Mark Begich on Principles & Values Democratic Challenger

Democrats advertise Stevens' calls secretly recorded by FBI

A new attack ad from Democrats uses some of the FBI's secret recordings that have been played at Stevens' trial. "Worst that can happen to us is we run a bunch of legal fees and we might have to serve a little time in jail," said Stevens to former VECO CEO Bill Allen in a phone call recorded by the FBI.

At the Stevens' headquarters, they aren't too happy about the tone of the ad and are annoyed the Democrats are spending about $1 million here to get Stevens out of office. "Alaskans are rejecting the ads," said a Stevens campaign spokesman. "If Mark Begich wants to keep this about the issues, he would stand up to these groups and say pull them off the air."

Reputation as mayor for getting things done

On Aug. 26th Begich sailed through a primary election. Now all he has to do is defeat a man who will soon go on trial for failing to report gifts from oil companies and he will become Alaska's first Democratic senator for 28 years.

40% of all Alaskans live in Anchorage, so Begich has a strong base of support. He also has a good surname: his father, Nick Begich, was a popular congressman who disappeared in 1972 while flying in a small plane.

Best of all, Begich is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and supports drilling in the ANWR. Woe betide any Alaskan politician who stands in the way of guns and oil.

Served 10 years on Anchorage Assembly and 5 years as Mayor

At age 26, Begich was first elected to the Anchorage Assembly where he served nearly 10 years. He was three times elected by his colleagues as chairman, the city's second highest office.