New Ratings Reflect Thinning Ice for Alaska’s Stevens, Young, = Corrupt Bastards Club

[L. Coyote]

New Ratings Reflect Thinning Ice for Alaska’s Stevens, Young
Rachel Kapochunas, CQ Staff - - March 21, 2008 – - http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002691187


After years of nearly iron-clad electoral security in strongly Republican-leaning Alaska, Sen. Ted Stevens and at-large Rep. Don Young — and their Republican Party — suddenly find themselves at risk this year. And the problems faced by Stevens, who has been a senator since 1968, and Young, the state’s sole House member since 1973, essentially stem from the same source: publicity about individual federal investigations into both veteran incumbents’ ties to Alaska businessmen who are at the core of the most sweeping political corruption scandals in the state’s history.

With both Stevens and Young facing stiffening challenges from a Democratic Party that in the past rarely even laid a finger on them, CQ Politics has changed its ratings of these races to more competitive categories. The Senate race rating has moved to Leans Republican from Republican Favored. This change means Stevens is still is perceived as having an edge, but the possibility of an upset appears stronger — especially if the Democrats’ most sought-after recruit, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, moves from an “exploratory” effort to a full-fledged campaign.

And Young appears to be at even greater risk. CQ Politics changed the House rating to its No Clear Favorite, or tossup, category from Leans Republican.

Both lawmakers are seeking re-election while under scrutiny for their ties to an ethics scandal .................

[Tarheel_Dem]

1. and the hits just keep on coming......recommended!

:woohoo:

[L. Coyote]

40. Stevens, Sheffield emails expose possible campaign violations

Stevens, Sheffield emails expose possible campaign violation
By Myrl Thompson - April 7, 2008 - http://alaskareport.com/news48/z51183_port_myrl.htm


Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich and Municipal Attorney James Reeves have been notified today by AkPIRG of a request to inspect and copy, certain public records .... all emails between Bill Sheffield, Director of the Port of Anchorage, and members of the entire Alaska Congressional Delegation .... They would also like any email between any candidate for, or member of, the Alaska Legislature.

The request is for emails dated between Jan 1, 2002 and the present that relate to any "election campaign activity, including but not limited to election campaign fund raising."

AkPIRG made the request when they discovered several emails exchanged between U.S. Senator Ted Stevens and Port of Anchorage Director, William Sheffield. In the emails, Sheffield offers to host a fundraiser for Steven's 2008 campaign. If true, Sheffield may have broken Municipal Code (1.15.025 I.4.b) "A Municipal employee shall not...While on duty, engage in political campaigning for elected public office, political endorsement, or election campaign fundraising for any person or office."

Stevens/Sheffield Emails (PDF) http://alaskareport.com/pdf/Sheffield.Stevens.emails.pdf

[Arctic Dave]

2. People here are really tired of these two guys.

My pick instead of Begich would be Berkowitz, but thats just me.

[StevieM]

4. Do you really think that Alaska may be turning less conservative? Could we make some headway? (eom)

[Arctic Dave]

7. I don't think Alaska is as conservative as people think.

If anything it more Independent. What makes it more Pug is the "carpetbaggers" from the lower forty-eight. If you talk to most Alaskans they would agree with more progressive things then you would think. However, I think like most of the US they have been blinded by the bullshit that is the republican party. Alaska was a Democratic state until the dicovery of oil. When that happened obviously the people followed who would take over the different levels of gov't to suit the corporate needs. This happens pretty much anywhere there is something to be extracted and profited from.

[lonestarnot]

35. Just like AZ and it's climate.

:puke:

[Blue_In_AK]

12. I agree with Arctic Dave...

Alaska is really quite progressive in a lot of ways. We have no death penalty, we have decriminalized marijuana, our House of Representatives just said "no thanks" to the Real ID. Our state Constitution has probably the strongest privacy clause of any state constitution in the country. We really are an independent-minded bunch up here -- there are far more registered voters with no party preference than either Republicans or Democrats.

And, yes, it was the Texans and Oklahomans who showed up here when the oil started being developed that turned the state Republican. I think that may come to an end though. We're sick of the corruption.

