Fairbanks borough mayor speaks at Democratic convention
Published Tuesday, August 26, 2008
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ANCHORAGE -- An Alaskan took center stage at the Democratic National Convention in Denver on Tuesday.
But what made this appearance significant was that it was an Alaska Republican giving the address.
Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Jim Whitaker delivered a short prime time speech to the delegates, pledging support for Barack Obama.
Whitaker quickly drew cheers from the crowd when he said: "I am not here to speak against John McCain. I am a registered Republican. I am here to endorse Barack Obama for the presidency of the United States of America."
Two weeks ago Whitaker endorsed Obama, who is making a big push in this historically Republican state by establishing five offices, including two in Anchorage.
Whitaker said he liked Obama's forward-looking energy plan, which includes development of renewable and alternative energy that can benefit the resource-rich state.
He assured the delegates these can be achieved by voting for Obama.
Last week Whitaker said speaking at the convention was simply his way of backing up his public endorsement.
Whitaker drew a second round of cheers by again promising to vote for Obama in November's general election.
"I will be casting mine for the candidate who possesses a keen intellect, a pragmatic idealism and a resulting wisdom which is sorely needed in America today," he said. "I will be casting my vote for Barack Obama."
Obama won Alaska's Super Tuesday caucus over New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, collecting 75 percent of the support in a record turnout last February.
Whitaker closed out his seven-minute speech assuring delegates the man they expect to nominate is the right one.
Alaskans last chose a Democrat for the presidency in 1964 when they backed Lyndon Johnson at a 2-to-1 margin over Barry Goldwater.
Since 1980, the state has sent an all-Republican congressional delegation to Washington, D.C.
"In the end, I'm here tonight because I know the change we need requires a leader with a steely resolve - steely resolve - and a powerful vision for our future and a passion for helping working people," Whitaker said. "The man you will nominate tomorrow (Wednesday) is the leader, America's next president - America's next great president - Barack Obama."
To hear Whitaker's speech, click here.
Community Discussion
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I noticed the sign prominently displayed behind him said "Republican Mayor of Fairbanks Northstar Borough." Tell me Obama didn't use him as a political pawn. So much for him representing himself not our great borough. I am sure there will be some compensation down the line for this political favor.
This thread is going to be chock full of right-wing extremist whackadoodle...
I come for the story. I stay for the crazy.
Call it what you want. Just stand by and see what happens for Uncle Jim.
Ditto that, oh_please.
Let the games begin . . .
whackadoodle is as fun as it gets.
BigDan . . . see what happens for Uncle Jim? Is he, too, now under threat of assassination for his political convictions?
Are you, BigDan, trying to give us a prelude to the dance of the rabid right-wingers that so predominate the news miner blogs?
I say, bring it on, boys.
We're ready. And waiting.
I consider Jim Whitaker a traitor and am sorry I ever voted for him. I can see why NYC would be a liberal as they need government assistance. Alaskans I hope are not looking for more welfare and social programs. There are already enough in place.
Pat
Who said anything about assassination???? I am sure he will be offered a job in DC, if Obama is elected. Doesn't matter what party you are for, they look out for each others backs if you give them a plug. Why the Democrats haven't turned their backs on Joe Lieberman have they?
Sounds to me like another Republican came to his senses. Way to go, Jim.
Of course Mayor Whitaker is in Denver talking at the Dem convention. No one else is willing to waste their time listening to his drivel. If her were to promote the borough's best interest as much as he is promoting a major party presidential candidate we'd all be better off.
Didn't vote for the Mayor in the first place - never liked him as a politician, and more importantly never trusted him, and still don't. What I object to he went as a representative of the borough - and aren't the borough elected supposed to be non-partisan - bout time when one runs for borough or local office they should have to declare their party affiliations. From previous posts on this subject it amazes me just how lunatic fringe the left as well as the right can be. Just face the facts - we disagree on many issues.
Yes sarcoidjeff borough officials are non-partisan, and the Mayor did serve in the house as a republican prior to running for borough mayor so I think his party affiliations were clear. Did the Obama campaign use him and will it be to his benefit or ours, only time will tell. This great nation we live in still allows us the freedom of speech.
Poppasays "This great nation we live in still allows us the freedom of speech."
yes and Mayor Whitaker used his freedom of speech, however when you use your freedom of speech you are also allowed to suffer the consequences from your speech.
Whatever a person's beliefs or convictions, any hope of successful political ambition is within one of two obese and powerful parties. I would be surprised if anyone could honestly say they applaud the entire platform with their chosen alignment. It's the evil of two lessers and we will be better served when an actual second party emerges. To believe this country hasn't taken serious steps backwards in last eight years is foolish. To believe a better way forward is a democratic ticket is equally foolish.
Alright Jimbo! Great speech!
Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Jim Whitaker did, as he always has, lead with his own ethics, his own beliefs, and his beliefs in what our country and this borough needs.
