Tony Knowles on Government Reform

2004 former Democratic Challenger for Senate (AK; previously served as Governor)

A one-party strategy for America doesn't work

MURKOWSKI: "He has to join a team," Murkowski, the Republican, asserted. "If you decide to caucus with the Democrats, Alaska loses because then it is the Democratic agenda that is on the table." That means no oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, no speeding of land conveyances to the state and Native corporations and no timber harvest in the Tongass National Forest, she said.

KNOWLES: "A one-party strategy for America doesn't work. I sued Bill Clinton five different times as governor. But then I worked with him on the Denali KidCare program and opening up [the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska]. You don't pick your candidates or your friends on personalities. You do it for what's right for Alaska. That's what Ted Stevens has always done and I'll be a good partner with Ted Stevens putting Alaskans first, working on both sides of the aisle."

Source: [Xref Murkowski] AK Senate Debate, in Daily News-Miner Oct 20, 2004

Reforms must respect state's rights to select electors.

Knowles adopted the National Governors Association position paper:

The Issue

In the wake of the United States presidential election in Florida, the Congress and the administration has expressed interest in federal standards for elections. Recognizing that Articles I and II of the United States Constitution grants states, not Congress, the authority to determine the manner of selecting presidential electors and conducting elections generally, most legislative proposals do not mandate federal standards. Rather, current proposals direct federal agencies or commissions to study and make recommendations concerning the election system. Nonetheless, the possibility of legislation in the 107th Congress requiring states to implement federal election standards remains. If enacted without adequate funding by the federal government, such legislation could also result in an unfunded mandate to the states.

NGA’s Position

Articles I and II of the United States Constitution grant states the authority to determine the manner of selecting presidential electors and provide that states are responsible for establishing election procedures generally. However, in the wake of the 2000 presidential election, the nation’s Governors recognize the need for election reform. NGA will continue to monitor federal legislation addressing this issue, but has not taken a position in support of or opposition to election reform efforts. Source: National Governors Association "Issues / Positions" 01-NGA11 on Aug 1, 2001

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Page last updated: Sep 04, 2008