[vickitulsa]

31. Sadly, I was one of those Okies who "invaded" your great state

during the TAPS project construction. I was a temporary visitor/worker, though I strongly considered staying and becoming a true Alaskan. One winter was enough to cure me of my dreams, since I found I was unable to tolerate such deep cold in my bones for so many months of the year, even though I was a young adult then.

But I saw firsthand just how all those Okies and Texans f'ed up your state and no doubt changed it forever. I well remember the bumper stickers on those yellow pickups we Bechtel employees drove: LET THE BASTARDS FREEZE IN THE DARK.

Says so much about the "kinder and gentler" sentiments of the big oil folks and their many loyal minions.

I was just there to see and enjoy the state I'd always adored from afar, and I was NOT disappointed! To this day I still recommend a trip to AK to anyone who shows an inkling of interest. Nowhere is the sky bigger and the air cleaner! EVERYTHING is bigger in AK! :)

But I also think the many Texans and Okies who did remain in AK brought along with them the routine corruption practices they'd always used down here. Big Oil has been flexing its substantial political muscle for many decades now, and they know just how to do it.

Rotten to the core, those bastards are. I worked for some pretty high-ranking guys, and I know what they do. It ain't pretty, and they don't care who suffers as a result of their greed and power-grabbing. It took only a rather brief OPEC embargo in 1973 throwing a big scare into the American public to contain the environmentalists that had held up the pipeline construction for seven years, and get that massive project rolling full steam in 1974. Does everyone really believe that was a coincidence?

Good luck with removing those Repuke criminals from your government, and let's hope the Dems learn the lesson from their downfall and clean up the whole scene!

[Blue_In_AK]

33. Thanks, Vickitulsa,

You're one of the good ones. :pals:

[Blue_In_AK]

11. Yeah, but Ethan's running for Don's seat, unfortunately.

I really wish he had taken on Stevens and left Don Young for Diane Benson after she bloodied him up so well last time. I was hoping and praying that Ethan would go for that Senate seat. Mark will probably do okay, but Berkowitz would have been much, much better.

[L. Coyote]

43. Public silence not proper response to corruption

Public silence not proper response to corruption
Jeff Jones - March 23, 2008 - http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/032308/hom_20080323013.shtml


It would appear obvious, as the insipid details have been bandied about for months now, that Alaska has cultivated a fine bevy of corrupted politicians, lobbyist and business folks.

Undoubtedly more of the sordid details will come to light as more miscreants from all levels of the food chain are under investigation. Not to be outdone by our local yokels, even the heavy hitters are getting some action as Senator Ted and Brother Don are both under clouds of suspicion with grand jury investigations. Even poor Lisa, not wanting to be left out, returned a home recently to a longtime friend after having bought a splendid Kenai river property for a song.

Most recently, our former chief of staff pleaded guilty to taking illegal money and will be dining with fellow felons Pete Kott and Tom Anderson down at the Sheraton Hotel.

Sure, we wring our hands and listen to talk radio or read the newspaper, naively wondering why or how all of this could have gone on for so long and been so blatant as to attract every FBI agent this side of the Yukon River.

................

[StevieM]

3. Those would be GREAT victories, but unfortunately Alaska is solidly Republican.

I think the biggest GOP advantage is the city of Anchorage, which is fairly conservative. A lot of people up there don't realize how ridiculous drilling in ANWR is. They think that there is a lifetime of oil up there, which is pure nonsense.

Steve

[L. Coyote]

5. Mark Begich is a Dem, the elected mayor of Anchorage, most of the state's voters!

And, we need to support his exploratory efforts.

Alaska is ready for change, including Rs.
Young may get the boot in the R primary!

Name corrected on edit.

[Arctic Dave]

8. I think you mean Mark Begich.

[L. Coyote]

9. Ooophs. YES it is Mark.

Mark Begich http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Begich
From Wikipedia

I met his brother, Nick Begich, who has publishing books on covert and military technology. Hence, the confusion.

