even though he was a Republican before. If you're familiar with Alaska history at all, Walker is more of a Jay Hammond/Wally Hickel type. He has pledged to expand Medicaid here as one of his first priorities, something Sean Parnell fought with all his might. I also think Walker will be much tougher with the oil companies than Parnell was.

It's also good that his lieutenant govenor is a Democrat and the first Alaska Native (Tlingit) to hold such a high position in state government. Both Walker and Mallott were born and raised in Alaska and come from humble beginnings, no silver spoons.

I did some temp work for Walker back in the '90s. He's personally a nice guy.

Nearly everyone here whom I respect, Democrats and Independents, are happy with this election. Parnell was awful, worse than Sarah ever thought of being, so even a tree stump would be better for the state, but I feel fairly optimistic that Walker will do a good job. Of course, a Democratic governor would have been preferable, but this is as good as we can do for now. Hopefully Walker will remember that he gained this office because of Democratic support (unlike Lisa Murkowski, who has been a serious backstabber, especially in this last election cycle).

I think that is for one more year and then it is 97%. Will he keep it intact after that?????

I don't think he has the same "let them eat cake" attitude that Sean had. Republican or not, I think he cares about the people here. I'm going to stay optimistic until he gives me reason not to be.