Anchorage Daily News

Ethan Berkowitz gave Alaska a ringing moment of clarity a few years ago during a state House debate on an oil tax bill that Alaskans now know was tainted by corruption. Then the minority leader, Berkowitz saw lobbyists, including the notorious Bill Allen, passing notes to legislators, right there on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives.

Berkowitz, offended at the brazen display of special interest power, stood up in anger and declared, "This is our House." He then proceeded to rebuke his colleagues for allowing the integrity of the Legislature to be compromised. A few months later, FBI raids drew back the curtain and Alaskans saw just how widely the corruption in Juneau had spread.

Berkowitz's integrity, coupled with a lively intelligence and 10 years of experience as a lawmaker in Juneau, qualifies him to give Alaska new, strong representation in the U.S. House. He is the right candidate to replace the ethically compromised and regularly outrageous Don Young.

Alaskans, like the rest of the nation, need leaders who can restore some faith in our public institutions. Young's close ties to the corrupt Bill Allen, his million dollars in legal fees and his questionable dealings with lobbyists like convicted felon Jack Abramoff have put him right in the middle of Washington's culture of corruption. Berkowitz has shown he won't play that game.

DIFFERENT STYLE

The 2006 Almanac of American Politics describes Don Young as "a hot-tempered, salty-tongued true believer, given to malapropisms." In 2005, he referred to a Democratic colleague as "a rabid skunk with glittering eyes and gashing teeth." Last year, he told a Republican colleague who questioned funding for an Alaska program: "There's always another day when those who fight will be killed too, and I am very good at that. . . . Let's just all have a big donnybrook right here. I'm ready."

Ethan Berkowitz does not engage in antagonistic antics. He works to build alliances and persuade colleagues, not insult or threaten them.

ECONOMY

Young spoke for many outraged Alaskans by voting against the bailout bill in the U.S. House. He was right to do so the first time because, despite the financial crisis, lawmakers needed to think twice before giving so much power to a few federal officials. But Young's second no vote, cast against an improved rescue measure, was a populist gesture that risked the nation's economic health while offering no better alternative.

As Berkowitz pointed out, Alaska suffers when the value of the Permanent Fund declines, and tight credit means scarce financing for the resource development projects Alaska needs. Berkowitz didn't like the deal, either, but understood that a flawed something is better than a perfect nothing. The first priority is to right the ship, not let the vessel go down while railing against the crew.

ENERGY

Young deserves credit for pushing the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge through the House more than once. His latest effort links revenue from ANWR development to investments in alternative energy. That link echoes his worthwhile effort of a few years ago to steer offshore oil revenue into public land and habitat acquisition.

Berkowitz is also a strong supporter of opening ANWR. He stresses development of all of Alaska's energy resources. He wants Alaska to become a prime research center for renewable energy, given our vast potential in tidal, geothermal and hydro power.

WAR

Berkowitz is pragmatic about Iraq, recognizing what he calls "a rancorous consensus we're in withdrawal mode" even as we try to preserve and build on the fragile success U.S. troops have so dearly gained. The timing and method of withdrawal is a "command decision," he says. Berkowitz backs more aggressive attention to Afghanistan, with more troops, investment in a better life for Afghan people and reform of the Afghan government. Don Young has been a reliable supporter of President Bush's incompetent prosecution of the war in Iraq.

As for Iran, Berkowitz knows that diplomacy doesn't equal weakness. Unlike Don Young and President Bush, Berkowitz would support strong collaboration with our allies, using both diplomatic and economic means to save American lives and treasure.

CHARACTER

Don Young is tough and, despite all those memorable malapropisms, can hold his own in debate. He doesn't back down.

Neither does Berkowitz. Unlike Sean Parnell, whom Don Young beat in the Republican primary, Berkowitz does not tolerate Don Young's attempts to intimidate or belittle him. Berkowitz is every bit as passionate about standing up for Alaska's interests, but can do it without making unnecessary enemies or a spectacle of himself. Young's belligerence is getting to be an old act in D.C. While Young is more likely to start swinging before the bell rings, Berkowitz will make sure the fight is unavoidable before he throws a punch. That will benefit Alaska in the long run.

While Young hasn't been charged with any crime, he has spent more than $1 million on legal fees. Berkowitz will go to Congress without the cloud of a federal investigation over his head, a cloud that clearly weakens Alaska's incumbent congressman.

FUTURE

Don Young has had a tremendous ride, 35 years as Alaska's lone voice in the U.S. House. He has accomplished good things for Alaska in that time, but he also accumulated the baggage of notorious earmarks, antagonistic relationships with those now running the Congress and too-cozy connections with lobbyists and special pleaders. None of that will serve Alaska well in the future.

In contrast, Ethan Berkowitz's temperament, integrity and vision can be Alaska's contribution to setting a new course in Washington.

BOTTOM LINE: Don Young has had his run. Berkowitz will be a better congressman.

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