Alaskans for Begich Exploratory Committee
I have formed the Mark Begich for Senate Exploratory Committee. ...
P.O. Box 240287 Anchorage Alaska 99524 | 907-272-Mark (6275) | [e-mail].
http://www.begich.com/

[Fireweed247]

24. Nick Begich has been working to expose HAARP

He is also a hero.

Mark Begich belongs in the senate and I think he will win.

Right now we have the most corrupt politicians in Congress but Alaska hasn't always been like this. Before Don Young took his seat, Nick Begich Sr disappeared mysteriously, yet still beat Don Young in the election posthumously. Then they had a special election and we have been stuck with Don Young ever since.

From wiki:
"On October 16, 1972, he was aboard a twin engine Cessna 310 along with Congressman Hale Boggs of Louisiana, the Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, when the plane disappeared during a flight from Anchorage to Juneau"

[Blue_In_AK]

25. Remember that Ted Stevens also came into his position

because a Democrat died. Stevens was appointed to the Senate by then-governor Wally Hickel in 1968 after the untimely death of Democrat Bob Bartlett. I've always found it ironic that Stevens and Young couldn't get into office here without being appointed, much like Lisa, who was appointed when Frank the Bank quit to run for Governor. Stevens couldn't get past the Republican primary in 1968 and Don Young lost to a dead man. Pathetic.

I'm so glad we voted to have special elections from now on when a senator/representative leaves office early instead of relying on appointments by the governor.

[L. Coyote]

27. There are still unanswered questions about these deaths too.

Election to Congress and disappearance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Begich

In 1970, Begich was elected to the at-large seat for the state of Alaska. In 1972, he faced a tight race against the Republican candidate, state senator Don Young. On October 16, 1972, he was aboard a twin engine Cessna 310 along with Congressman Hale Boggs of Louisiana, the Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, when the plane disappeared during a flight from Anchorage to Juneau. The only others on board were Begich's aide, Russell Brown, and the pilot, Don Jonz;<2> the four were heading to a campaign fundraiser for Begich.

In the largest search ever mounted by the U.S. military, Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force planes searched for the party. On November 24, 1972, after thirty-nine days, the search was abandoned. Neither the wreckage of the plane nor the pilot's and passengers' remains were ever found. All were presumed dead on December 29, 1972, Begich was forty years old. The accident prompted Congress to pass a law mandating emergency locator transmitters (now called emergency position-indicating rescue beacons) in all U.S. civil aircraft. Posthumously, Begich won the 1972 election with 56% to Don Young's 44%. However, after Begich's declared death, a special election was called which was won by Young.

[L. Coyote]

32. Anchorage mayor hears from public on potential race for Congress

Anchorage mayor hears from public on potential race for Congress
By STEVE QUINN - April 04, 2008 - http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/123187.html

JUNEAU, Alaska — Anchorage mayor Mark Begich says he's not a candidate for a Senate seat that has belonged to U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens since 1968 - not yet anyway.

But at times, Begich sure sounded like Stevens' opponent during a visit to the state capital on Friday. By month's end, Begich said, he'll have an answer.

..............

[Blue_In_AK]

34. There is some speculation here

that Mark may finish out his mayoral term and run in 2010 when Lisa is up for re-election. Even with Ted's troubles these days, he will be hard to defeat. We were all kind of hoping that an indictment would be forthcoming by now.

[Blue_In_AK]

13. SteveM, what do you know about Alaska?

I just don't think this is true, and I've been living here since 1975. It's much, much less conservative than it used to be. What you may not know is that Anchorage is now a 50-50 city -- that is, 50% of the enrollment in our schools are now minorities, who most usually are Democrats. The demographics here are not anything like they used to be.

And there are many, many people here who realize how ridiculous drilling in ANWR is.

[StevieM]

15. You're right, I don't know that much about it. I just know that it's always carried the label

of a strongly Republican state. I had also heard that most politicians, in both parties, support drilling in ANWR (I thought Tony Knowles did). And, finally, I heard that Anchorage, and the southern part of the state, were more conservative then the north. And most people live in the south.

But I guess I shouldn't take everything at face value, obviously people who live there, like yourself, know the situation a lot better then I do. So that's one on me.

I hope you're right, it would be great to pick up a victory or two in Alaska.

