Alaska Democrat Faces Prisoner’s Shadow in House Race
Alaska’s House race sees a Democrat candidate in federal prison, raising concerns about his influence on the election.
2 min read
Eric Hafner, a 35-year-old Democrat running for Alaska’s lone House seat, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in New York. Despite his incarceration, Hafner’s campaign has sparked controversy, as he faces allegations of threatening public officials and making false bomb threats.
Controversial Background
According to U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger, Hafner repeatedly threatened elected representatives, judges, law enforcement officers, and private citizens. He also called in numerous false bomb threats to various locations, including courthouses, police departments, and law firms. In 2016, Hafner reportedly told a police department that the officer who arrested him ‘deserved to get shot’ and revealed personal information about the officer’s family.
Low Voter Support
Data from Ballotpedia shows that only 3.8 percent of voters selected Hafner’s name on the ballot, indicating minimal public support. It is unclear whether these voters were aware of Hafner’s criminal past, as the ballot may have been a protest vote or a reaction to his party affiliation.
Impact on the Race
Despite being in prison, Hafner’s presence in the race could significantly affect the outcome. Politico reported that Democrats fear Hafner could secure enough votes to help Republican incumbent Rep. Nicholas Begich retain his seat. To counter this, the D.C. Super PAC Wheel Dog launched an ad highlighting Hafner’s unusual place of residence, emphasizing that the ‘D’ next to his name stands for ‘Doing Time.’
Ranked-Choice Voting Dynamics
Alaska’s use of ranked-choice voting means that second and third-place votes can have a substantial impact. If Republicans mark Hafner as their second choice, transferred preferences could consolidate behind Begich instead of independent candidate Bill Hill. This system allows Hafner, despite his incarceration, to potentially cast the deciding vote in the race.
Conclusion
While Hafner and Libertarian Jim McDermott are unlikely to win, their influence on the election remains significant. The race ultimately hinges on Hill and Begich, with the unique voting system in Alaska adding an extra layer of complexity to the outcome.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
