KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Kayla Desroches/KMXT
Candidates for U.S. Senate participated in a fisheries debate in Kodiak this week, and not all of the topics were about federal fisheries issues and tax dollars.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, Democrat Ray Metcalfe, and independents Breck Craig and Margaret Stock stood up on stage and answered a round of more personal questions.
The first was directed to Stock from panelist Julie Bonney.
“What is your favorite Alaska seafood and how do you like it prepared?”
“Actually it’s rockfish,” said Stock. “Because I’m a kayaker, an ocean kayaker, and I ate a lot of rockfish on my honeymoon, so it has very warm memories for me. I kayaked from Cordova to Whittier with my new husband. We got to know each other very well, and we caught a lot of rockfish on the way from Cordova to Whittier, and we prepared it every night pretty much in a frying pan with a little butter. It tastes really good that way when it’s caught fresh.”
Stock got critique as the first candidate to respond.
“So, for future lightening rounds, we’re hoping people can restrict their answers to 10 words or less,” said Bonney.
It went a little smoother from there.
“Representative Metcalfe, same question, what is your favorite Alaska seafood and how do you like it prepared?”
“Alaska crab and I like it prepared very quickly.”
“Mr. Craig?”
“I’m a salmon man and my wife barbecues it.”
“Senator Murkowski.”
“I am halibut and salmon any way that it’s prepared and I probably have it five times a week. Never get tired of it.”
“That’s two fish. Not fair,” quipped Stock.
On the whole, the fisheries debate remained a civil platform for candidates to state their positions and plans for the future. Also on the lighter side, panelists asked trivia-like questions to test the candidates’ knowledge about the fishing industry.
Those who took part were Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, Democrat Ray Metcalfe, and independents Breck Craig and Margaret Stock.
