Dear Congressman,

Well, you've done it again. For the 21st time, you've jumped into the ring and dared all comers for a seat as Alaska's lone congressman. Although there was some speculation last year whether or not your current term would be your last, we haven't been concerned, for a change. We knew that you're in good health and haven't shown any decline in fighting spirit. Just as we know the sun rises in the East, and that your campaign logo will never change, we The Concerned know that as long as you draw breath, you'll keep bidding to represent everyone who votes for you. And probably then some.

So far no one knows who's going to climb into the ring with you, but whoever it is had better pack a lunch. Democrats especially, who have only mounted a handful of serious challenges to you in all your years in office. Most recently, Ethan Berkowitz ended up giving you a run for your money. But because all of your Democratic challengers have done worse with each successive run against you, history doesn't look to be on his side for a second try. Democrat Scott McAdams made a good impression on many people when he ran in one of the weirdest Senate races in state history, but so far he hasn't shown any interest. As usual, your biggest challenge will probably be in the Republican primary, which your winning record may have misled some Alaskans into thinking is the actual House election.

You're like some sort of electoral superhero, impervious to scandal and all opponents.

You shrug off flak from across the political spectrum, from environmentalists to budget hawks. You're simultaneously bulletproof and able to reach long distances around any obstacle. People used to call the late Sen. Ted Stevens “The Hulk” for his legendary debate style, but no one has dared give you such a label, though we're pretty sure your colleagues have a few names for you that no one knows about.

Your longevity in the House is well-known in Alaska, and no doubt it's an amazing string of victories. But we're afraid it has gone to your head just a little bit. Last year's propeller beanie incident comes to mind.

Perhaps because Alaska's such a, well, young state, it can seem that your string of practically inevitable elections is the stuff of legend. And no doubt you're still standing. But you're only Number 30 on the list of all-time longest-serving House members, and only sixth among those actively serving.

The longest-serving House member in history, as well as the longest currently-serving member, is Rep. John Dingell of Michigan. He was first elected to the House four years before Alaska became a state. Rep. Dingell's probably just lucky you didn't fall in love with Michigan. 

Don't get us wrong here; we don't want to dissuade you from fighting for Alaska however you see fit. But we're concerned that wearing beanies and pounding on tables might not be the best way to argue for Alaska's interests or test the slack given to people of long tenure.

We imagine that being from a state known for eccentricity adds a bit of slack to your lead. As much as some people don't want to admit it, you are Alaska and Alaska is you. You've managed to internalize and reflect so much of what many people in Alaska want. If our state isn't your “Fortress of Solitude,” we can't imagine another explanation for how voters can keep overlooking certain recurring things they inevitably grumble about after they re-elect you by comfortable margins.

You're one of the most vocal defenders of Alaska's sovereignty, and you rail against “federal over-reach” any chance you get. Yet at the same time, you champion earmarks and pork spending for the folks back home. You even support efforts now and then to expand the size of the federal government. Remember that time you co-sponsored the bill that created the Transportation Safety Administration? It's fair to say the TSA is now the most universally hated arm of the federal government -- even, dare we say, more widely hated than the National Park Service.