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BBNC Endorses Sen. Begich

BBNC

The premier Democratic Candidate for US Senate has received endorsement from a local native corporation.  KDLG’s Chase Cavanaugh has details.

US Democratic Senator Mark Begich has received an endorsement from the Bristol Bay Native Corporation.  One of thirteen corporations created by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, it represents over 9600 shareholders in the Bristol Bay region.  The group’s president, Jason Metrokin, said the endorsement was prompted by Begich’s advocacy of native issues.

“He’s been an advocate for protecting subsistence rights. He has been an advocate for native voting rights, which is a very important issue for BBNC and its shareholders. We’ve made a lot of efforts to promote our shareholders getting out to vote and he’s been a supporter and advocate of that. BBNC, of course, is very active in the SBA 8(a) government contracting business, and Senator Begich has helped to protect contracting regulations for Alaska Native Corporations. And also very important to BBNC is Senator Begich’s willingness to come out in opposition to the proposed Pebble Mine project.”

When asked about the endorsement, Begich was grateful, and said he appreciated the recognition of his efforts on behalf of Bristol Bay.

“Working with BBNC has been an incredible opportunity to really make a difference, hopefully, in the region. As Chair of the Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee, an important aspect to the region and the fisheries, I think by their endorsement really puts credit to the work that I’ve done, and I just am honored to receive it and it’s an incredible endorsement to know that they’ve looked at this campaign, the opponents, and decided to support me.”

Senator Begich is running against Brooklyn attorney William Bryk in the Alaska Democratic Primary.  If he wins, he is likely to face Republican Mean Treadwell, Daniel Sullivan, or Joe Miller in November.