It’s time for new energy, a new direction, and a renewal of purpose. That was my message at the Alaska Democratic Party Convention, where I had an opportunity to talk with many passionate, dedicated Democrats and address the convention, which you can watch here

Weather report: Despite heavy snow last week, increasing daylight suggests a growing likelihood of summer. Political Forecast: Alaskans ready for new leadership and new direction. That’s what I heard over the last couple of weeks as I criss-crossed the state, from Nome to the Mat-Su and the Kenai. I heard it from seniors and I heard it from students.

On February 26, Ethan stood with other Alaskans in Washington DC, including Governor Sarah Palin, to urge the Supreme Court to do the right thing. The message was clear - Alaskans are united in support of the 33,000 spill victims who have waited too long for Exxon to honor its promise and pay the debt it owes.

Next week, “Super Tuesday” comes to visit, and it’s our turn to participate in the presidential primaries. This is our chance to speak out for the candidate we support and the change we want, and I hope Alaska sets record levels of participation. I look forward to enthusiastic, positive and respectful discussion. That’s a hallmark of a healthy democracy. It helps that there is a strong field of contenders this year.

Climate change is one of the most significant issues facing current and future generations of Alaskans. For us, the impacts of global warming are real and personal. We’ve seen changing temperatures and chemistry in the ocean alter our fisheries. In the face of melting permafrost we’ve cut back tundra travel essential to oil and gas exploration and development. We’ve responded as storms pound coastal communities that were once protected with sea ice, and we’ve suffered unprecedented forest fires aggravated by lightning strikes and massive beetle kills.

Big news from the national political blog Daily Kos. They commissioned a poll and released its results on December 10: Ethan Berkowitz has a strong seven point lead over Don Young.