Alaska

In a move that will make Alaska a battleground in the 2008 election, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich (D) on Monday made his candidacy for the Senate official.

Begich, who formed an exploratory committee two months ago, was widely expected to enter the race.

In announcing his candidacy, Begich signaled he’s ready to oppose Democratic leaders when they aren’t keeping Alaska’s interests in mind, and that includes voting to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for oil exploration.

“First we have to think outside the box,” Begich said. “Yes, we need to open up ANWR, and I will fight strongly for ANWR by working across party lines instead of name-calling. But Alaska holds a lot of cards in the oil game. It’s time we use them for our state.”

Begich has led in some early polling, but Stevens, 84, is a revered longtime political figure in the state. He is currently the longest-serving Republican in the Senate and is nearing four decades in the chamber. However, a federal raid of his home last summer has apparently put him in legal and political jeopardy.

The Anchorage mayor is the son of former Rep. Nick Begich (D-Alaska), who was never found after a 1972 plane crash with former House Majority Leader Hale Boggs (D-La.).

Begich is a second-term mayor who was easily reelected in 2006 with 56 percent of the vote.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) launched a website to coincide with Begich’s announcement, MarkBegichFacts.info, which hits him on taxes and other issues.

Stevens said in a statement: “Seniority and experience have never meant more than they do today. I believe that I am best able to provide the leadership, and I believe Alaskans know that.”

— Aaron Blake


Oregon

Dueling primaries for retiring Rep. Darlene Hooley’s (D) seat feature close two-man races, according to polls conducted last week by SurveyUSA.

State Sen. Kurt Schrader narrowly led the Democratic race with 23 percent of the vote compared to the 20 percent for Steve Marks, an aide to former Gov. John Kitzhaber (D). More than half of voters remain undecided or would choose another candidate.

The GOP candidates are better-known among voters. In that race, businessman Mike Erickson leads former gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix, 44-40.

Erickson challenged Hooley in 2006 and was the GOP’s choice to face her again. When she opted for retirement, Mannix jumped in the race.

The primary is May 20.

— A.B.


North Carolina

State Sen. Kay Hagan appears to be improving her position in the Democratic Senate primary here, and she leads by 27 points in the most recent Public Policy Polling survey.

Hagan has led the independent tracking poll by at least 21 points each of the last two weeks. The most recent poll, released Monday, had her up 35-8 over businessman Jim Neal.

Hagan, who had previously been in a much closer race, launched her first statewide ad two weeks ago and another one last week.

Hagan is the favorite of national Democrats in the race to face Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R). The primary will be held May 6.

— A.B.


Pennsylvania

A pair of GOP primaries in Republican-leaning districts will highlight the congressional races being held alongside the presidential primary here Tuesday.

Republican businessmen Dan Meuser and Chris Hackett have each spent heavily for the right to face freshman Rep. Chris Carney (D), who is one of the most attractive GOP targets in the country.

Meanwhile, a field of nine will vie for the Republican nod to compete for retiring Rep. John Peterson’s (R) seat.

Lower-profile Democratic primaries in the districts of GOP Reps. Phil English and Tim Murphy will also pave the way for potentially competitive contests.

Both Meuser and Hackett have repeatedly dug into their pockets to keep their primary campaigns afloat, with Meuser spending more than $1.5 million of his own money and Hackett spending $800,000.

Both have also raised considerable money for the 10th district race in the northeastern corner of the state.

In the neighboring north-central 5th district, Matt Shaner, Derek Walker, Jeff Stroehmann and Glenn Thompson lead the GOP field. Shaner, Stroehmann and Walker have all put together big money for the race, but Thompson garnered Peterson’s support two weeks ago in a potential game-changer.

The 28-year-old Shaner and Walker have both spent heavily on their own campaigns — more than $1.2 million for Shaner and more than $800,000 for Walker — which has allowed them much more exposure than the rest of the relatively cash-poor field.

Stroehmann loaned his campaign $150,000, and no other candidate had put together more than $40,000 for the race as of April 2, including Thompson.

The winner will be heavily favored in a district that voted 61 percent for President Bush, but Democrats face a contested primary as well. Iraq veteran Bill Cahir has raised the most money ($120,000) and will face Democrats Richard Vilello and Mark McCracken.

In the northwestern 3rd district, the Democratic primary to face English includes attorney Tom Myers, Erie County Councilman Kyle Foust, businesswoman Kathleen Dahlkemper and community activist Mike Waltner.

In Murphy’s western district, businessman Steve O’Donnell, government consultant Beth Hafer and businessman Brien Well will face off.

The Democratic candidates have not raised big money in either race, but Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said Monday that he remains hopeful his party can challenge English and Murphy, neither of whom has faced a tough contest in recent years.

“Pennsylvania was our No. 1 state last year; we won four seats,” Van Hollen said. “But we do think there’s more room for growth.”

— A.B.