Alaska’s democratic senator has been endorsed by a major fishing trade group. KDLG’s Chase Cavanaugh has more.
US Senator Mark Begich has received the endorsement of the United Fisherman of Alaska in his reelection bid. The UFA is the largest state commercial fishing trade association and represents 36 different organizations. Begich says in receiving the endorsement, UFA recognized his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee as well as the Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard. He also said this is the only time he remembers them endorsing a democrat representing the whole state.
“It’s an honor to receive that endorsement, I’m very excited to receive it. As a democrat receiving that endorsement, I don’t think I can remember when they did a statewide democrat endorsement, but just knowing they’re looking at the fish issue, what’s important to Alaska, not the partisan politics, really is an echo of what my campaign’s been about, and also about how I’ve served in the US Senate.”
UFA praised Begich’s past senate career, particularly his work on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, genetically modified salmon, seafood certification, and marketing and fisheries disaster funding.
Begich’s next step is the Democratic Primary on August 19th.