Our discussion of the increasingly-Alaskan campaign photos being circulated by some of the Democratic candidates for governor caught the eye of another candidate -- Andrew Halcro, who has announced he'll challenge U.S. Rep. Don Young in the Republican primary next year.

"Can't just one of these guys be photographed in a Burberry navy blazer and Brooks Brothers slacks accompanied by a Kenneth Cole scarf wrapped around their neck tied in a Parisian knot?" Halcro asked via e-mail. Which maybe gives us a little insight into what Halcro's internal monologue might be as he stands in front of his closet each morning.

Halcro, we must mention, is a natty dresser even by cosmopolitan standards. When it comes to Alaskan wardrobe norms, though, he might as well be Tim Gunn. Not only is he the best-dressed political candidate currently seeking office in Alaska, he may be the best-dressed politician in Alaska history -- Sarah Palin's fall 2008 wardrobe injection notwithstanding.

Of course, here in the land of Xtratufs and bunny boots, being a fashion plate can work against a candidate for statewide office -- a reality of which Halcro is acutely aware.

"I knew when I was sixteen and made that first fateful decision to buy a pair of men's Famolare shoes instead of Converse All-Stars I was treading on dangerous grounds," he said. "It reminds me of the old Buggles song ‘Video Killed the Radio Star,' except my song would be ‘Armani killed the political candidate.' Not to overdo the pop culture references, but for some, the devil really does wear Prada."

To his credit, Halcro refuses to compromise his sartorial values for any office.

"I wore enough Sears Toughskins and knockoff Nikes as a kid to never, ever surrender my fashion fate to either parental consent or political populist pressure," he said.

In other words, don't expect to see any official campaign photos of Halcro rocking work boots or canvas coveralls. If his subscription to GQ has sealed his political fate, so be it -- but he's going to go down swinging. In a tailored topcoat.

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