AK Candidates for U.S. Congress Talk Fish at Kodiak Debate

February 1, 2008

AK candidates for U.S. Congress ‘talk fish’ at Kodiak debate

----Rep. Don Young, four opponents will participate in famed fishery debate

For Immediate Release Contact: Deb King, (907) 486-5557

(Kodiak) Alaska candidates for U.S. Congress – including Congressman Don Young - will ‘talk fish’ at a unique debate next month in Kodiak.

Four candidates so far are hoping to dethrone Don Young from Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representative, a position he has held for 35 years.

Joining Congressman Young at the debate will be Gabrielle LeDoux, a rival Republican; also, Democrats Ethan Berkowitz, Jake Metcalfe and Diane Benson.

The fisheries debate – which launches the annual ComFish Alaska trade show - has gained fame as the first event that brings all of the candidates together in an election year. There is only one catch: The topic is limited to fisheries and the seafood industry. The debate is set for March 20 from 7-9pm.

Since 1990 the lively, two-hour fisheries debate has drawn nearly 100% participation by candidates running for Alaska governor and U.S. Congress. The big hook is that it is broadcast live, statewide to more than 330 Alaska communities via public radio station KMXT. (www.kmxt.org)

“The fishing industry is Alaska’s number one private employer, and Alaska produces more than half of our nation’s wild caught seafood,” said Deb King, executive director of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of ComFish.

“The fisheries debate allows the candidates to share their knowledge and ideas about this vital industry,” she added.

Organizers cast an even wider net this year and sent debate invitations to the presidential candidates.

“Kodiak is one of our nation’s top fishing ports. It would give them a chance to experience a real working waterfront,” King said. “Nobody’s taken the bait yet, but who knows?”

ComFish, now in its 29th year, is Alaska’s largest and longest running industry trade and information venue. It takes place March 20, 21 & 22 at the Kodiak High School. Get more information from the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce or at www.comfishalaska.com