Treadwell, Benson earn lieutenant governor nods

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — In the Republican race for lieutenant governor, Mead Treadwell has amassed a commanding lead with more than 53 percent of the vote.

Fairbanks businessman and former state House member Jay Ramras received 31 percent of the vote, while former radio talk show host Eddie Burke got 13 percent of the vote.

Treadwell says he thought his message resonated with voters.

“We were working with all three camps running for governor in terms of being responsive to what Alaskans need,” Treadwell said. “Alaskans want to see the pipeline fill up, they want to see a gasline deal, and they want to see us stand up for families -- and people like that message.”

Diane Benson appears headed to the general election as the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor. Benson earned 65 percent of the vote, way ahead of her nearest competitor, J.J. “Jack” Powers, and his 20 percent of the vote.

Benson says she was proud of the result, especially given how much money she spent compared to her opponent.

“I think we've done really well under the circumstancces,” Benson said. “My opponent spent a lot of money but, you know, it can't just be about spending money to win a campaign -- it's got to be about talking to people about the issues and being with them.”

Contact Jason Lamb at jlamb@ktuu.com