With Alaska's Republican party more divided than ever, Democrats are preparing for what they say will be a change of guard. But Democrats themselves are not exactly presenting a united front—at least not in the race for Sen. Ted Stevens' seat.

It's a battle in which Democrats are turning on each other to oust one of the most powerful Republicans from his long-held seat in the U.S. Senate.

Ray Metcalfe gives free "tours of corruption" —a three-hour bus ride.

"I've been the person that has exposed all of this stuff," Metcalfe said. "When Ben Stevens was taking bribes from VECO, I was the one to shine a spotlight on that."

Metcalfe formed the Republican Moderate party back in the 1980s, but now feels he's more effective as a Democrat. He's running for Sen. Stevens' seat as a Democrat.

Metcalfe's main opponent is Mark Begich—mayor of Anchorage—and Metcalfe's latest subject of accusations.

"I believe that this state is going to see Ted Stevens go to jail. I also believe that if Mark Begich replaces Stevens, he'll follow right in his footsteps," said Metcalfe.

"My general comment about Ray is: it's outlandish the comments he makes. He's been making these for months against me. I think this is just a desperate attempt by Ray to continue to throw mud at me in order to win the primary," said Begich.

Begich says he chooses to run a clean campaign—a campaign focused on the issues—issues like health care, education and energy.

"This crisis didn't happen overnight. It happened because of a lack of focus by our Congress, by our delegation on the issue of energy," said Begich.

One solution to the energy crisis that both Metcalfe and Begich support:

    Opening up ANWR.

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But if either Democrat is elected this fall, he will have a tough time trying to convince other Democrats on the Hill—most of whom, until very recently, opposed offshore drilling.

"I think I can get that table talking about the importance of ANWR, but also how Alaska fits into the energy picture in this country and how important it is to look at Alaska's issues and how we play a significant role in finding energy independence for our country," said Begich.

"But most Alaskans are in for a big surprise on ANWR. We don't own it. It's not Alaska's next Prudhoe Bay, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be open. It should be open," said Metcalfe

"Open" is what both candidates say they will be—to avoid the charges that have fallen upon so many of Alaska's lawmakers.

"Exposing the problem is the first thing you have to do. You have to come to grips with the fact that this state has run on bribery for a long, long time," said Metcalfe.

"I laid out a pretty detailed ethics plan of full disclosure—how much I make, how much my wife makes, who can lobby me, who cannot lobby me, making sure people who worked for me cannot come back later and lobby me or my staff," said Begich.

Be it Begich or Metcalfe, whomever wins the Democratic primary will be facing a fractious Republican party.

The Democratic winner will face Stevens, Vic Vickers or Dave Cuddy in one of the most important races of the year. From there, it will be red versus blue in a traditionally Republican state.

To contact Grace, call 907-273-3186.