On Friday, Oct. 24, 1986, Republican Frank Murkowski and Democrat Glenn Olds fought for Alaska’s U.S. Senate seat. Murkowski, who was the incumbent, was described as a “behind-the-scenes” worker, while Olds was described as “a feisty campaigner and charismatic speechmaker” by a former legislative aide and the Juneau Empire, respectively.
Down in the nation’s Capitol, the federal budget deficit was at $220 billion after the U.S. Congress adjourned on Monday.
Back in Juneau, one of the Alaska Power Administration’s main power transformers near Thane stopped for an hour because there were not enough “surge arresters” to handle the powerful transmission system from the Snettisham hydroelectric project.
“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.
