AK-SEN

Finally! After talking about it in two different posts, a Republican incumbent has taken on Democrat hypocrisy on domestic energy production. Yesterday, I talked about how Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich (D) is attempting to balance being pro-development while taking money and ground support from anti-domestic energy production extremist environmentalists.

Last night, Ted Stevens sent a letter to his Democratic opponent, offering use of his Senate office while Begich is in DC fundraising:

"Dear Mark,

"I understand you are in Washington, D.C, to hold a fundraiser for your campaign tomorrow. I hope that you will also find the time while you are here to help address Alaska's and America's energy needs.

"Although you have been hesitant to admit this, Alaskans know that for 40 years most Senate Democrats have routinely blocked efforts to explore and develop our state’s resources. In 1995, after the Congress passed legislation allowing exploration in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), President Clinton vetoed that measure."

After outlining a proposal that includes exploration and development in ANWR, the OCS, and incentives for expansion of nuclear power, Stevens urged Begich to start lobbying his Democratic friends now:

"I note that when Senator Jon Tester visited Alaska earlier this year you admitted that you did not raise the ANWR issue with him ...

"I urge you to start today. When you have free time in D.C. or during your fundraiser, talk to the members of the party you want to join in Washington and get them to publicly announce they will support exploration of the coastal plain. Get them to agree to allow a vote on opening the OCS to drilling and providing revenue sharing to states. My request is simple: as you spend time in Washington, D.C., and take campaign contributions from Senate Democrats and their supporters, please try to convince them to remove their objections to developing the full potential of our state. Alaska holds the key to America’s future energy security if your party will allow it.

"If you need any assistance with this effort while in Washington, D.C., be it a place to work or help navigating the Capitol complex, please do not hesitate to ask my office."

Lisa Murkowski used this tactic four years ago against former Gov. Tony Knowles in her tight Senate battle. While this is still just a tactic, it's one that should be used by other vulnerable Republican incumbents in districts where the energy issue plays well. It's a great way to earn free media on an issue that's a winner for us.

That's the tactic ... but what's the strategy? Republicans still need to find ways of merging the energy and economic messages. Congressman Eric Cantor has started this with a "Middle Class Bill of Rights," and other Republican candidates, incumbents and challengers, need to start messaging at the intersection of energy security and economic prosperity for the next 40 days.

The other shoe drops:

WASHINGTON - U.S. officials say the Justice Department has indicted Alaska Senator Ted Stevens on charges related to a long-running investigation of business dealings in Alaska.

Stevens, who has served in the U.S. Senate for 40 years, is up for re-election this year, and Democrats view his seat as one of their top pick-up opportunities.

His Democratic challenger is Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.

However, before the general election, Stevens must survive a GOP primary that occurs on August 26.

The Cook Political Report labels the Alaska Senate race as a "toss up."

At a minimum, Stevens must abandon his re-election campaign if not resign. Let's not act like Democrats, who shield their William Jeffersons. But who to replace him? Sarah Palin? I suspect it's too soon to bury this rising star in the Senate.

All thoughts on Stevens replacements who can beat Mark Begich welcome in the comments.

UPDATE: The rules are that the Alaska Republican Party can replace the nominee after he steps down after the primary. The primary is August 26th.