News

DeMarban, Alex, Alaska voters overwhelmingly defeat constitutional convention, Wrangell Sentinel, Nov. 16, 2022.

Alaska voters reject constitutional convention, AP News, Nov 15, 2022. Also published by ABC/FOX.

Downing, Suzanne, Dittman Research for the win again, predicting all races correctly, Must Read Alaska, Nov. 12, 2022. J.H. Snider Note: Not mentioned in the article: Dittman Research contributed $55,500 to the no campaign’s Defend Our Constitution coalition.

Davidson, Joel, Alaska abortion-on-demand activists delight in rejection of constitutional convention, Alaska Watchman, Nov. 10, 2022.

Bohrer, Becky, Alaska Constitutional Convention Question Failing, AP, Nov. 9, 2022.

George, Kavitha, Alaskans say no to constitutional convention, Alaska Public Media, Nov. 9, 2022.*

Phu, Lisa, In Alaska, voters reject once-in-a-decade constitutional convention question, Alasla Beacon, Nov. 9, 2022.*

Buxton, Matt Acuna, Alaskans soundly reject constitutional convention pushed by extreme-right abortion opponents, The Midnight Sun, Nov. 9, 2022.

DeMarban, Alex, Constitutional convention ballot measure failing by a significant margin in early election results, Anchorage Daily News, Nov. 8, 2022.

Black, Gary, Constitutional convention appears headed toward defeat, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Nov. 8, 2022.

Election Night Results: 2022 General Election, Alaska Division of Elections, Nov. 8, 2022.

Alaska Measure 1 Election Results: Constitutional Convention, New York Times, Nov. 8, 2022.

Voters to decide constitutional convention question, Alaska’s News Source, Nov. 8, 2022.

Davidson, Joel, These prominent Alaskans want a statewide constitutional convention, Alaska Watchman, Nov. 6, 2022.

Mitchell, Taiyler Simone, Alaska Constitutional Convention Question: Voters will decide on a state constitutional convention, Insider, Nov. 6, 2022.

Alaskans will determine fate of Senate, House, and governor races, and will yay or nay state convention, WFIN, Nov. 4, 2022.

Some want to change the way the state appoints judges through a Constitutional Convention, Kavitha George explains why, KTOO, Nov. 4, 2022.

Bengel, Alex, Constitutional Convention: supporters and opponents speak out, Web Center Fairbanks, Nov. 4, 2022.

AFN Opposes Ballot Measure No. 1 – Constitutional Convention, Alaska Native News, No. 3, 2022.

Phu, Lisa, Lower Kenai Peninsula House candidates differ on abortion, constitutional convention, Alaska Beacon, Nov. 3, 2022.

Phu, Lisa, What a constitutional convention has to do with abortion rights in Alaska, Alaska News Source, Nov. 2, 2022. Also published in Anchorage Press, Nov. 2, 2022.

Constitutional convention supporters say it’s about dividend and abortion, Wrangell Sentinel, Nov. 2, 2022.

Phu, Lisa, Private Right, Episode 1: The ConCon question, Alaska Beacon, Nov. 1, 2012. J.H. Snider Note: This is placed in the news section because the podcast presents itself as a balanced news report; however, it’s framed the way Defend Our Constitution has framed the issue, including its favorite pro & con sources, so arguably belongs in the opinion section.

AFN opposes Constitutional Convention, KINY, Nov. 1, 2022.

Constitutional convention opposers make case against Ballot Measure 1, Alaska’s News Source, Nov. 1, 2022.

Constitutional convention supporters make case for Ballot Measure 1, Alaska’s News Source, Oct. 31, 2022. Factual Correction: Bob Bird is not on the ConventionYes! steering committee.*

Stavick, Katie, Voters will decide if there should be another constitutional convention on Nov. 8, Frontiersman.com, Oct. 31, 2022.

Mason, Mike, Constitutional convention supporters make case for Ballot Measure 1, Alaska’s News Source, Oct. 31, 2022.

Davidson, Joel, Why Alaska’s teachers union fears a constitutional convention, Alaska Watchman, Oct. 31, 2022.

Davidson, Joel, School choice advocate urges Alaskans to vote for statewide constitutional convention, Alaska Watchman, Oct. 31, 2022.

Stavick, Katie, Voters will decide if there should be another constitutional convention on Nov. 8, Frontiersman, Oct 27, 2022.

Maguire, Sean, Overshadowed by statewide races, the campaign for and against an Alaska constitutional convention enters its final days, Anchorage Daily News, Oct 27, 2022.