Steve

[Blue_In_AK]

16. Tony Knowles is an oil-patch guy

(he's from Oklahoma, after all) so, yes, he has supported drilling. I like Tony but he's definitely more of a developer kind of guy than some other Democrats I know. As far as demographics go, I think the southern part of the state is probably more liberal than the northern. From what I've heard, Juneau is a pretty liberal town (Ken Burch would know more about that than I do). Anchorage has had Democratic mayors for quite some time now, first Tony for two terms and then Mark Begich for two. Fairbanks, I think, is more conservative, or actually more Libertarian probably, as are Kenai/Soldotna. Then there are the kind of "granola bar" kind of towns like Homer and Talkeetna. I don't know too much about the politics in the Native villages. Maybe another one of the Alaskans here knows. Arctic Dave??

[StevieM]

17. Here's where I got my idea about the north vs. the south in Alaska

http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/

Go to the 1996 election. Then click on the Alaska map. Remember that red is used for Democrats, blue for Republicans in this map.

I saw this years ago, and it always made me think that Alaska was more conservative in the south.

Steve

[Blue_In_AK]

18. LOL - I see what you mean.

I do think things are improving here, though, especially given the widespread Republican corruption that has come to light in the past couple of years. People are just really fed up. We have three state Republican legislators who were convicted last year (two are currently doing time, five years each, the third one is stalling), another trial coming up shortly, former Gov. Murkowski's chief of staff just pled guilty to corruption charges, Ted and Don are under investigation, and from what we hear, there are numerous other FBI investigations ongoing here, all involving Republicans, so it's hard to ignore.

[StevieM]

19. Well, I hope Democrats can start making some headway. But so much of the reporting makes it sound

like it is an iron-clad GOP machine. Even Sarah Palin is now being talked about as a future president or vice-president. You just don't hear too much about Alaska Dems, other then Tony Knowles. I think toppling Don Young would be a great start. But if Sean Parnell beats him in the primary then would the GOP be more likely to hold that seat? Also, what about Stevens's son, is he in good shape to eventually succeed his father, like Lisa Murkowski did hers, or is he in trouble too?

Steve

[Blue_In_AK]

20. Stevens' son is up to his eyeballs in corruption.

More than the others even. He is definitely one of the ones being investigated for multiple things, and if he doesn't get indicted within the next couple of years, I and everyone else in Alaska will be really surprised. He has basically dropped out of sight here.

As for the Dems, we have some really good ones here, they just aren't known nationally. I am supporting Diane Benson for Congress. She is remarkable.

http://www.bensonforcongress.com/

[L. Coyote]

22. The majority of AK legislature was corrupt, not?

[Blue_In_AK]

23. Quite a few of them, yes.

There are still some down there that I have my doubts about, but the more questionable ones didn't run for re-election, like Ben and Pete Kott, who has been tried, convicted and is now in prison in Oregon. I don't know what the delay on Ben is -- my husband thinks that maybe the feds want to take Ted out first so that he can't wield as much influence to protect his boy. Whatever the reason, I know they're not finished up here. It's amazing how much Big Oil can corrupt a government.

[L. Coyote]

28. Thanks. Any day now, Ted and Don in manacles leaving the courtroom, belts removed

without bail on appeal, like Don Siegelman!

Until we know where that bridge goes, they are a flight risk :rofl:

[KingFlorez]

6. K&R

It would be so great for the Democrats to pickup seats here.

[L. Coyote]

10. National Review Endorses Don Young Challenger

National Review Endorses Don Young Challenger
Josh Kraushaar - Mar 25, 2008 - http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/25/politics/politico/thecrypt/main3966754.shtml


(The Politico) The venerable conservative magazine, National Review, issued a rare congressional primary endorsement in its new issue, supporting Alaska’s Republican Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell in his primary challenge against scandal-plagued Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska).

Per the magazine’s editorial:

Young has become one of Washington’s premier pork-barrel pols, most notably for his advocacy of the infamous “bridge to nowhere.” Despite their self-image as rugged libertarians, Alaskans love federal handouts, and the 74-year-old Young hasn’t faced a difficult reelection in some time. Yet he’s also under an ethics probe involving earmarks, and has spent around $850,000 on legal bills. Many Republicans worry that if Young is their nominee once again he will lose the seat. Now they have a viable alternative in the August primary. Palin has endorsed Parnell. So should Alaska’s conservatives.

