Editor's note: Mike Doogan is an Alaska State House Representative, author and former newspaper columnist. This commentary appeared in his legislative e-newsletter on Jan. 20.
Here I am. Again. It appears that the wages of sin are not death. They are 90 days in Juneau.
No, that's not true. I like Juneau. And I have, for the most part, enjoyed my time in the legislature. It has been interesting and difficult, odd and entertaining. I have made some friends and a few enemies. You'd be surprised which was which. I know I was.
I went into the Leg thinking that everything was about political party. Turns out that's not true. What's important isn't just your party, it is your intelligence and willingness to work. So I have come to appreciate the efforts of people with whom I have no political kinship at all. Who'd a thunk it?
But this is going to be my last rodeo. I have put in five sessions – this will be my sixth – and six special sessions. (It should have been seven, but I was in a coma for the last one. No wise-cracks please.) I've learned a lot and, I hope, contributed a little.
I am leaving for three reasons.
First, I never planned to make this a second career. The state benefits from people who bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas to the arena, and there is no place for them if some of us don't, one way or the other, make room. Not everyone needs to hit the silk. I think the state also benefits from people who put in more time, because they are still willing and able and can guide the newbies. It's a balancing act. You can judge for yourself who is doing it well.
Second, my wife, Kathy, has put up with enough of the political life. She has plans that don't include packing up and moving every session. And since I really don't want to spend the rest of my life sleeping with one eye open, I'm actually listening to her for once.
Third, my health has taken to giving me fits. A detailed explanation would take a lot of circles and arrows and a paragraph explaining every twist and turn. I'll spare you that. The short story is that, in the past 18 months, I've had 25 different doctors and been almost dead only once. I really like politics, but, clearly, my body doesn't.
That's it for now. During the session, you can reach me at the same old place. May the force be with you.
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