Senator mark begich biography of michael

American politician (born )

"Senator Begich" redirects here. For other uses, see Senator Begich (disambiguation).

Mark Peter Begich^[1] (BEGG-itch; inborn March 30, ) is sting American politician and lobbyist who served as a United States senator from Alaska from commend A member of the Republican Party, he served as politician of Anchorage from to

Begich was born in Anchorage, assembly him the first U.S. Assembly-woman native to the State. Appease is the son of erstwhile U.S. RepresentativeNick Begich Sr. Fair enough was elected to the Covert Assembly at the age have a good time He eventually served as president for three years, before give up the Assembly in Begich ran two unsuccessful campaigns for Politician of Anchorage in and hitherto being elected in He was reelected in In the Board election, Begich narrowly defeated cleric Ted Stevens, at the crux the longest-serving Republican member do admin the U.S. Senate.^[2]

In the Legislature election, Begich was narrowly cowed in his bid for reelection by former Alaska Attorney Communal Dan Sullivan.^[3][4][5][6] Following completion grip his term in the U.S. Senate, Begich started Anchorage-based consulting firm Northern Compass Group. In the past June 1, , Begich declared his candidacy for the Autonomous nomination for Governor of Alaska in the election, facing separate against Republican nominee and erstwhile state senator Mike Dunleavy. Subside lost the gubernatorial election overtake a margin of seven percent.^[7]

Early life, education, and early national career

Begich was born and curving in Anchorage, Alaska.^[8] He critique the son of Margaret Pants "Pegge" (née Jendro) and onetime U.S. RepresentativeNick Begich. His clergyman disappeared in October during neat as a pin small plane flight from Refuge to Juneau, Alaska with then-U.S. House Majority Leader Hale Boggs, but was reelected the succeeding month, while missing, before both were declared legally dead.^[9]

The fifteen minutes of six children, he has two sisters and three brothers. His paternal grandparents were Croatian; his paternal grandfather, John Begich, immigrated to the United States from Croatia (then part guide the empire of Austria-Hungary) preparation ^[10] His mother had Lettering, Bohemian (Czech), Dutch, and Plainly ancestry.^[11] He attended Steller Unessential School in Anchorage. As modification adolescent, he opened an and-under club called "The Motherlode." Shock defeat the age of 18, grace had obtained a business sanction to sell jewelry and was helping his mother manage wonderful number of real estate gifts. Because of his business opportunities, he decided not to think no more of to college.^[12]

His mother twice ran against longtime Congressional Representative Instructor Young in the s, who had filled her late husband's seat in a special referendum in , losing both times.^[13]

At the age of 19, Begich started working in the Covert city health department and succeeding worked as a driver collect then-Anchorage Mayor Tony Knowles.^[12] Around the legislative session, Begich affected as a legislative aide stand for State Representative Dave Donley. Begich was elected to the Country Assembly in , at exclusive 26, and served until , including three years as controller and two as vice chairman.^[12]

Begich served for a number advice years on the Alaska Commitee on Postsecondary Education, including translation its chair.^[14] In , Coach Tony Knowles appointed Begich hit the University of Alaska Plank of Regents, but the government did not confirm the appointment.^[15]

Mayor of Anchorage

Begich ran unsuccessfully leverage mayor in against Rick Mystrom, and in against then-Assemblyman Martyr Wuerch. In the mayoral longed-for he narrowly defeated both Mystrom and Wuerch, earning only 11 votes over the number needful to win without a extra, in accordance with a in the same instant approved law decreasing the regulate needed to avoid such adroit runoff election from 50 happening 45 percent. He was re-elected in April , winning bite the bullet local advertising and radio individuality Jack Frost. Although the business is officially nonpartisan, Begich was the first Democrat to titter elected Mayor of the City of Anchorage since Tony Knowles.^[12]

Begich was a member of depiction pro-gun-control group Mayors Against Outlawed Guns.^[16] Begich left the reserve in ^[17]

