The Alaskan Independnece Party (or AIP) is a political institution founded in the 1970’s with the goal of independence for the State of Alaska from the United States of America. It is a conservative, right-wing political party which also champions gun rights, minimal governmental involvement in the lives of citizens and privatization of state-run industries. It has recently been in the news because Todd Palin, husband of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, was a registered Party member for several years. Their slogan is “Alaskans First and Americans Second.”
History of the Alaskan Independence Party
In 1958, Alaska voted to become a State of the United States. Although the vote was a landslide in favour of joining, the AIP believes that the result is invalid because servicemen stationed in Alaska were allowed to vote without losing any of their benefits (which they would have had they voted in any other election). Since then, there has been an underground movement to make Alaska a sovereign nation, or at least re-do the vote.
The AIP was founded in the 1970’s by Joe Vogler, a native of Kansas who first came to Alaska during World War Two with the Army. For many years, Vogler worked as a gold miner and land developer before becoming involved in politics. He is known for colourful quotes such as “I’m an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions.” He ran unsuccessfully for governor several times in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
The AIP’s greatest political victory came in 1990, when AIP candidate Walter Joseph Hickel was elected governor. He resisted calls from members of his party to bring secession to a statewide vote and eventually switched affiliations, rejoining the Republican Party.
Platform and Policies of the Alaskan Independence Party
First and foremost, the AIP wants a “re-do” of the 1958 election that brought about their statehood. It is their belief that the original vote was flawed and rigged, and therefore should be done again. As in 1958, voters would have four choices: statehood, independence, Commonwealth status or remaining a territory.
The AIP clearly states its goals and beliefs in its 20-point platform. Most of the points are unremarkable, such as the creation and maintenance of good roads in Alaska. Others, however, clearly show the AIP’s conservative leanings, such as support for home schooling, accountability for public officials, the right to keep and bear arms, privatization of government industries and services and the abolition of property taxes. It also believes that government-owned land in Alaska should be given or sold to the citizens.
Many, but not all, of the members of the AIP support some sort of secession movement in which Alaska would declare itself an independent nation. Many others in the party support remaining part of the United States, but are attracted by many of the party’s conservative policies: they feel that the Republican Party is too centrist.
Todd Palin Controversy
A scandal erupted in 2008 when it was revealed that Todd Palin, husband of Governor Sarah Palin and the vice-presidential nominee of Republican John McCain, had been a member of the AIP for several years, from 1995 to 2006. Although Todd Palin has not spoken publicly about his affiliation with the AIP, his membership caused many to question if he espoused many of the organization’s more radical beliefs and if he did, what influence he would have on his wife should she become Vice-President or President. It is widely believed that Sarah Palin greatly values her husband’s input and opinions and that he was a regular at government meetings in Alaska.
Source: The Alaskan Independence Party Official Website
