A second House District 12 Republican files for primary

According to the Valdez Star, "Republican stalwart Don Haase" has filed to run for the Republican nomination in the contest to represent House District 12 in Juneau. Haase decided to run after fellow Valdez Republican Scott Smith dropped out. If Haase wrests the nomination from his opponent, Eric Feige of Chickaloon, he will face Valdez Mayor Bert Cottle in the general election. Haase says he and Cottle share similar views in that they both favor gun rights, but that they differ on "social issues." The Star calls Haase, father of eight, a "family values Republican," primarily because of his activity in opposition to abortion rights. "I would be a pro-life candidate," he said (but we're not sure what the "would" is doing there). Haase is currently employed by CH2M Hill (formerly known as VECO) and has never held a statewide elected office, but he has served on numerous local commissions, boards and committees and is the current chair of the Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission. Read more, here. Our favorite part is the photo, sent to the Star by the candidate himself, showing him at the Post Office counter with a big smile handing over his APOC paperwork.