He doesn't answer to the oil companies. He doesn't answer to the "big money" folks. That's why he was elected Mayor to begin with - he cares about the PEOPLE of Fairbanks, North Pole, Fox, Ester, Salcha, Ft. Wainwright, Eielson AFB, and all the little pockets in between.
He answers to US. He answers to his ethics, his God, his family; but mostly, he does what a true public servant does - he stands for what he believes is best for the area (FNSB) that he SERVES. He doesn't rule us, folks, he serves us. And he shows it, every day, every vote, every statement, every "political" move he makes.
Those of you so entrenched in the corrupt political processes in this state need to take a lesson from Mayor Whitaker. Don't vote the money. Vote the belief in the Borough, vote the belief in Alaska, vote the belief in the UNITED States of America.
Jim is just looking for a J O B because he knows his is coming to an end here and he hasn't gotten anyone here to fund one of his projects for when he gets out. Just sold himself is all. Typical whor.... I mean politician.
I am so confused. I thought Jim Whit - was a Republican...?
I watched the speech very attentively and found it pleasant but unremarkable.
BigMike -
Good comment on Turney and Ramras....
I would have voted against Ramras for Turney if given the opportunity
Next time maybe I'll donate 1.50 to turney for his campaign to see what he can do with double the budget
Though I don't agree with his stand, I applaud Mayor Jim Whitaker for his courage and honesty! Great job Jim!
MAYOR JIM is in the spot light for the Dollar ,he stuck it to the taxpayer,in the bourough,I&M program ,High property taxes,and now can play the national scene,He will leave the taxpayer,paying his retirement and insurance!! Now sucking up to a gun control liberal,that is against anwar, and Alaska issues. What a self serving WORM
I believe the below quote from the article is a misprint, please check the transcrips.
"In the end, I'm here tonight because I know the change we need requires a leader with a steely resolve - steely resolve - and a powerful vision for our future and a passion for helping working people,"
"steely", should be spelled "stealy", twice, as in steal from the rich and give to the richer. There is nothing steel like about Senator Obama's resolve. He has more of a hemp rope resolve, in that it is flexible, can bend in any direction the audience prefers, and once it gets old, you can't trust it.
As for the Mayor's grand standing, his 15 minutes are up. His leadership of the borough as the senior republican official holding an executive office here is terrible. Where did all the emergency funding go for the Borough energy crisis and flood emergencies he declared? Anyone who received any assistance from the Borough, please speak up. I know the red cross helped set up flood shelters, the Corps of Engineers lowered the flood risk for the city, and neighbors helped neighbors. Did any Borough workers do anything to help you our your neighbors? What have they done besides throw a party for a coal liquification plant study group to ease the energy crisis? Same questions did anyone receive any direct assistance from the Borough?
Guess who won't be running for another term in office?
He's outta here!!!
Who on earth, well Alaska, would want to elect as president, a man (?)
who won't even salute the U.S. flag for fear of offending someone?
Who won't say the Pledge because it says "under God" ?
Wow-- and to think there are those who would follow that man to the end of the Earth.
Thank god for Global Warming.
Peace
Any man who is close to the next President
of the US has our interest also.
Jimbo speak for yourself there,we Alaskans will speak for ourselves here. Hope you took a jacket. It will be cold here in Fbks when you get off the plane.
Thank you Jim Whitaker, for standing up for your convictions, despite the probable political fallout. It is more than most people commenting are willing to do.
Standing up for your convictions requires a person to have them. Mayor Whitaker has not displayed any conviction as a Republican. His convictions seem to be standing up for the lack of substance and lots of change for change sake.
Notice here, my friends, that Mayor Whitaker said: "I am a REGISTERED Republican." "REGISTERED" Well, in Alaska, you can be a registered just about anything - republican, democrat, libertarian, independence, non party, etc., etc.. He didn't say he was a Republican - just a "registered republican." It served him best in his own political ambitions to be seen as a republican - just as it is serves a sheep stealing wolf to wear sheep's clothing as he wanders through the flock looking for his next victim.
Having watched Mayor Whitaker from the sidelines for years, it became quite clear while he was in the legislature that he was a sold out member of the WHITAKER party. Whatever served him best was where he went. Now, he sees the chance that Barack Hussein Obama could end up in the White House. In that case, there will be lots of plumb political appointee jobs available all across the country. It sets up the scenario of, "Hi. I'm Jim Whitaker. Remember me? I'm the registered republican mayor from Alaska who endorsed President Obama and spoke at the Denver Convention. I'm termed out in Alaska and I'm out of the closet now and can't pose as a republican anymore. So, I'm looking for a nice comfortable appointee position. Can you help? I'm charming. I'm cagey. I talk a good talk. I can be anything you want me to be - go anywhere you want me to go - just as long as it pays well and has good benefits."
Obama or McCain - whichever one wins - Whitaker leaves Alaska. I think it would be a good "pool" to see just how long it takes.
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