Bunde won't file for Senate re-election

Frustrated with political power plays in the state Capitol, Sen. Con Bunde, R-Anchorage, said today he won't run for re-election in 2010. That opens a rare door in the upcoming election, leaving a Senate seat up for grabs by either party.

Bunde, a member of the Senate's four-man Republican minority, has served in Juneau for 18 years.

"Someone said once if you can't fight ‘em, join ‘em - and if your principles don't let you join them, maybe it's time to let someone else do the job," Bunde said, speaking to reporters on Thursday morning.

Bunde represents District P, encompassing Anchorage's Hillside along with part of Eagle River and Girdwood, Whittier, Indian and Hope. Republican Cathy Giessel has filed with the Alaska Division of Elections to run for the seat. Janet Reiser is running as a Democrat. The race is regarded as an important one for both parties; it's not often a Senate seat becomes available without an incumbent in the mix. The outcome could give either party a power boost in the 6-Republican, 10-Democrat bipartisan majority.

Bunde reflected on his arrival in Juneau 18 years ago, his first time in the Capital City, naive about the way politics would work.

As a member of the small Republican minority bloc, Bunde has repeatedly expressed frustration about not being able to get things done. Just the same, he was in the majority for a number of his total years in the Legislature, and has chaired many committees. He served in the House from 1993 to 2002, then moved to the Senate.

"It's been a wonderful ride," Bunde said. "I'm still incredibly grateful for the voters who had either the confidence or the poor judgment to put me here."

A retired commercial pilot and university professor, Bunde said he'll remain in Alaska and tend to some health issues among his family members. And, of course, he'll fish more.

"My tongue-in-cheek previous campaign slogan was ‘Send me to Juneau or send me fishing, either way I win'," Bunde said. "I'll make it easy for them."