Alaska Democratic Party Statement on the Alaska Supreme Court Ruling

The Alaska Democratic Party is disappointed with the Alaska Supreme Court ruling that a convicted felon who is incarcerated in New York until 2036 will remain on the ballot as a candidate for Congress despite the fact that he cannot possibly be an inhabitant of Alaska when elected or serve out a term in Washington D.C.

Eric Hafner, a non-Alaskan in prison in New York for making bomb threats against elected officials, was certified by the Division of Elections on September 2nd after finishing sixth in the August primary with less than 0.5% of the votes cast. The certification came on the heels of fifth-place finisher Republican Matthew Salisbury withdrawing from the race.

“This ruling sets a dangerous precedent and is embarrassing for our state,” said Mike Wenstrup, Chair.