The Must Read Alaska Show

Behind the 2024 Battle to Repeal Ranked Choice Voting in Alaska: The Phil Izon Story

In this compelling episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter sits down with Phil Izon, the driving force behind the effort to repeal ranked choice voting (RCV) in Alaska during the 2024 election. Izon recounts the intensive grassroots campaign that gathered far more than the required signatures across 33 of Alaska’s 40 House districts, relying entirely on volunteers and innovative technology—without the use of paid signature gathering firms. He details the legal challenges that followed, including aggressive lawsuits led by political operatives that accused him and his campaign of fraud. These efforts resulted in significant financial and emotional strain, including six hours of deposition and substantial legal fees, although Izon ultimately prevailed in both Superior and Supreme Court decisions.
The conversation exposes the intense opposition Izon faced from well-funded, out-of-state interests allegedly aligned with maintaining RCV, and highlights what he describes as political lawfare—legal intimidation designed to suppress citizen-led reform. Izon also critiques the lack of support from Alaska's Republican Party leadership and state officials, despite acknowledgment from national conservative circles. With $15 million spent to defend RCV and millions more invested in promoting it nationwide, Izon raises critical questions about who benefits from Alaska's election system and why. He closes by cautioning the new "Repeal Now" effort and emphasizing the importance of strategic collaboration, insider knowledge, and persistence in future repeal attempts.
This episode offers a rare insider’s view into the mechanics of election reform efforts, the high stakes of ballot initiatives, and the personal toll such battles can exact.

Repeal Now AK: Inside Alaska’s Campaign to End Ranked Choice Voting

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter sits down with Lynn McCabe and Mikaela Emswiler, of the Repeal Now initiative, to explore the close, contentious fight to roll back ranked choice voting in Alaska. Together, they share firsthand accounts of signature-gathering on the ground, the fierce lawfare tactics deployed by outside interests, and the surprising challenges volunteers face—from strict chain-of-custody rules to ensuring every signer’s information matches the voter database.
Lynn recounts the overwhelming public frustration with ranked choice voting and how just 743 votes decided Alaska’s fate last November. Michaela lays out why she sees RCV as a threat to election integrity, empowering dark-money groups and confusing everyday voters. You’ll learn:
Why 34,000 valid signatures (across 30 of 40 legislative districts) are needed by January 20, 2026
How to sign correctly—using the exact name on your voter registration and providing a valid voter ID number
What pitfalls to avoid—never sharing a petition “book,” keeping it under lock and key, and notarizing when possible
Where to get involved—volunteer opportunities, signature-gathering locations, and digital action
If you’re ready to make your voice heard, visit RepealNowAK.com, email repealnowalaska@gmail.com, or follow Repeal Now AK on Facebook and X. Every signature counts—help bring transparency back to Alaska’s elections.

The Alaska LNG Project: Momentum & Milestones

In this in-depth episode, host Ben Carpenter tackles the long-anticipated and often controversial Alaska LNG pipeline project—offering listeners an insider’s look at recent developments and reasons for renewed optimism. Drawing from his attendance at the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, Carpenter presents a compelling overview of a conversation between Governor Mike Dunleavy and Brendan Duvall, CEO of Glenfarne, the private company now spearheading the project.
The episode outlines Glenfarne's phased development plan for the pipeline, which includes:
Phase 1: A domestic gas pipeline from the North Slope to Anchorage.
Phase 2: Construction of a liquefaction plant in Nikiski.
Phase 3: A gas conditioning and carbon capture facility at Prudhoe Bay.
Duvall explains why the project is now seen as financially viable, citing advantages like lower shipping costs to Asia, abundant and cheap feed gas, engineering preparedness, and strong bipartisan political support. He also addresses concerns about cost overruns, emphasizing project finance discipline and extensive pre-construction planning to keep expenses under control.
Listeners will hear insights into the project’s ambitious timeline, with a final investment decision (FID) on the pipeline expected by the end of 2025 and on the liquefaction plant by the end of 2026. Full construction is projected to begin in 2027, with gas delivery targeted for 2029 and LNG exports by 2031.
Governor Dunleavy and Duvall also highlight the economic benefits for Alaska, including thousands of construction jobs and long-term energy security. Duvall closes with a high level of confidence in the project’s feasibility, backed by Glenfarne’s private capital commitment and global LNG experience.
The show offers a mix of technical detail, political context, and economic promise, painting a picture of a transformative infrastructure project finally nearing reality after decades of stalled dreams.
 

Energy, Sovereignty, and Strategic Vision: Inside Day One of the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference

In this episode, Must Read Alaska Show host Ben Carpenter delivers a robust, real-time debrief from the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, hosted by Governor Mike Dunleavy in Anchorage. Carpenter walks the audience through the key takeaways, the tone of the event, and the overarching vision shared by political and industry leaders, particularly from the Trump administration, about Alaska’s pivotal role in national energy policy, security, and economic revival.
With hundreds of attendees from around the globe, the conference presented Alaska not as a remote outpost, but as a strategic energy powerhouse whose development is critical not only for the state but for national and global security.
Carpenter closes the episode with a rallying cry for Alaskans to take ownership of their future:
Energy is the starting point of economic renewal.
Alaska has resources, public support, and geopolitical necessity on its side.
It’s time to structure policy and fiscal mechanisms to reward growth and self-reliance, not government expansion.

