[alaskanfan]

The simple fact is that oil accounts for far more than half of Alaska's gross product, and without future oil development Alaska's economy will sicken, forcing more and more Alaskans back onto the federal welfare dole.

Right where the Fran and the socialists would want us. More and more dependent year after year on big government for a handout. Combine that with the highest per capita rate of state government workers in the U.S. and you have a solid socialist voting base.

[RightWhale]

And the PFD. Almost everyone shrieks when it sounds like someone might reduce the payout a couple dollars. It might be zero next year no matter what, but that of course wouldn't enter into political decisions.