Since the 1970s, Don Young has been the only voice for Alaska in the U.S. House of Representatives. With Congressman Don Young under investigation for connections to VECO, Democrats and Republicans alike say it's time for Alaska's only congressman to step down.

Democrats Diane Benson and Ethan Berkowitz are among several candidates trying to unseat him. Neither Democratic candidate is a political newcomer: Berkowitz served in State House for 10 years and just two years ago, Benson gave Young what some say was the closest race of his political career. And now the former trucker is back.

"Number one for me is clean government," Benson said. "We all talk about clean government except that I'm willing to talk about it right from the campaign."

If Benson wins in November, she will be the first Alaska Native woman in Congress. But first, she has to get past Berkowitz, a former State House Democratic leader with 10 years of legislative experience.

"I'm proud of the fact that I stood up on the House floor and condemned VECO for trying to corrupt the oil and gas tax debate we're having," Berkowitz said. "So I have a track record" — a track record that he says has already garnered support on the Hill.

"In fact, I met with the majority leader of Congress last week, who said, 'We like you, Berkowitz. You're operational.'" Berkowitz said. "I said, 'What do you mean by that?' He said, 'You'll be able to step into the job and be effective from day one.'"

Benson says she offers what her opponents cannot.

"I have a history, unlike the other candidates, with Alaskans — on a working class level," Benson said. "I drove trucks on the pipeline and trucks in Anchorage. It was part of my, of paying the way for my son and for myself to go to school."

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Both Democrats support opening ANWR, both say energy is the state's most immediate concern and both want to revamp education and health care.

"That's what my campaign's about—people," Benson said.

Berkowitz said the same. "Ultimately, politics is about people," he said.

"Politicians get sucked into talking about statistics or broad policies. I always remember that there's a person at the end of every policy decision. There's a person embedded in every statistic."

Berkowitz may have the legislative experience and the national backing. But Benson, undaunted, says she will keep on trucking.

To contact Grace, call 907-273-3186.