President Donald Trump has been rolling out a stream of pledges for Alaska, including a long-hoped-for gas pipeline, broadband money, and data center help — but Politico reports they may not be enough to overcome Republican voter “fatigue” in a state that’s now a Senate battleground.
Trump said last month a $54 billion South Korean investment in the pipeline was on track, and said last week that an $80 billion Taiwan agreement was near. On stage, he also promised pardons to two auto mechanics who broke clean air regulations. Republicans hope the attention will help Sen. Dan Sullivan against former Rep. Mary Peltola in a contest central to Senate control.
Scott Kendall, a veteran strategist who worked for former Gov. Bill Walker, said years of unfulfilled talk has left voters weary. “I just don’t know whose mind changes,” he said.
The roughly $50 billion LNG pipeline has been discussed since the Carter era and held back by its price. The White House says Trump has secured major commitments from South Korea and Taiwan, but those governments’ own statements were less definitive.
A Republican communications operative, speaking anonymously, said Trump lost credibility during the Iran war and that his promise of $5,000 checks, which needs Congress, rings hollow even with the MAGA base. GOP strategist Brittany Martinez said Alaskans will remember if the promises don’t pan out.
Others see an upside. Kevin Greene, Alaska director of the right-wing group Americans for Prosperity, said no other president has prioritized the state and voters are energized.
“It feels like something is happening,” Greene said.
Alaska also has a long tradition of favoring politicians who deliver federal dollars, including the late Rep. Don Young and Sen. Ted Stevens, each of whom served for decades.
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