Alaska Democrats merge with independent candidate for governor

Alaska Democrats are taking an unusual step in the gubernatorial campaign in this red state, the Alaska Dispatch News reports. They are formally dropping their own party's ticket for the office, and merging with an independent candidate in order to take on Republican Gov. Sean Parnell.

The state Democratic party's central committee voted Monday night, by an 89-2 margin, to form an "Alaska First Unity ticket" in which they endorse independent Bill Walker, a former Republican. In exchange, Democratic nominee Byron Mallott is dropping his campaign — and becoming Walker's running mate as a candidate for lieutenant governor.

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