Turnaround In The Tundra

Alaska's race for Governor got a bit more interesting yesterday, when independent incumbent Gov. Bill Walker dropped out of the race and threw his support to Dem and former Sen. Mark Begich. Both were running against Republican wingnut Mike Dunleavy, a close ally of former half-term governor and full-time right-wing dolt Sarah "Winky" Palin.

Walker's decision was one of facing reality: he's among the least popular governors who was effectively splitting the Dem and independent vote with Begich, who now has a fighting chance against Dunleavy. Also, Walker's lieutenant governor Byron Mallott had just stepped down days earlier over inappropriate comments he made to a woman.

Alaska's a quirky red state that produces the likes of both Winky and the occasionally independent Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Whether Gov. Walker's withdrawal and endorsement of Begich will tip the scales in November is still somewhat of a long shot. Some 23,000 absentee ballots have already been sent out, with roughly 3,000 already mailed back. Also, Walker's name will remain on the election day ballot, but votes for him will not be counted.