Young, who has served as Alaska's at-large representative since 1973, is under investigation by the Justice Department over his ties to oil services giant Veco Corp. Republicans have been concerned about holding on to Young’s seat — if he is the nominee — given his recent ethical troubles.

Three Democrats are jockeying to face him next fall, ................

[Blue_In_AK]

14. Don is TOAST

I don't even see him making it past his primary, which may make it somewhat more difficult for the Dems to pick up the seat since Parnell is probably not too bad a guy, and Sarah will be out stumping for him all over, I'm sure. She has about an 85% approval rating right now, so some of her shine will probably rub off on him.

But I really don't care as long at that asshole Young is gone. I hate that guy.

[L. Coyote]

21. Don is an INDICTMENT waiting for legal service. He is BURNT TOAST

A pair of handcuffs have his name on then already,
unless, of course, he is still wearing a wire in Congress! :rofl:

[L. Coyote]

26. Need a LAUGH? Donations Received to Date: = $10.00

"WE THE PEOPLE"
COMMAND the IMMEDIATE IMPEACHMENT of :
Anchorage, Alaska Mayor Mark Begich, the administration under him and all relative officials within the "MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE", including but not limited to, the Anchorage Police Department and all persons involved with them .....

IMPEACH THEM NOW - FOR THEIR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY / GROSS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS / CRIMINAL GROSS NEGLIGENCE / WILLINGLY PARTICIPATING OR ACTIVELY ENGAGING IN A CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT - AND MORE -

Make Your Donation with Security and Privacy using any major credit card via PayPal Secured Payment Processor

Total Donations Received to Date: 03-19-08 = $10.00

Someone send them 2 cents, please. LOL

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/784521178

[Blue_In_AK]

37. Good grief. Who ARE these people? !!

[L. Coyote]

29. Republican Metcalfe takes on Ted Stevens for his U.S. Senate seat.

Ohhh, this is gonna be a real two-lane bridge to nowhere!! :rofl:

===================
Metcalfe takes on Ted Stevens for U.S. Senate seat
April 1st, 2008 - RALPH GIBBS - Mirror Writer - http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=6026

Even though there are laws against retaliation, whistle blowers don’t fare well in America and usually end up fading away into obscurity. Former Alaska House Rep. Ray Metcalfe hopes to buck the trend.

He said he’ll be taking on fellow Republican Sen. Ted Stevens in the November election. ............. Metcalfe said his critics and newspapers have accused him of being obsessed and tilting at windmills. Metcalfe said that’s OK because those windmills have fallen over .......

[Blue_In_AK]

36. Actually, Ray Metcalfe is running as a Democrat

as he did in 2006 when he competed against Diane Benson for the Democratic House nomination -- which she won. Ray -- known as "Disco Ray" in these parts -- got fed up with the Republican Party in Alaska some time ago and started his own "Republican Moderate" Party, which really didn't go anywhere, so he's calling himself a Democrat now, even though he is NO friend of Mark Begich's. The state Democratic Party doesn't know quite what to do with him, and until recently there was nothing about his run against Stevens on the party's website. I think I read a couple of days ago that they were going to go ahead and give him some "cred."

(I just checked -- there he is -- http://alaskademocrats.org/index.php?page=display&id=123 )

Ray and Jake are not related.

[L. Coyote]

38. So, a Republican Plant is going to run against a Republican. Gotta give them credit

for strategy. Put a losing ringer on the other team .....

Is this a credible scenario/possibility?

[Blue_In_AK]

44. I doubt that Ray will get very far

especially if Begich ends up running. According to recent polls, Begich is running even with Stevens right now, even though he hasn't formally declared. He's recently been out in western Alaska introducing himself to the people who don't know him out there, and seems to have been warmly received.

