GOP candidate for governor campaigns to end abortion, use of Permanent Fund

Petersburg resident Michael Sheldon is running for governor. The 62-year old Republican is a handyman, former Alaska Marine Highway employee, fisherman and mechanic. His first foray into state politics was an unsuccessful write in campaign for state senate he launched one month before the 2016 election.

Sheldon returned to Petersburg after attending a statewide convention of the Alaska GOP in Anchorage earlier this month. Delegates there cast non-binding votes for their recommended candidates after listening to speeches. Sheldon did not win enough support from those attending. Instead, delegates cast their support behind Mike Dunleavey, Scott Hawkins and Mike Chenault for governor.

Despite that setback, Sheldon continues his campaign with the primary about five months away and he’s working with lieutenant governor candidate Stephen Wright of Wasilla. The two main pillars of Sheldon’s platform are outlawing abortion in the state and not allowing the permanent fund to be used to pay for state government. Joe Viechnicki spoke with Sheldon about his campaign.

The primary election is August 21st.