Bill Walker for Alaska Governor

Bill Walker rules out write-in candidacy

September 27, 2010

ANCHORAGE -Bill Walker announced today that he will not be entering the race for governor as a write-in candidate.

“I will not be running as a write-in candidate for governor but my commitment to Alaska and the critical issues that caused me to enter this over race one year ago remains strong,” said Walker. “I cannot overemphasize the significance of the crisis we are facing as the cost of energy across our state continues to go up while the production of oil on the North Slope continues to decrease rapidly each year. Alaska cannot continue to sit back, wait and study while the window of opportunity for a natural gas pipeline passes us by. The gas is needed to significantly lower the cost of energy across Alaska and to help offset revenues resulting from the decline in oil in the Trans Alaska oil pipeline, which is presently 2/3 empty.”

Walker says he wants to remain active in the political process and plans to continue educating the public about the All-Alaska Gasline.

“As I have said before, there is a rising tide of Alaskans who are fed up with business usual,” said Walker. “They want to see a prosperous future for Alaska. I will be exploring ways to ensure that their interests will be represented and their concerns will be heard, not ignored.”

Tonight’s press conference at the Captain Cook has been canceled. Instead, Walker will be available for press inquiries between the hours of 2:00pm and 4:00pm.

A Message from Donna Walker

September 27, 2010

Thirty four years ago Bill Walker swept me off my feet. One of the unique things that drew me to him was his love and passion for Alaska and his burning desire even way back then to see his Great Land take its rightful place as a world energy leader. Pretty heady stuff for a young twenty something and I was impressed. In the decades since, his goals have never faltered and he has been an Alaska First and Foremost guy since birth I am convinced. It is just in his blood.

I am glad more Alaskans got to know the great man I have the privilege and joy of calling my husband. Hopefully, you have caught a glimpse of what I have always seen in him — a man of great courage, not afraid to take huge risks when important things are at stake, not afraid to stand up even when it means standing alone for what you know is right, willing to sacrifice and put skin in the game, fearless, focused and forthright. Bill Walker never entered this race to become somebody, he entered it to do something to richly benefit his state and her people. I know Bill. He doesn’t need a title to keep fighting the good fight. We carry on with a wealth of gratitude to all of the Alaskans who have supported us throughout. No regrets here and as Bill’s late, beloved sister Kath always said, “Ever forward, never backward.” Blessings all! Donna Walker

P.S. I will share excerpts from emails we received from our daughters this morning. I did not cry a tear on election night but they freely flowed as I read the loving words from our girls:

From Lindsay: Dad, here is what I have been reminded of and learned from watching you this past year: dream bigger than what I am told is possible; have a passion backed by facts and education; stand up for what is right and true at all costs; take the high road no matter how tempting or justified those off-ramps may be; above all else, faith and family are first.

This journey was a success: our family is closer than ever; people are really talking and getting educated about the gasline and oil decline and the economic realities facing Alaska. No one can deny the need for your voice and your ideas in this state. Thank you for standing up and fighting for this worthy cause. The irony is that Alaska ended up losing the most this election by letting so much possibility slip away.

Thank you for staying strong and true during all of this. To say I’m proud of you doesn’t come close to expressing the deep pride, gratitude, and love I have for you. I say this all with absolute sincerity, and I know that these sentiments will be echoed state-wide. I love you Dad!

From Tessa: Dad, it has been such an honor to work on this campaign for you & with you. Lindsay was able to express all of our sentiments, well at least mine, but I did want to add something I was thinking about after church last night.

The sermon was on being willing to take the next step God is calling us towards. We may not know the significance of the step or what doors may open because of the step, but we have to have faith in following God’s call. He talked about Abraham & how God asked him to move his whole family from their home & to a new land. Abraham didn’t know God’s master plan, but he trusted God’s call & took that first step. I couldn’t help but think about all of that in terms of this campaign. You have taken that first step & although we have no idea what God’s bigger plan is, you have been faithful to him & to his plan.

I am anxious to see what God has in store! I started the day out feeling a bit sad about everything, but have been so lifted and encouraged by all the wonderful comments on Facebook & the supportive emails we’ve received. I was especially touched by the email from the first person to send us an email nearly a year ago saying he would not be voting for you for a wide variety of reasons and it is obvious he did vote for you which I believe is such a strong testament to your character and integrity. People can not help but to be impressed by you, your message, & your passion. Even our most ardent non-supporter came around and voted for you! Proud, honored, awed–no word quite encompasses it all. All I can say is how much I love you–t