ball attack provokes Governor (3/14)
Attacks on Alaska Natives draw attention (2/28)
Community horrified by attacks on Natives (2/27)
Alaska Natives targeted by teens (2/26)