Berkowitz to Parnell: 'Real men don't pick on kids'

Democratic candidate for governor Ethan Berkowitz lashed out at Gov. Sean Parnell Thursday after the governor's veto of funding that would have expanded Denali Kid Care. Parnell said he decided to veto after learning that some of the program's funds are used to pay for abortions. (A unanimous 2001 Alaska Supreme Court decision dictates that if the state is paying for prenatal care, it may not deny Medicaid coverage for medically necessary abortions.)

Parnell's reasoning fell short for Berkowitz, a former state legislator who was the Democratic Party of Alaska's nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 and for lieutenant governor in 2006.

"Real men don't pick on kids," Berkowitz said in a press release. "Sean Parnell's coldhearted cut hurts real Alaskan children and families."

Not content just to take issue with the veto, however, Berkowitz pointed out that Parnell left $750,000 in the budget to pay for maintenance to the governor's mansion. Berkowitz didn't come right out and call the governor (who self-identifies as a fiscal conservative) a hypocrite, but it's there if you read between the lines.

"Apparently Sean thinks flat screen televisions and fresh paint in his bedroom are more important than letting a sick child see her doctor," Berkowitz said.

No word on whether the governor's mansion line item specifically allows for the purchase of flat screen televisions.

Contact Maia Nolan at maia(at)alaskadispatch.com.