In an earlier post, I bemoaned the lack of Democratic candidates (who are not wackos) on the primary ballot. A Knowles staffers fielded a theory that the Democrats don't field a good slate of candidates because the legislature is essentially a political "farm system." As relatively few Democrats have been elected in the last ten years, goes the theory, relatively few Demoncrats have learned the ropes as Legislative Aides, and we see that reflected on the ballot.

I can't say I agree with this explanation. First, we had a Democratic governor for eight years, with plenty of opportunities for young Ds to "learn the ropes," and, more importantly, to get some statewide name recognition.

More significantly, the whole "farm system" idea does not seem quite on point to me. Sure, LA positions allow young future politicos the chance to cut their teeth on government jobs, but these people are learning skills and making connections not to support future runs for office, but rather to be included in future campaigns and thus to be part of the field of candidates for the patronage jobs that go with elective office. I don't have hard numbers on this, but my guess is that relatively few LAs go on to elective office, but you'll find a lot in, say, the Dept. of Administration.

This is not to say that it is unimportant for the Dems to have a group of people who know how the game is played - to the contrary, it is very important.

But it doesn't explain why nobody reasonable is willing to run against Don Young (Anger Management Poster Child for All Alaskans!), or why so many Rs are running unopposed.

This is a significant issue. As we saw in the primary, there is a real sense of anger growing in this state against the arrogance of the Majority. (I'm referring to Bob Lynn's primary battle, by the way). People - Alaskans especially - don't like government operating behind closed doors. They don't like blatant cronyism and nepotism. The Rs have simply let the arrogance of power get hold of them, and they aren't even bothering to hide it. It's an incredible opportunity for the Democrats - beneficial districting combined with the voters' "throw the bums out" anger - and they can't even field a candidate - ANY candidate - in some races.

This is a problem with the party's organizational structure. They need to get out recruiting and supporting candidates for EVERY OFFICE - from Senator to School Board.

If you're not talking, you can be sure nobody's listening.