A scientist, a Native voice, and a former public radio chief compete for Alaska's Democratic chance

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A scientist, a Native voice, and a former public radio chief compete for Alaska's Democratic chance at the U.S. House

Don Young has represented Alaska in the U.S. House of Representatives for the past 43 years. This year, three Democratic challengers are competing for the right to challenge him and end the career of a man who has served in the House for the 12th-longest term in American history. Among them are a reknowned Arctic scientist, a former Anchorage cabdriver, and the former head of Alaska’s public radio and television network.

The frontrunner

Steve Lindbeck, 61, has lived in Alaska for more than 45 years and is widely considered the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination to challenge Young. That’s in part because of his financial advantage — he has raised much more money than the other candidates — but also because of his extensive portfolio of endorsements. Lindbeck has already earned the backing of Mark Begich, Vic Fischer and Robert Gottstein and many others listed on a recent campaign poster.

“It’s time for a change,” Lindbeck said as a reason for why Alaskans should vote for him.

With the state’s economy “facing challenges like we haven’t seen,” Lindbeck said the “old way of doing things” doesn’t make sense any more. “I think you need to be an advocate for Alaska’s needs at the federal level.

Read more: http://juneauempire.com/state/2016-08-05/scientist-native-voice-and-former-public-radio-chief-compete-alaskas-democratic