Gene Therriault
A Quality Senate Candidate Who Did Not Run
Making the argument: Therriault for Senate
Successful previous campaigns
In his 1998 State Representative campaign, Therriault easily defeated his Democrat challenger by 56% points (Alaska Division of Elections, 12/01/98). In his two State Senate Campaigns, Therriault received over 70 % of the vote in both races (Alaska Division of Elections, 12/06/02). These lopsided results show Therriault's ability to run a campaign and indicate that other candidates are scared to run against him.
Family life
Therriault is married and has two children, ages 12 and 9(Alaska Legislature Directory, 2/9/04). Therriault can relate to parents by expressing his plan for education as one of a parent.
Strong Business Background
Therriault is currently a partner of Hector's Welding Inc. and T.H.E. Company (Alaska Legislature Directory, 2/9/04). This is important because a growing number of politicians have entered legislative positions from the business sector.
Boards and Interest Groups
He is involved in his Church, Saint Nicholas Parish (Office Alaska State Legislator website). Therriault is also a member of the Alaska Miners Association (Office Alaska State Legislator website). By being involved in these organizations people feel a personal tie to Therriault's candidacy.
Why Therriault did not run
He did not believe he could win
While Murkowski was appointed to the office, she still holds the incumbent advantage. Also, Murkowski’s father is the current governor of Alaska. This makes the name Murkowski better known than Therriault. Furthermore, local and statewide campaigns are different. In 1998, the average amount spent by the winning state senate candidate was $58,107 (APOC, 4/7/00). This is a sharp contrast to the $3,271,582 spent by Ted Stevens in his 1996 U.S. Senate campaign (Federal Elections Commission). Lastly, Therriault has the credentials, but so did Mike Miller. Miller served as Alaska State Senate President from 1997 to 1998 and lost to Lisa Murkowski in the primary (Alaska Davison of Elections, 9/14/04).
He did not desire the office
Campaigning demands a lot of a candidate and everyone around them. Even if he thought he would win, Therriault would face an incumbent in the primary and a popular two time governor in the general election. Therriault has also been in Alaska his entire life. He may aspire to be governor and does not want to focus on national objectives.
Summary
Therriault has built up his credentials and can point to his record to show why he would be a good U.S. Senator. He has been successful in past elections, possesses a strong business background, belongs to many groups and organizations, and promotes his family life. However, being a quality candidate does not guarantee victory. Therriault would face a tough primary and general election. Furthermore, he is an Alaskan and may want to continue influencing Alaska politics.
Works Sited Pledge
Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035
Send comments, questions, and suggestions to Jordan Sundheim
Date Created: 9/20/2004. Last Updated 9/22/2004.
Political Science 318 - Strategy and Ehtics in Election Campaigns