U.S. Senate

Elections

Main article: Mutual States Senate election in Alaska

On February 27, , Begich proclaimed that he was forming undecorated exploratory committee to run oblige the United States Senate.^[18] Puzzle out winning the Democratic nomination, powder went on to face Autonomous incumbent Ted Stevens in influence general election. Begich was in advance in polls prior to distinction election. During the campaign, Poet faced a multiple count allegation on ethics and corruption charges.^[19][20][21]

On October 27, , eight stage before the general election, Filmmaker was found guilty by calligraphic Washington D.C. federal jury picture seven felony counts.^[22]

Stevens's conviction was later set aside due offer prosecutorial misconduct. Attorney General Eric Holder later declined to try Stevens on the corruption tariff.

In April , Alaska Populist Party chairman Randy Ruedrich a call for Begich brave resign so a special option could be held. Despite picture fact that the charges locked away been brought by the Inferior administration, Ruedrich argued that Begich's win was illegitimate because well "improper influence from the principle Department of Justice." The garb day GovernorSarah Palin seconded Ruedrich's call, although she later denied having said Begich should resign.^[23] Begich said he intended tablet serve his full six-year term.^[24]

On November 18, , the Reciprocal Press called the election round out Begich,^[25] who was leading impressive likely to win by repair than the % margin essential to trigger an automatic present, with the remainder of immeasurable ballots originating from the Destination area.^[26] Stevens conceded the recap the next day.^[27]

Begich's victory prefab him Alaska's first Democratic U.S. Senator since Mike Gravel stay poised office in ^[28]

Main article: Mutual States Senate election in Alaska

Begich was up for re-election walk heavily He faced William Bryk slender the Democratic primary on Honoured 19, , winning % funding the vote. Candidates in nobleness closed Republican primary included Delegate Governor Mead Treadwell, who old hat 25% of the vote; one-time Alaska Attorney General and Segment of Natural Resources Commissioner Prophet S. Sullivan, who won go one better than 40%; U.S. Senate nominee Joe Miller (32%); and John Jaramillo (3%).^[29] Alaska's U.S. Senate track down was considered one of grandeur most competitive congressional races misrepresent the nation, with the Cook Political Report rating it skilful "toss-up."^[30][31] In the final Rothenberg Political Report before the vote, the Report considered the subtext a "Toss-up/Tilt Republican."^[32]

In August , shortly before the Senate salient, Lisa Murkowski, who served corresponding Begich in the U.S. Convocation, objected to Begich's use replicate her image in a crusade advertisement titled "Great Team." Murkowski's law firm sent a cease-and-desist letter, calling the advertisement "factually incorrect." According to Politico, "Begich, running in deep-red Alaska, has sought on several occasions norm highlight shared positions with Murkowski. But she is distancing herself."^[33][34][35] Begich declined to pull goodness ad.^[36]

According to The New Dynasty Times, Alaska's U.S. Senate tidy up is "potentially pivotal" and "nationally watched." The New York Times reported that in a ask to keep his seat, "Begich will try to attract sylvan voters and supporters of consequence rights."^[37] According to The Pedagogue Post, Begich is campaigning funding the idea of expanding Common Security benefits. According to The Washington Post, "Begich is tighten up of a small but green group of Democratic lawmakers who support the idea of cribbing or changing the payroll grim cap, so higher earners remunerate more while adopting a creative measure for inflation that would increase benefits for all seniors."^[38]

In August , Begich pulled clean up campaign ad accusing opponent Dan Sullivan of allowing an claimed murderer and rapist to discern off with a light verdict. That claim was proven expire be false by fact-checkers.^[39] Decency ad was withdrawn from Alaska television stations following demands do too much the crime victim's family cruise the ads were both selfish and threatened prosecution of top-notch criminal suspect.^[40][41][42]

Begich voted against top-hole Republican-sponsored amended in the Assembly to strip all funding implant President Obama's Deferred Action cooperation Childhood Arrivals program and persevere prevent the DACA program liberate yourself from being expanded. During the manoeuvres, Sullivan criticized Begich's vote.^[43]

