Miller doesn't understand the economy of Alaska

Lisa Murkowski understands the economic needs of our state, communities, and residents and this is why I am going to fill in the oval on Election Day and write her name in. We need her experience and seniority in Washington D.C. and I encourage all voters to fill in the oval on the ballot and write her name in, too.

On the other hand, Joe Miller has stated Alaska should quit accepting federal dollars and he would work to cut back federal spending in the state.

When you look at Alaska's state and local spending it is 32.5 percent of the state's gross domestic product. Alaska spends about 10 percent higher than the majority of lower 48 States. We spend more because as a young but large state we have infrastructure and other needs that other states already have built. The facts of the matter are, Alaska is a large state, very spread out, with a small population; the majority of Alaska's industry is seasonal with a smaller workforce than lower 48 states, Alaska has 56,548 elders over 65 years of age beyond the workforce (this trend will continue to 2030), Alaska has 183,983 people below the age of 18, beyond the workforce age (this trend will continue to 2030.)

When you look at where the federal money is spent in Alaska, it's mainly for pensions, health care, education, defense, welfare, protection, transportation, general government and interest on debt.

It becomes obvious Alaska needs federal government funds because we do not have economy of scale, infrastructure or diversified economy. Our transportation distances increase the costs of goods and services and help contribute to our rural poverty rates. There is no way Alaska will have an economic future if we allow any politician to curtail federal spending in Alaska.

It really begs the question, how is Miller going to address the state's geographical factors, lack of infrastructure and small population to be able to pay for our state's needs?

Murkowski understands our state's economy, understands that complex problems cannot be solved in one-minute sound bites and provides reasonable and mature leadership in solving Alaska's issues and needs. These are the reasons that I am going to fill in the oval and writer her name is for U.S. Senate on Election Day.

Don Bremner

Juneau