DeMarban, Alex, AFN votes to oppose constitutional convention over concerns about impacts to key rural issues such as subsistence and education, Anchorage Daily News, Oct. 22, 2022.

Davidson, Joel, AK Constitutional Convention Debate: Round 2 of Bob Bird vs. John Coghill, Alaska Watchman, Oct. 21, 2022.

Jarrett, Kim, Gubernatorial candidates split on constitutional convention, The Center Square, Oct. 20, 2022

Davidson, Joel, State Senators urge Alaskans to vote ‘yes’ on a constitutional convention, Alaska Watchman, Oct. 19, 2022.

Davidson, Joel, Oct. 18: Alaska Senators Hughes & Shower to present case for constitutional convention, Alaska Watchman, Oct. 17, 2022.

George, Kavitha, Should Alaska hold another constitutional convention? Voters share how they’re weighing the question, Alaska Public Media, Oct. 17, 2022.

Buxton, Matt Acuna, Gov. Dunleavy, who’s pledged to attack abortion rights, finally confirms support for constitutional convention, The Midnight Sun, Oct. 14, 2022.

Dunleavy says he’ll vote for constitutional convention, AP, Oct. 12, 2022. Also published in Mat-su Valley Frontiersman.

Rosen, Yereth, Gubernatorial candidates spar over gas pipeline, fiscal plans and other issues at Anchorage debate, Alaska Beacon, Oct. 12, 2022.

Maguire, Sean, Gov. Dunleavy says he will vote ‘yes’ for a constitutional convention in November, Anchorage Daily News, Oct. 11, 2022.*

Maguire, Sean, Advocates say a constitutional convention could end gridlock in Juneau. Opponents say it would open a ‘Pandora’s box’, Anchorage Daily News, Oct. 11, 2022.*

Midday Report, KMXT, Oct. 11, 2022. From 12:15 to 16:20. J.H. Snider comment: Framed in a way hostile to the referendum. No mention of the function of the institution.

Davidson, Joel, Nonpartisan website offers comprehensive info on Alaska’s Constitutional Convention question, Alaska Watchman, Oct 11, 2022

Sabbatini, Mark, Big bucks back constitutional convention opponents, Juneau Empire, Oct. 11, 2022. “The Sixteen Thirty Fund, a national progressive nonprofit based in Washington, D.C, contributed $1.994 million to the Anchorage group No on 1: Defend Our Constitution between Aug. 7 and Oct. 7.”

Kay, Jennifer, Ballot That Doesn’t Mention Abortion Actually About Abortion, Bloomberg Government, Oct. 11, 2022.

Sabbatini, Mark, Constitutional convention debate gets heated, Juneau Empire, Sept. 30, 2022.*

Sabbatini, Mark, Poll: Peltola’s a popular pol, Juneau Empire, Sept. 30, 2022.* “The ballot measure on a constitutional convention is also shaping up to be a lopsided vote, with 53.8% of survey sp0ndents opposing it, 30.8% favoring and 15.3% opting for ‘I wouldn’t vote.'”

McKinstry, Erin, Alaska’s constitutional convention question, explained, KTOO, September 30, 2022. Republished in KDLG public radio on Nov. 6, 2022.

Brooks, James, Donations are sparse for Alaska constitutional convention vote, disclosures show: To date, less than $1 million has been raised on both sides of the question, Alaska Beacon, Sept. 29, 2022.

McKinstry, Erin, What You Need to Know about the Constitutional Convention Question, Alaska Public Media, September 23, 2022. J.H. Snider Comment: In this 4:45 segment, convention opponents are given the first and last word.

Phu, Lisa, Sitka assemblymember and former Hoonah mayor compete for House seat long held by Kreiss-Tompkins, KTOO, Sept. 19, 2022.

Pro-constitutional convention Alaskans hosting kick-off rallies to protect PFD, Alaska Watchman, Sept. 13, 2022.

Ludwig, Hayden, DC Dark Money Pours into Effort to Block an Alaska Constitutional Convention, Capital Research Center, Sept. 6, 2022.*

Hillman, Anne, What to know about Alaska’s ballot measure on whether to hold another constitutional convention, Alaska Public Media, Sept. 6, 2022. Fact Check: “After the delegates vote on the changes, the new constitution must be approved by voters in Alaska. It’s possible for the majority of people to vote against the proposed changes. If that happens, the constitution will remain unchanged.” Fact: Most post-statehood conventions propose multiple amendments to a constitution rather than a single constitution.

