Former Houston Mayor Challenges Valley Representative in Primary

Roger Purcell is angling for Representative Wes Keller's seat

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By Bill McAllister
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Story Created: Aug 27, 2012 at 7:20 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 27, 2012 at 8:35 PM AKDT

MATANUSKA - Former Houston Mayor Roger Purcell said he would provide more outspoken representation for the Matanuska Valley at the Capitol.

"You know me. I'll step in front of the camera and say, 'hey, this is what we need to do, this is what's wrong,' like when the city of Anchorage tried to mothball the bridge. Didn't let it happen, fought for it, kept it going."

Purcell said incumbent Republican Representative Wes Keller doesn't have that style.

"He's a nice guy, and I like him, but I don't feel he's got the fire in the belly that we need."

Keller, who has been in the House for five years, said he works hard behind the scenes without making a point of going to the media.

"I don't think that is a measure of effectiveness. I don't seek out the camera. I get work done, I like to think, effectively."

As chair of the House Health and Social Services Committee, he said he has a track record as a fiscal and social conservative.

"I believe after 3-to-5,000 votes in public and all the time in committee and everything, I think I have a good reputation. I would invite anybody to look at it, question me."

Nevertheless, Purcell said he's ready to promote House District 7 as a major crossroads.

"By having someone who goes into the Legislature who already understands that, has been working those projects, like the Knik Arm Bridge, the rail spur and DOT with the road projects with a knowledge of it already, means that I can go down and work on those projects and have a working knowledge of it to get them put through so we can open the areas a lot faster."

Keller said he has delivered on road projects in the state capital budget.

Keller said, "It isn't that I’m out there carrying a banner around the committee that's directly related to resource development or economics. But I'm certainly involved in that."

On style, voters have a clear choice.

The winner faces no candidate on the general election ballot in November.

For Roger Purcell's full interview, click here.

For Wes Keller's full interview, click here.

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Anonymous said on Tuesday, Aug 28 at 5:17 PM

Roger Purcell, with the help of Sarah and Todd Palin and MEA, thought they were initiating a plan of action to burn down a house of children, when OOPS... Wrong address...darn that MEA address of Loon Street? Now when Roger had a photographer take pics and the target was standing there with witnesses? What Roger, no making it to the papers now? Oh then Roger harrassed the EMT from Willow to see if the elderly woman was DEAD? Roger Roger Roger! What shall you do? How is that dead girl found on the property you rent from someone else in Todd's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" crew? Belch...how is that federal court date going to hamper elections? Why we all want to know...why Roger?

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Houston resident said on Wednesday, Aug 29 at 9:50 AM

Or how Vergie Thompson got rid of the police and now it's the wild wild west again? why is that Vergie? Is that what Sarah Palin told you to do? The War has just begun with the likes of you and Roger sweetie! Houston will not be run over rough shot again...We will be there at rallies to protest! Have fun trying to worm out of it in front of voters about that Roger! May be you better call Don Young - tell him the riptides are up...lol...

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Where is Elsie? said on Wednesday, Aug 29 at 1:32 PM

We need Elsie to open the can of worms about Houston! she knows all about the crews of Houston! I heard she was about to write an expose book and so they got creative and FIRED her...funny how the Palinbots are now running the Mid-Valley Senior Center...like Kristian Cole's daddy...all in the family or " hide in the hollers" Sarah? Go get em Elsie - organize a rally pay per view!

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AKLawDog said on Wednesday, Aug 29 at 5:03 PM

And the mother has an army of attorneys...what a federal court date that will be...and word is court orders to appear are going out...those that don't show are in contempt and police will be sent to escort them to the court..in October...not sure if it's in Alaska or Washington DC yet...heard there are dockets in both and some other states apparently...those Ritcher investments I betcha are why...

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houstonite said on Wednesday, Aug 29 at 6:56 PM

oh that again! I heard she was going after someone. But why the mother of children? Oh. Money. That makes sense. Roger, if you are a part of this: you had better tell the judge, and get immunity now! I would not want to be on that list to appear. Oh. I forgot. Alaska has no laws. My bad!

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bender said on Wednesday, Aug 29 at 9:10 PM

hey what about ol Roger using the cop vehicle? pulling folks over with no authority? or after work going to the bar and being sloppy drunk and driving? or doing those Palins SO many favors? sound to me like when you do a favor for them - watch out - you might end up in a court room bubba! Roger!

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Anonymous said on Friday, Aug 31 at 3:18 PM

you know me I will say whatever I can to get elected even if it is lie after lie... On another note, what about that DOT top dog resigning? so much for your roads Roger...lol...

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Anonymous said on Friday, Aug 31 at 6:11 PM

yeah some are leaving state - gee why is that Roger? Run but you cannot hide from the federallies baby!

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Houston Police Dept??? said on Saturday, Sep 1 at 3:54 PM

Why is it the AST is flooded with ordeals in Houston and the surrounding areas? Sometimes they cannot even respond to trespass or damages to property? Doesn't that lead to breaking and entering? We now have people are wandering around threatening kids? Parents have to play local cop and call in some weirdo dude roaming around ranting? really? We got some bad folks and they take away the police because the mayor might be caught up in some of the white laundering money schemes and crimes around? My advice to you Roger - call the feds and dump the intel and Vergie associations! Other wise citizens will meet and take the city, state, peoples and others to court for failing to protect the citizens! No Wild West!

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