This spring, the Alaska Watchman sent survey questions to candidates vying to be the state’s next governor.

Today, we republish these answers to help Aug. 18 primary voters decide between the many candidates who are vying for office.

While some candidates chose not to participate in the survey, those who did offered unique perspectives on numerous critical issues. Click on the questions below to see how candidates responded.

QUESTIONS

— Alaska faces structural deficits due to volatile oil prices and heavy federal reliance. If elected as Alaska’s chief executive, what concrete steps are you willing and able to take to unlock our resources and diversify the state’s revenue stream?

— Would you ever support some form of a statewide sales tax? Please explain.

— Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend payouts are an annual controversy. If elected governor, how would you attempt to solve this issue while maintaining a balanced budget?

— President Trump established a Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.) to reduce the size of the federal government. Do you have any plans to establish a similar program for Alaska? If so, what would it entail?

— The current Dunleavy Administration grappled with many unexpected challenges associated with COVID-19. Identify two things you would have done differently to protect personal liberty during the pandemic.

— The Alaska Supreme Court has blocked nearly every pro-life law ever passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, thereby ensuring that Alaska remains one of the most pro-abortion states in the country. Given this reality, share two concrete actions you will take as the state’s chief executive to help protect unborn babies.

— For many years now, the Alaska Legislature has been controlled by bipartisan coalitions in the State Senate and House, which have effectively marginalized conservative lawmakers and their proposed bills, while empowering Democrats and their allies. How will you advance conservative policies in Alaska through executive authority and influence, even without the Legislature’s help?

— Alaska’s Constitution (Art. 3, Section 16) states that the governor is responsible for the “faithful execution of the laws,” and may “enforce compliance with any constitutional or legislative mandate, or restrain violation of any constitutional or legislative power, duty, or right by any officer, department, or agency of the State or any of its political subdivisions.” How would you exercise this constitutional authority to check or restrain potential violations of the Alaska Constitution by the judicial branch?

— Many Alaskans do not trust the state’s use of Dominion voting machines to count ballots in statewide elections. Some boroughs, such as the Mat-Su, have completely done away with machine tabulators in favor of hand-counting all ballots. How will you address voter concerns over Dominion voting machines?

— Alaska has long been stymied by what many view as overburdensome federal regulations when it comes to developing and managing Alaska lands and resources. What do you see as the major state’s rights issues facing Alaska today, and what are you prepared to do to defend Alaska’s sovereignty?

TAKING ACTION

— Click here to read gubernatorial candidate responses to Alaska Watchman questions.

— Click here to find your voting district and polling location for the Aug. 18 primary.

Click here to support the Alaska Watchman.