When Tony Knowles was elected governor four years ago by only 536 votes, the Alaska governor's office looked like a prime opportunity for the Republicans in 1998. But that isn't exactly how things have worked out. Republican challenger John Lindauer's campaign has been plagued with questions about his finances, and the state GOP has withdrawn its support. Knowles heads into the final stretch with broad-based support and in good shape to win re-election.Even before Lindauer, a former university chancellor, legislator, and newspaper publisher, won the August 25 GOP primary, questions were raised about the source of the $850,000 that he pumped into the race. Lindauer's failed newspaper chain had left him deeply in debt, and his Republican challengers and Democrats alike wanted to know where he was getting his money. For weeks he refused to disclose the source, although he denied it came from his wealthy wife. GOP party leaders, anxious to get beyond the controversy, tried to dump Lindauer from the ticket, but the state Republican central committee voted to keep him on the ballot. Lindauer's campaign manager quit in late September when he found that Lindauer had lied to him about the source of the money. Lindauer then turned around and admitted the money did come from his wife, but he is now faced with two lawsuits and an ethics investigation. Two weeks before the election, the Alaska Republican Party finally withdrew its support for Lindaur and now has endorsed write-in candidate Robin Taylor.
Knowles has stayed above the fray and campaigned on
Alaska's record high employment and growing economy. His centrist approach
to governing has earned him the backing of the powerful oil and timber
industries. No public polls are available, but private polls show Knowles
with more than a 40 point advantage. Knowles should cruise to victory.
