Overview:
Alaska is the largest state in the union, more than twice the size of Texas, number two. Alaska became the 49th state on 3 January 1959. With a 2004 population of 655,435, Alaska is predominantly (69.3%) white. The largest minority (15.6% ) is Native American, followed by Asian (4.0%). About a third of the population (225,052) is classified as rural. The state is much less densely populated than the nation, with 1.1 persons per square mile versus 79.6. (Census, USDA)
Presidential Votes:
2004 : Kerry (D) 35%, Bush (R) 61%, Nader (I) 2%
2000 : Gore (D) 28%, Bush (R) 59%, Nader (I) 10%
1996 : Clinton (D) 33%, Dole (R) 51%, Perot (I) 11% 9%
Federal Representation:
Alaska has one US Representative and two US Senators.
- Sen. Ted Stevens (R-2008) - first appointed in 1967
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-2010) - first appointed in 2002
- Rep. Don Young (01-R)
State Government:
Governor Frank Murkowski (R) was elected in 2002 and is up for re-election. Lt. Governor Loren Leman is the first person of Alaska Native ancestry to be elected to Alaska statewide office.
The capitol is Juneau; the state legislature has 20 seats in the Senate and 40 seats in the House. Republicans hold a majority in both chambers.