On Aug. 15, 1986, polls for the upcoming gubernatorial election were showing unexpected outcomes for both parties. Gov. Bill Sheffield’s primary opponent, Steve Cowper, had a slight lead by 3 percent. As for the Republican party, former Gov. Walter Hickel led state Sen. Arliss Sturgulewski by under 5 percent. Because of the huge budget controversy in the past year, a large voter turnout was expected for the election.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire freelancer Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives.
