Could we have a Jewish member of Congress from Alaska? Two weeks before the primary, it’s certainly not out of the question. A poll shows state represenative Ethan Berkowitz is looking pretty good in the race to be the Democratic nominee, and in the general election he is up by 15 points on scandal-plagued Republican incumbent Don Young.

Two Republican lawmakers have famously served Alaska’s interests in Washington for more than three decades: Sen. Ted Stevens and Rep. Don Young. But there are signs that Alaskan voters this year may be ready to follow political changes taking place in the rest of the country and opt for a clean slate.

Stevens and his Democratic opponent, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, were tested, as were Young and likely Democratic nominee Ethan Berkowitz, the former House Minority Leader. The party identification breakdown was 31% Republican, 20% Democratic and 49% independent or other. Berkowitz 51% vs. Young 40%

Fmr. State House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz (D) 51% — Rep. Don Young (R) 40%. These numbers are virtually unchanged from May, when Berkowitz led 50%-40%.

If 2008 election for Congress were held today, for whom would you vote for if the choices were between Ethan Berkowitz, the Democrat, and Don Young, the Republican? Young (R) 40 (40) — Berkowitz (D) 51 (50)

In his pursuit of the House seat held for 35 colorful years by Alaska’s Republican Rep. Don Young, Democratic legislator Ethan Berkowitz turned to the northern equivalent of kissing babies: He gamely jumped on a sled and hustled a team of dogs over the Iditarod trail.

Research 2000 poll asks: “If 2008 election for Congress were held today, for whom would you vote for if the choices were between Ethan Berkowitz, the Democrat, and Don Young, the Republican?” The results were: Berkowitz (D) — 50% vs. Young (R) — 40%

Stuart Rothenberg - author of the non-partisan Rothenberg Political Report - highlights Ethan as the candidate worth watching because of his strong background and the current legal troubles surrounding Don Young.

In a poll conducted Friday, March 14, Channel 2 News asked viewers who they would vote for if the Congressional election were held today. A majority of the more than 2,000 respondents say they would vote for Ethan Berkowitz.

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.