Berkowitz announces run for Don Young’s seat

Former Alaska state Rep. Ethan Berkowitz (D) announced his candidacy for the seat of Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) on Wednesday, giving Democrats what they hope will be either a strong challenge or enough of a threat to force Young to retire.

{mosads}Berkowitz was a part of a losing gubernatorial ticket last year, running as former Gov. Tony Knowles’s (D) lieutenant governor nominee. But despite his 10 years in the state House and eight years as a leader, he is only 45 years old and considered a top hope for Democrats in the state.

Young, an 18-term incumbent, was reelected with 57 percent of the vote in 2006 and has since endured growing ethical questions surrounding his fundraising and ties to Veco Corp. Longtime Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) has also faced scrutiny in the case.

Young has talked like an incumbent preparing for a reelection bid in recent months.

Berkowitz joins former state Democratic Party Chairman Jake Metcalfe and 2006 Young opponent Diane Benson in the Democratic primary.

“We can make America a stronger force for peace and security in the world. We can develop Alaska’s energy resources – renewables as well as oil and gas – to make vital contributions to America’s energy independence,” Berkowitz said. “And we can restore trust and high ethical standards in our public servants and our government. We can have leaders who make us proud.”