The Office
The race for U.S. Senate in Alaska.

The Candidate
Anchorage Mayor Democrat Mark Begich, former Anchorage Assembly member.

The Challenge
Facing a legend in Alaska politics and the longest-serving Republican Senator in history, Ted Stevens, Mark Begich wooed a strongly Republican Alaska electorate in a year when the state’s extremely popular Republican Governor was on the top of the ticket as McCain's running mate.

The Outcome
Begich was able to overcome the challenges facing any Democrat running statewide in Alaska, and beat the legendary Stevens in a close and extremely hard-fought election.

The Methodology
Lake Research Partners employed a baseline survey, numerous rollout polls, both conventional and rolling trackers, and multiple rounds of focus group research over the course of the election. This research informed all facets of the campaign, including messaging, media, and targeting efforts.

We helped Begich tell voters that he was as "Independent as Alaska." This brand helped to differentiate him from national Democrats, create a strong ethical distinction between himself and the corrupt Stevens, who was convicted on seven felony counts prior to the election, and appeal to conservative and independent voters in a state where Democratic candidates have to reach far beyond their base to win.

The Team
Lake Research Partners (David Mermin, Daniel Spicer, Charles Blumenthal, John Norris)
Mark Putnam, media consultant
Joe Hansen, direct mail consultant