Republican Moderate Party of Alaska
Encyclopedia
The Republican Moderate Party of Alaska is a political party
in Alaska
formed by Ray Metcalfe
in 1986 as an alternative to what Metcalfe perceived to be a Republican Party
dominated by the Religious Right
. Only one candidate has ever won an election, a 2002 race for the state senate, but that candidate re-affiliated with the Republican Party the day after the election. The Republican Moderate Party has extensive litigation-related history, due in no small part to its minor party status. Previous cases have included ballot access rights and an early challenge to its name by the Republican Party of Alaska
. After a record of success in the 1990s, its support has slowly dwindled, ending with just 0.63% of the 2002 gubernatorial election
. State law requires that 3% of registered voters vote for a party or be registered to it for recognition. A court challenge initially overturned this law, holding that it was more restrictive than what the state required of independent candidates, but resulted in the original law being upheld by the Alaska Supreme Court
on the grounds that a party candidate has more impact than an independent candidate. The party has since been recognized by the state again. As of November 2006 there were 4,752 members statewide.
, former state senate president and son of US Senator Ted Stevens
. Allegations of collusion with oil companies and bribery ran for years, culminating with an FBI raid on the state senator's office and his retirement from public life.
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
formed by Ray Metcalfe
Ray Metcalfe
Ray Metcalfe is a politician and political activist in Alaska. Metcalfe has served in the Alaska House of Representatives as a Republican, and later ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate as a Democrat.-Personal life:...
in 1986 as an alternative to what Metcalfe perceived to be a Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
dominated by the Religious Right
Christian right
Christian right is a term used predominantly in the United States to describe "right-wing" Christian political groups that are characterized by their strong support of socially conservative policies...
. Only one candidate has ever won an election, a 2002 race for the state senate, but that candidate re-affiliated with the Republican Party the day after the election. The Republican Moderate Party has extensive litigation-related history, due in no small part to its minor party status. Previous cases have included ballot access rights and an early challenge to its name by the Republican Party of Alaska
Republican Party of Alaska
The Republican Party of Alaska is the affiliate of the United States Republican Party in Alaska, headquartered in Anchorage.It is the dominant or majority party in Alaska. Following the elections of 2008, Republicans hold the following statewide executive offices:*Governor*Lt...
. After a record of success in the 1990s, its support has slowly dwindled, ending with just 0.63% of the 2002 gubernatorial election
Alaska gubernatorial election, 2002
The 2002 Alaska gubernatorial election took place on 5 November 2002 for the post of Governor of Alaska. Republican US Senator Frank Murkowski defeated Democratic Lieutenant Governor Fran Ulmer. Murkowski became the first Republican elected governor of Alaska since Jay Hammond in...
. State law requires that 3% of registered voters vote for a party or be registered to it for recognition. A court challenge initially overturned this law, holding that it was more restrictive than what the state required of independent candidates, but resulted in the original law being upheld by the Alaska Supreme Court
Alaska Supreme Court
The Alaska Supreme Court is the state supreme court in the State of Alaska's judicial department . The supreme court is composed of the chief justice and four associate justices, who are all appointed by the governor of Alaska and face judicial retention elections and who choose one of their own...
on the grounds that a party candidate has more impact than an independent candidate. The party has since been recognized by the state again. As of November 2006 there were 4,752 members statewide.
Actions towards Ben Stevens
The party and its founder have been one of the major voices of criticism toward Ben StevensBen Stevens
Ben Stevens is an American politician and former President of the Alaska State Senate. He is a Republican and the son of former United States Senator Ted Stevens, the longest serving Republican in United States Senate history.- Career :...
, former state senate president and son of US Senator Ted Stevens
Ted Stevens
Theodore Fulton "Ted" Stevens, Sr. was a United States Senator from Alaska, serving from December 24, 1968, until January 3, 2009, and thus the longest-serving Republican senator in history...
. Allegations of collusion with oil companies and bribery ran for years, culminating with an FBI raid on the state senator's office and his retirement from public life.