Downing, Suzanne, Sixteen Thirty Fund is the dark money scaring Alaskans into voting against their constitutional convention, Must Read Alaska, Aug. 22, 2022.*

Davidson, Joel, Leftist dark money bankrolls opposition to Alaska Constitutional Convention, Alaska Watchman, Aug. 22, 2022.

Brooks, James, Alaska conservatives launch group to encourage ‘yes’ vote on constitutional convention, Alaska Beacon, August 9, 2022. Also published in the Anchorage Daily News, and Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman on August 9, 2022.

Sealaska Board endorses Murkowski, Peltola, Walker-Drygas; Opposes constitutional convention, KINY, Aug. 1, 2022.

Phu, Lisa, Cost estimates for constitutional convention in Alaska range widely, Alaska Beacon, July 29, 2022. Also published in KTOO on July 29, 2022.

Juneau Chamber of Commerce urges ‘no’ vote on constitutional convention, Juneau Empire, July 28, 2022.

Davidson, Joel, Power to the People: Sen. Shower urges Alaskans to call a Constitutional Convention, Alaska Watchman, July 26, 2022.*

Kitchenman, Andrew, Dunleavy declines to answer candidate questionnaire, later Walker also declines, Alaska Beacon, July 25, 2022. One question asked of candidates: “Do you support a constitutional convention?”

O’Hara, Ashlyn, Dunleavy brings reelection bid to Kenai Peninsula, Peninsula Clarion, July 22, 2022.

Phu, Lisa, Both sides of abortion debate in Alaska look to constitutional convention vote, Wrangell Sentinel, July 13, 2022.

Armstrong, Michael, ‘Bans off our bodies’: About 400 march to protect reproductive rights, Peninsula Clarion, July 13, 2022.

Kiehl urges “no” vote on holding constitutional convention, KINY, July 8, 2022.

Phu, Lisa, With post-Roe focus on abortion access, Alaska advocates plan events for Saturday, Alaska Beacon, July 6, 2022.

Juneau Chamber Board opposes constitutional convention, advocates changes to be made legislatively instead, KINY, June 29, 2022.*

Phu, Lisa, Constitutional convention ballot question in November becomes focus in Alaska’s abortion fight, Alaska Beacon, June 28, 2022. Also published in the Anchorage Press on June 30, 2022. Note: this “news” article is framed like it was written by a PR spokesperson for the no campaign. The critical question not addressed here is why a convention would propose an anti-abortion amendment when Alaska’s voters are overwhelmingly opposed to banning abortion and would never ratify such a proposal. That popular unpopularity on a high salience issue makes for excellent no-campaign politics — but bad journalism.

Larson, Clarise, ‘We won’t go back’: Abortion rights protesters rally near the state Capitol, Juneau Empire, June 25, 2022.

Meisner, Emily, ‘We need to be united’: Hundreds march in support of abortion rights in downtown Anchorage, Anchorage Daily News, June 25, 2022.

Stremple, Claire, Alaskans react to Supreme Court decision to eliminate abortion rights, KTOO, June 24, 2022. The bill referred to, HB206, was a messaging bill, not a bill with a realistic chance of passage. It had only one sponsor and was not even able to get a committee vote. Polls indicate that Alaskans are overwhelmingly pro choice.

Miller, Reagan, Dunleavy talks constitutional convention, Roe v. Wade in Ketchikan, KRBD, June 24, 2022.

Berman, Annie, Abortion access in Alaska remains after Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, but a fight is coming, Anchorage Daily News, June 24, 2022.

Phu, Lisa, Right to abortion in Alaska remains protected, but advocates say it’s fragile, Alaska Beacon, June 22, 2022. Note: polls indicate that the right to choose is overwhelmingly popular among Alaska voters as a whole (albeit not with Republicans), so the indirect claim in this article that voters might ratify something they strongly oppose is interesting because it assumes that voters would vote against their own interests on a highly salient issue.

Ruskin, Liz, Anti-abortion advocates in Alaska push for constitutional convention, Alaska Public Media, May 10, 2022.

Rose, Katherine, and Tash Kimmel, Sitkans rally for reproductive rights following Supreme Court leak, KCAW, May 4, 2022.

Brooks, James, Anticipating a busy election season, Alaska constitutional convention opponents launch early campaign, Alaska Public Media, April 11, 2022.

Segall, Peter, House passes operating, mental health budgets, fails to pass effective date, reverse sweep, Juneau Empire, April 9, 2022.

Hersey, Linda, Voters to decide if Alaska should have a constitutional convention, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, April 8, 2022.

Segall, Peter, Coalition to oppose constitutional convention grows, Juneau Empire, April 7, 2022.