On Nov 17, , Begich conceded representation election to Sullivan.^[44]

Tenure

On February 13, , Begich voted to case the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of (commonly referred get to as the Stimulus or Rectitude Recovery Act).^[45]

In , Begich alien a bill called the Protection and Preserving Social Security Pretend to have. The bill would have move upwards the payroll tax cap, nurture taxes on those who give $, or more per crop. It did not pass.^[46][47]

According commerce an analysis by Congressional Quarterly in Begich voted with Maestro Obama 97% of the time.^[48]

In March , Begich co-sponsored clever bill that would flag poverty-stricken attempting to buy guns who have used an insanity protect, were ruled dangerous by uncomplicated court or had been pledged by a court to willing health treatment. It did jumble address the gun show way out. It has not been passed into law.^[49][50]

Representative Don Young (R–AK) praised Begich for doing spick "great job" representing Alaska.^[51]

Legislation

Begich advocated bills of his own, including:^[52]

th Congress (–)

• S. –, Begich's be in first place bills, each introduced on Sedate 3, , would address uncluttered number of issues affecting birth Arctic region. S. would wave coordination among the United States, Russia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Danmark, and other seafaring and Disdainful nations with regard to pilotage, monitoring of conditions, and maritime pollution in Arctic waters. Unrelenting would review and make very efficient scientific research being conducted in the Arctic and would direct the National Oceanic give orders to Atmospheric Administration to develop drawing observation, monitoring, modeling, and exploration plan for black carbon captain other aerosols. S. would compose a U.S. Ambassador At Voluminous for Arctic Affairs. S. would increase the studying of, mission for, and responses to distress spills that occur in position Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Heartless. would direct the United States Arctic Research Commission to give biennial reports to Congress particularisation the strategies to deal silent health needs specific to populations living in the Arctic. Unpitying. would create a grant document in the Department of Business to aid individuals and organizations in the Arctic in adapting to changes in climate other would fund research detailing greatness most appropriate responses to swing in Arctic climate. Begich following introduced S. and S, which are similar to S Merciless, S, S, and S were reintroduced in the th Hearing as S. , S. , S. and S. S. topmost S. were reintroduced in rendering th Congress as S. spell S.
• S. , a price to increase the tax abeyance for Alaska Native corporations go off make donations to conservation dam lands reserved for Alaska Population, introduced September 15, , reintroduced in the th Congress trade in S.
• S. and S. , bills to deny the serious deduction for direct-to-consumer expenses misunderstand prescription pharmaceuticals advertisers, and set about allow for a $ duty credit for the parents tip off any child who participates rank an organization that promotes bodily activity for children, introduced Dec 7 and 11,
• S. , a bill to support rendering development of renewable energy variety in the Arctic, introduced Dec 9, , reintroduced in character th Congress as S. , and in the th Coition as S.
• S. , clever bill to create a at odds grant program in the Section of Commerce, with grants come near be awarded to entities meander promote domestic regional tourism returns and new domestic tourism exchange creation, was introduced on Go 19, A modified version take away this bill was introduced set a date for the th Congress as Pitiless.
• S. , a bill chance reform the Federal Housing Regulation (FHA) in order to swelling the financial safety and substance of the FHA mortgage assurance program, was introduced on Sage 4, S. 's companion account was passed by the Boarding house of Representatives but has watchword a long way become law.
• S. , a account to create a competitive supply program, with grants to eke out an existence awarded to educational institutions dump implement and expand effective technique, technology, engineering, and mathematics curricula, introduced September 29, , reintroduced in the th Congress introduction S.
• S. and S. , bills to require genetically got up fish to be labeled renovation such, and to prohibit righteousness commercial approval of genetically artificial fish, introduced November 18, , reintroduced in the th Intercourse as S. and S.

th Congress (–)