Unpacking Alaska’s Push to Revoke Ranked Choice Voting

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Bernadette Wilson of Repeal Now Alaska to discuss the second effort to overturn Alaska’s ranked choice voting (RCV) system. They begin by defining RCV—how it replaced traditional closed primaries with an open “jungle primary” advancing the top four candidates and then allowing voters to rank their top four choices in a multi-round count—and critiquing its complexity and disenfranchisement of voters.
Wilson explains the legal and logistical steps required for repeal: gathering just under 35,000 valid signatures from at least 35 of Alaska’s 40 house districts and submitting them by mid-January 2026 to qualify for the 2026 election. She outlines the statewide network of regional signature gatherers, the need for financial contributions to cover mailing and reporting costs, and the importance of correctly matching petition signatures and addresses to voter registration records.
The conversation closes with a call to action for listeners to visit Repeal Now Alaska’s website: repealnowak.com or Facebook page to sign the petition, volunteer as signature gatherers, and donate—even small amounts help cover the cost of mailing petition books.
The episode underscores the coalition’s commitment to a clear, straightforward voting process and encourages Alaskans—and interested non-residents—to get involved.

100 Days of Impact: Congressman Nick Begich on Alaska’s Role in a New Era

In this engaging episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, Congressman Nick Begich takes center stage to discuss the whirlwind first 100 days of the new Congress, offering a deep dive into the priorities shaping Alaska and the nation. Begich highlights the unprecedented pace of legislative action under Republican leadership, focusing on key achievements like the Lake and Riley Act, which strengthens immigration enforcement and empowers states to hold the federal government accountable. He outlines efforts to secure the southern border, curb the flow of illegal drugs, and prioritize American interests in trade and spending, all while exposing wasteful programs that have long burdened taxpayers.
A significant portion of the conversation centers on the budget reconciliation process, which Begich sees as a golden opportunity for Alaska. He details plans to advance resource development, including expanding leasing in ANWR, unlocking potential in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, and revitalizing the state’s mining and timber industries. These initiatives, he explains, are designed to generate revenue for both Alaska and the federal government, fostering economic growth and reducing reliance on federal dollars. Begich also addresses the contentious issue of Alaska’s revenue split with the federal government, advocating for a return to the promised 90-10 split on new leases to bolster the state’s financial independence.
Beyond Alaska-specific issues, Begich tackles broader national challenges, such as the ballooning $36 trillion national debt and the trillion-dollar annual interest payments that threaten fiscal stability. He emphasizes Republican resistance to tax hikes, instead favoring cuts to waste, fraud, and abuse, supported by the Department of Government Efficiency and the DOGE caucus. Begich also discusses Medicaid reform, proposing eligibility checks and work requirements to ensure the program serves those truly in need, while addressing the misuse of benefits by non-citizens. On healthcare costs, he points to long-term solutions like healthier food regulations and curbing pharmaceutical advertising to ease the burden on consumers.
A particularly striking moment comes as Begich raises concerns about federal funds potentially looping back into the political sphere, citing examples of NGOs, straw donors, and dark money influencing elections. He stresses ongoing investigations to ensure transparency and legality in campaign financing, warning that unchecked interference could undermine democratic integrity. Throughout, Begich’s passion for Alaska shines through, as he champions policies to create jobs, ensure economic predictability, and empower young Alaskans to build their futures in the state. This episode captures a pivotal moment in national and Alaskan politics, with Begich working hard for Alaskans.

AIDEA’s Court Victory Over ANWR Leases: Alaska’s Economic Path Forward

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter and guest Randy Ruaro focus on the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority’s (AIDEA) landmark court win in Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority v. Department of Interior, which declared the Biden administration’s cancellation of oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) illegal, reinstating AIDEA’s leases and opening the door for development under the Trump administration. They discuss how this victory could unlock billions in state and federal revenue from ANWR’s vast oil reserves, while addressing ongoing challenges like federal permitting delays and environmental opposition that have hindered such projects. Beyond the court case, they explore AIDEA’s broader mission, rooted in Alaska’s constitutional mandate to develop resources for public benefit, which includes supporting both large-scale resource initiatives and small businesses. The conversation also touches on opportunities in critical minerals and other sectors, underscoring AIDEA’s role in driving sustainable economic growth and job creation for Alaskans while meeting global energy demands and national security priorities.

Alaska's Pension Crisis: The High Cost of Senate Bill 78 and Smarter Solutions

In this exciting episode of the "Must Read Alaska Show" podcast, host Ben Carpenter dives deep into Alaska's pension debate with Ryan Frost and Mariana Trujillo from the Reason Foundation. They break down the major issues surrounding Senate Bill 78 (SB 78), which proposes returning Alaska’s public pension system to a costly defined benefit plan.
The discussion kicks off with a fast-paced explanation of the differences between defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) systems. While DB plans offer a fixed retirement income, they’ve become unsustainable for many states and companies. Alaska’s pension system, still $7 billion in debt, is a perfect example of why DB systems are risky and expensive.
Frost and Trujillo slam the notion that SB 78 will boost public employee recruitment and retention, pointing out that Alaska’s public sector turnover is actually below the national average! They reveal that the proposed switch to a DB system would make retirement worse for most employees, despite adding billions in costs to the state.
Rather than returning to an outdated, expensive pension model, they argue Alaska should focus on strengthening its current DC system, potentially improving it for police and fire workers, while avoiding a massive pension crisis. With SB 78’s sky-high costs, Alaska needs to think smarter—before it faces an even bigger financial headache.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about Alaska’s financial future!