Bohrer, Becky, and David A. Lieb, State constitutional convention measures stoke partisan fear, Associated Press, March 20, 2022. Sidebar: Thiessssen, Mark, Constitutional Conventions, Associated Press, March 20, 2022.

Botelho warns chamber audience there’s a “high risk” a constitutional convention will be approved, KINY, Feb. 25, 2022.

Botelho to address Juneau Chamber on why a constitutional convention is a bad idea, KINY, Feb. 23, 2022.

O’Hara, Ashlyn, Babcock enters state Senate race, Peninsula Clarion, Feb. 22, 2022.

Segall, Peter, PFD formula proposals provoke strong public reaction, Juneau Empire, Feb. 21, 2022.

Bengel, Alex, “Defend Our Constitution” group formed to oppose constitutional convention, KTVF, Jan. 5, 2022.

Mason, Shannon, Lt. Governor Kevin Meyer Announces Decision to Not Seek Re-election, Alaska Native News, Dec. 29, 2021.

Alaskan leaders form group opposing a constitutional convention, KINY, Dec. 17, 2021.

Bauman, Margaret, Committee formed to defend state’s current constitution, The Cordoba Times, Dec. 17, 2021.

Segall, Peter, Group warns of costs, time and changes from constitutional convention, Juneau Empire, Dec. 13, 2021. Also published in the Peninsula Clarion, Dec. 13, 2021.

Moore, Anthony, Alaskans Form ‘Defend Our Constitution’ To Oppose Constitutional Convention, KSRM, Dec. 13, 2021.

Brooks, James, Alaska political insiders prepare for a fight over next year’s constitutional convention vote, Anchorage Daily News, Dec. 13, 2021.

Downing, Suzanne, Lawmakers, former lawmakers form to oppose constitutional convention, Must Read Alaska, Dec. 12, 2021.

Rockey, Tim, Group forms opposing constitutional convention, KTUU, Dec. 12, 2021. Also published in Alaska’s News Source, Dec. 12, 2021 (includes a TV segment).

Maquire, Sean, Alaska constitutional convention on the ballot next year with focus on the PFD, Alaska’s News Source, Nov. 1, 2022.*

Brooks, James, Supporters of a big PFD are starting to back a constitutional convention. Alaska’s conservatives and libertarians see an opportunity, Anchorage Daily News, Sept. 5, 2021.

Buxton, Mat, Dunleavy’s head of ‘constitutional reform’ thinks the Alaska Constitution is ‘awful,’ pushed for convention, The Midnight Sun, Sept. 13, 2018.

Brooks, James, Supporters of a big PFD are starting to back a constitutional convention, Anchorage Daily News, Sept. 5, 2021. Author’s tweet.

Campaign Finance

Introductory Note: For campaign finance news related to the no and yes campaigns, click on the “Coalition” menu item at the top of this webpage and then click on the desired submenu.

For the raw campaign finance information, see the Alaska Public Offices Commission, Campaign Disclosure. Groups supporting or opposing the constitutioal convention referendum have to follow similar reporting schedules and rules as candidates.

The best campaign finance contribution information for the referendum in a user friendly format is provided by Open Secrets. The summary information is provided here. Click on each group for detailed contribution data. Only the top donors are displayed, but the totals are correct. There may be a lag between when the data is posted on the APOC website and when it gets posted to Open Secrets. No expenditure information is included, so the user unfriendly APOC website must be used to access that information.

Key disclosure dates: Oct. 10, 2022 (for Feb. 2 to Oct. 7), Nov. 1, 2022 (for Oct. 8 to Oct. 29), Daily as needed (for Oct. 30 to Nov. 7), Feb. 15, 2023 (for Oct. 30 to Feb. 1). For more details, see Alaska Public Offices Commission: Group Reporting Dates 2022 State Elections.

Coverage in the Press

Pettyjohn, Fritz, If you don’t like dark money from the Sixteen Thirty Fund meddling in our elections, vote yes on Ballot Measure 1, Must Read Alaska, Oct. 12, 2022.

Ludwig, Hayden, DC Dark Money Pours into Effort to Block an Alaska Constitutional Convention, Capital Research Center, Sept. 6, 2022.*

Downing, Suzanne, Sixteen Thirty Fund is the dark money scaring Alaskans into voting against their constitutional convention, Must Read Alaska, Aug. 22, 2022.*

Davidson, Joel, Leftist dark money bankrolls opposition to Alaska Constitutional Convention, Alaska Watchman, Aug. 22, 2022.