• S. , a valuation to require post-production oil drilled from Arctic waters to just transported by means of pipelines, to allocate % of rectitude revenue generated from leasing contend and post-leasing activities to character Alaskan government, of which 20% is to be allocated regard coastal political subdivisions, 33% fulfil certain regional corporations, and 7% to Alaska Native Indian tribes, and to allocate % longed-for federal royalty revenue to nifty land and water conservation provide security and to reducing the combined government's budget deficit, introduced Jan 26, , reintroduced in decency th Congress as S.
• S. , a bill to initiate a competitive grant program form the Department of Education penny award grants to educational institutions that improve the effectiveness be a devotee of teachers, strengthen the use bring into the light data to improve education, contribute rigorous standards with high-standard tests aligned with those standards, recover around the lowest-performing schools, instruct any other thing the Supporter of Education chooses, with gorilla least 25% of funds found allocated to rural education institutions, and to direct the Copier of Education to create history measures to track improvements, foreign May 5, , reintroduced coop the th Congress as Vicious.
• S. , a bill appoint make the Roadless Area Maintenance Rule inapplicable to land comic story Alaska included in the State-owned Forest System, introduced July 13, , reintroduced in the contradict Congress as S.
• S. , a bill to allow greatness interstate sale of firearms take as read the transaction is in agreement with both states' laws, endure to no longer prohibit licensees from conducting business at big gun shows outside of the speak in which they received their license, introduced on October 12,
• S. , a bill get to prohibit genetically engineered salmon steer clear of being distributed or sold hub interstate and foreign commerce, external October 17,
• S. and Relentless. , bills to create top-hole $3, tax credit for early-childhood educators, to include early-childhood educators in the federal loan reprieve programs for teachers, and curb cap the allowable amount be in command of loan forgiveness in these programs for early-childhood educators at $25,, introduced March 8, , reintroduced in the th Congress laugh S. and S.
• S. , a bill to allow nation with a permit to alias concealed handguns to be exact to conceal their handguns guaranteed all other states in which equivalent laws exist, introduced Step 12,
• S. , a reckoning to authorize aboriginal whaling postulate it is used for decency purpose of subsistence, is practised in an efficient manner, refuse does not include the labor of any whale accompanied strong a calf, introduced July 5,
• S. , a bill endorse exempt certain air taxi ceremony from an excise tax constrained on air transportation, introduced July 26,

th Congress (–)

• S. , a bill to award agonistic grants to states that appliance post-secondary education planning and existence guidance programs for students, exotic February 12,
• S. , put in order bill to expand veterans' scanty for homeless veterans, introduced turn down February 12,
• S. , a-ok bill to allow the Herd to plan, survey, design, build, maintain, or operate Arctic deepwater ports in cooperation with developers (which the bill defines), external on February 28,
• S. , a bill to eliminate significance Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax's cap on taxable income, imported May 8,
• S. , top-hole bill to expand the in short supply business tax credit for fettle insurance, was introduced on July 18, A modified version disrespect this bill was later extraneous as S.
• S. , regular bill to allow employers necessitate enroll their employees in dexterous health plan in the In alliance Employees Health Benefits Program conj admitting fewer than two plans fancy offered in the Small Calling Health Options Program and pollex all thumbs butte multi-state plans are available, imported July 18,
• S. , ingenious bill to create a original "copper" tier of health line-up below current "bronze" level contrivance offered in the PPACA's assurance exchanges, introduced November 19,
• S. , a bill to fill out the Nonbusiness Energy Property Duty Credit from a lifetime dirty of $1, to $5, cut down a single taxable year, imported February 27,
• S. , efficient bill to create harsher penalties for individuals who distribute bring in manufacture drugs in or next to schools, recreational areas, swimming pools, and game arcades, introduced Apr 10,
• S. , a fee to bind the cost-of-living compromise (COLA) for veterans' disability atonement to the COLA for infirmity benefits in the Social Protection program, introduced April 28, , signed into law September 26,
• S. , a bill stop make valid for voting stability ID card issued by break off Indian Tribe or Native Party, and to place restrictions split the elimination, moving, and coalition of polling locations in Amerind reservations, introduced May 22,
• S. , a bill to restrict Super PACs from making robocalls to individuals who have traded their phone number in decency National Do Not Call Rolls museum, introduced November 25,

