Q&A with 2022 Alaska U.S. Senate candidate Karl Speights

The Alaska Beacon asked Alaska’s 19 U.S. Senate candidates to answer a 15-question survey about their positions on a variety of issues. Read all of their responses here. Answers have not been edited.

Karl Speights, Republican candidate from Eagle River

Yes/no questions

Do you believe former President Donald Trump’s claims that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent?

Yes

Should Election Day be a federal holiday?

Yes

Don Young was a longtime supporter of statehood for Puerto Rico. Do you support statehood for Puerto Rico?

Yes

Should marijuana be legalized federally?

No

Would you vote in favor of a bill that codifies abortion rights in US law?

No

Open-ended questions

What do you think about the overturning of Roe, and what actions should Congress take on abortion and contraception?

My personal beliefs are the Constitution is our Nation’s direction as written law. It states “all” Americans are afforded Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. God’s laws are the Ten Commandments, and one says, “Though shall not kill.” I’ll follow the laws.”

What’s Alaska’s biggest need, and how would you address it?

The Native Peoples’ crisis on drug and alcohol abuse causing unnecessary increasing-devastating suicides. The community and churches need to develop and implement a one-on-one outreach process, with mentoring, counseling, and cutting off the source of drugs.

How should Congress reduce the threat of gun violence and mass shootings?

Congress has passed multiple laws that have not been enforceable and do not eliminate the psychotic and criminal elements doing the shooting. The issue is how do we identify and eliminate the psychological unstable individuals committing these heinous crimes. We are a law abiding nation, yet the gun violence is perpetrated by unlawful criminals who would/and/do not follow the laws. Malls, large transportation stations, sports arenas and schools as examples need state or federal security measures enforced.

What steps should Congress take to balance Alaska’s status as an oil state with the need to address climate change?

Great question. I’m against the Federal Government’s over reach in all states, but most importantly in Alaska. Congress should pass a law/bill giving back the Natural Resources of Alaska to the people of Alaska. The Constitution gives sovereignty to the States. Oil, coal, wood and water are a balance to climate change.

What changes or updates do you want to see in fisheries management?

We need to be better stewards of all of nature. There are multiple projects on natural fisheries around the world where the have multiple floating hatcheries in the shallow and deep ocean supporting both harvesting of fish and releasing of fish for a more natural repopulation. The same for harvesting seaweed and water edibles.

Should Congress act to protect voting rights and encourage voting, and if so, how?

First, I’ll regress to The Federal Government Over Reach! Congress by the Constitution is not to control the states voting. Right after the 9-11 Commission, Congress and the President created a new organization called the Home Land Security (HLS) Agency. Their first major task was to write the PATRIOT Act, using the PATRIOT Act as a premise, they identified a list of National Security Targets/concerns.. number 2 on the list was national elections. In 1993 Congress passed the National Voting Act which Federalized the election process and took voting from the States and We The People. I was a National Security Strategist during Clinton’s administration.

Alaska has the highest health care costs in the nation. What will you do to reduce costs and improve access to services?

Give repayments for three years of medical school bills for service to community clinics. Similar to college debt forgiveness to support for native nations.”

How should Congress protect the rights of LGBTQ Alaskans?

The position of choice is an inalienable right by the Constitution. Until you tell me or identify protection of lgbtqia rights. I can’t give a blanket statement.

Alaska families say they’re struggling financially in a variety of ways, including with child care. What actions should Congress take to support families with children?

Again, I’m against Federal over reach. Why Congress. We need a state legislature who can define and pass an omnibudsman bill to help earmark community, city and statewide, child care, nursing, health care and housing, food, work subsistence programs.

What criteria would you use to judge the fitness of a judicial candidate?

Their education, and their voting record.