Ethan Berkowitz: “It’s a sad day in American history when the highest court in the land allows a corporation to escape its responsibilities after devastating Alaskan lives, lands and waters. This case was about more than legal damages: it was about justice. Congress must act to prevent another disaster like the Exxon Valdez.”

Congressional candidate Ethan Berkowitz spent time this weekend at Kodiak’s Crab Festival. Berkowitz made an appearance at the frog jumping contest, and used the annual event as a platform to connect with the Kodiak community and discuss issues like energy and fisheries. Berkowitz, an Alaska resident since 1991, touts his experience in the Alaska Legislature as giving him an edge in the congressional race, where he served for 10 years, 8 of those as the Democratic House leader. In 2006, Berkowitz was the Alaska Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor.

Thanks to all of our supporters in Kodiak - and those of you who were just curious about our campaign - who took time off to meet Ethan during his recent trip to Kodiak! We know it was hard to break away from the festivities at the Crab Festival, but we’re glad you could join us for some coffee and conversation with Ethan.

From Kodiak, KMXT’s Jay Barrett talks with Ethan Berkowitz, Democratic candidate for Congress. Berkowitz served several terms in the State House, representing Anchorage, and ran for lieutenant governor with Tony Knowles two years ago.

In a post-debate analysis, fisheries blogger Stephen Taufen applauds Ethan’s handling of the short time frame for answers to complex issues, and his knowledgeable, “fire hard style on several cylinders” throughout the night.

Five of the six candidates for US Congress squared off for the first time as part of the ComFish tradeshow in Kodiak. Ethan received perhaps the loudest applause of the night, when he responded to a question about processor quotas, with a simple “No processor quotas.”

I started this campaign asking people to imagine Alaska the way it can be - independent, self-reliant, and with healthy, tight-knit communities. It’s a place where you stand on your own feet, on your own deck, and take care of your own family. During the time I spent as a deckhand in Bristol Bay, I learned to see each boat as a small family business and fishing as a way of life that can be passed from generation to generation. That’s why I’ll be where I’ve always been - on your side, standing up for your interests, because it’s the right place to be and the right thing to do.

The state’s seafood industry was the topic of a congressional debate Thursday night in Kodiak, and Ethan emphasized the importance of a free market when it comes to fisheries, his opposition to the proposed Pebble mine because it jeopardizes Alaska fisheries, and his thoughts on crab rationalization: “I never understood what was rational about crab rationalization.”

Ethan visited Kodiak on Thursday, March 20th, from 7:00-9:00pm, for the ComFish Alaska 2008 Congressional Candidates’ Debate. it was the return of the Berko-Fish!  KMXT covered the event, as did the Anchorage Daily News.

Ethan went to Kodiak, and residents came down to say hi. A fun time was had by all at the Meet & Greet Reception on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, from 6:00-8:00pm at the 2nd Floor Restaurant (116 W. Rezanof, in Kodiak) Thanks to everyone who showed up!