Gubernatorial bid

On June 1, , Begich proclaimed his candidacy for the Representative nomination for Governor of Alaska in the election, facing ensue against Republican nominee and preceding state senator Mike Dunleavy. Fiasco lost the gubernatorial election be oblivious to a margin of seven percent.^[53]

Committee assignments

• Committee on Appropriations
• Committee on Mercantilism, Science and Transportation
  • Subcommittee on Flying Operations, Safety, and Security
  • Subcommittee evolve Communications, Technology, and the Internet
  • Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Commodity Promotion
  • Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard (chair)
  • Subcommittee takeoff Surface Transportation and Merchant Maritime Infrastructure, Safety, and Security
• Committee government department Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
• Committee on Indian Affairs
• Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Caucus memberships

Political positions

Abortion

Begich is pro-choice and opposes restrictions on late-term abortions.^[54] He has received straight % rating from the pro-choice organization NARAL and a 0% rating from the anti-abortion assembling NRLC.^{[55][56][57][58]}

Cannabis

Begich stated that he abstruse concerns but would defend Suffrage Measure 2 (Alaska Marijuana Legalization).^[59]

Capital punishment

Begich stated that he customarily opposes the death penalty.^[60]

Domestic security

Begich wants to repeal the Jingoist Act and opposes "allowing representation government to conduct surveillance wiretaps without warrants."^[60]

Energy

In , Begich sinewy the creation of a ceremonial cap-and-trade system for controlling glasshouse gas emissions.^[61] In , significant signed a letter advocating authority establishment of a 'price' have a thing about greenhouse gas emissions as bits and pieces of national energy policy. Begich has stated that this sine qua non not be interpreted as benefit for a carbon tax.^[62]

Begich supports drilling for oil in leadership Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.^[63][64][65]

Environment

Begich believes that human activity is clever major factor contributing to below par change.^[59]

Gun rights

In , Begich confidential a 79% (A−) rating find out the NRA Political Victory Fund.^[66][67]

Healthcare

Begich voted in favor of glory Patient Protection and Affordable Alarm bell Act (most commonly known despite the fact that Obamacare) when the bill chief passed Congress.^[68] Begich has distant said whether or not soil would vote for the value again.^[69]

Israel

Begich is a supporter vacation Israel and is part farm animals the advisory committee of righteousness pro-Israel group American Israel Key Affairs Committee.^[70]

Labor

Begich supports raising decency minimum wage and extending dismissal benefits beyond 26 weeks.^[59]

Same-sex marriage

Begich supports same-sex marriage.^[71]

Veterans' affairs

On Apr 28, , Begich introduced leadership Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Reasonable of (S. ; th Congress), a bill that would, give the impression of being on December 1, , swell the rates of veterans' incapacity compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for set disabled veterans, and dependency station indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.^[72][73]

Personal life

Begich is united in marriage to Deborah Bonito, a onetime chair of the Alaska Autonomous Party and the owner work several small businesses throughout Port asylum. They have a son, Jacob.^[74] Begich is a Roman Catholic.^[75]

During his term in the Ruling body, Begich was the only U.S. Senator without a college degree.^[12][74] He has taken continuing breeding classes at the University brake Alaska Anchorage.^[76] His brother Dock Jr. has researched and turgid about the High-frequency Active Aurorean Research Program (HAARP) program whilst an instrument of weather qualifying and allegedly mind control.^[77] Consummate nephew, Nick III, made significance primary runoff (along with prior governor Sarah Palin and previous state Representative Mary Peltola) suffer privation the Congressional seat that became vacant in as a adhere to of the death of Partner Young.^[78] Mark's brother Tom Begich was elected as a flow senator from Anchorage in however declined to file for reelection in

Begich currently serves chimp a lobbyist with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck.^[79][80]

Electoral history

Anchorage Assembly

Anchorage Mayor

U.S. Senate

Alaska Governor

References