[L. Coyote]

30. Annual ‘Pig Book’ documents Congressional appropriations

Annual ‘Pig Book’ documents Congressional appropriations
Drew Houff - April 3, 2008 - http://www.winchesterstar.com/article_details.php?ArticleID=5766


Citizens Against Government Waste’s fiscal 2008 Congressional Pig Book shows a good bit of pork-barrel spending, and includes both of Virginia’s senators and U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf, R-10th.

The 18-year exposé of pork-barrel spending highlights how Congress pushed through 11,610 projects worth $17.2 billion in 12 appropriation bills.

........ The three senators with the largest amount of pork-barrel spending, according to the group, were all members of the Senate Appropriations Committee: Ranking member Thad Cochran, R-Miss., with $892 million; Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, with $469 million; and Richard Shelby, R-Ala., with $465 million. .....

Since 1991, Citizens Against Government Waste has identified $271 billion in total pork spending. For fiscal 2008, Alaska, which has a population of 670,053, led the nation with $556 per person in pork-barrel spending. ..........

[L. Coyote]

39. Don Young: The Million Dollar Man = Legal Bills charged to campaign.

Just think about this for one minute, or less. = WHY?

ONE MILLION DOLLARS paid to attorneys defending Don Young!
ONE MILLION DOLLARS from campaign contributions at that?

If campaign contributions are for doing favors, aren't the crooks paying for the defense?

============
Don Young: The Million Dollar Man
By Paul Kiel - April 7, 2008 - http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/04/don_young_the_million_dollar_m.php


Congratulations to Rep. Don Young's (R-AK) lawyers, who, working together, have exceeded one million dollars in billings!

But don't worry: Young's campaign contributors are the ones bearing the burden. Young's spokesperson put the word out on Friday, in anticipation of Young's upcoming quarterly report to the FEC.

Due to $213,000 in legal fees paid out by the campaign in the first quarter of this year, Young's campaign has now paid out more than $1.1 million in fees. Only Rep. Jerry Lewis' (R-CA) campaign has achieved a similar feat.

Unfortunately, Young paid out more in legal fees than he raised in that quarter (just $164,000). ..........

[L. Coyote]

41. Rasmussen Reports: Election 2008: Alaska Senate : Stevens 46% Begich 45%

Election 2008: Alaska Senate : Stevens 46% Begich 45%
Thursday, April 10, 2008 - http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/alaska/election_2008_alaska_senate


In a difficult year for Republicans, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens is providing GOP leaders with yet another headache.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that Stevens is essentially even with Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. Stevens currently attracts 46% of the vote while Begich earns 45%. Four percent (4%) say they’d vote for a third party option while 5% are not sure.

Any incumbent who polls below 50% is considered potentially vulnerable .........

[L. Coyote]

42. Bob Penney's business replaces Veco as Alaska's top congressional contributor.

New leader in political spending emerges
PENCO: Bob Penney's business replaces Veco as Alaska's top congressional contributor.
By SEAN COCKERHAM - March 16th, 2008 - http://www.adn.com/front/story/346667.html


The politically connected Anchorage real estate development firm Penco was Alaska's biggest contributor to congressional races over the past year, moving into a top spot previously held by the defunct Veco Corp.

There were $51,100 in donations associated with Penco in 2007, the latest Federal Election Commission reports available. That's close to the $51,650 that Veco managers gave for congressional races in 2006 before top executives pleaded guilty to bribing state legislators and sold the company. Veco was top Alaska donor for the past decade to federal campaigns, mostly congressional races, the Center for Responsive Politics found.

Penco is a family business owned by Bob Penney, a sportfishing activist who is a longtime friend and past business partner of Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens. Penney last year appeared before the federal grand jury investigating Stevens.

All the Penco-related donations listed were from Penney family members. Bob Penney, who gave the bulk of the contributions, did not return messages for this story. Henry Penney, Bob's son, said the family contributions are about helping Stevens, up for re-election in the fall. .........

[Blue_In_AK]

45. As is pointed out in the article

Bob Penney is the guy who tried to give Lisa Murkowski the sweetheart deal on the Kenai River-front property last year that got her in hot water with the ethics people. It guess will Bill Allen out of the picture, someone had to step in and fill the vacuum.