TALKEETNA - After spending the weekend in Talkeetna with 100 Alaskan youth from 57 communities, from Adak and St. Paul to Ketchikan and Klawock, listening to their concerns and recommendations, U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski announced today that he will be a candidate for Alaska's Governor in the November, 2002 election. Murkowski issued the following statement:

"Today I am announcing my candidacy for Governor. After listening for two days to the young women and men attending the Alaska Youth Summit, I am convinced more than ever the greatest contribution I can make at this time is to the youth of Alaska. My commitment to them is that they have safe and supportive communities, the best education and good job opportunities here in our State. These young people are our future and the future is now.

"Nancy and I had hoped that by this time much of the business of the Senate for the year would be concluded. However, the events of September 11 have changed priorities in Congress, extending the session. As soon as Congress completes its work, I will be home again meeting with Alaskans throughout the State to listen to your concerns and ideas for our State's future and how Alaska's state government can be more responsive to each and every person. I look forward to a good campaign focused on the challenges and opportunities facing our State.

"Many Alaskans have expressed to me their concerns about the lack of progress on important issues -- like the State's increasing budget deficits, declining education performance and funding, lack of economic growth and diversification, and the growing divide between rural and urban Alaska. Many people fear that this lack of progress could lead to several crises in just a few years.

"At the same time, I am reminded of our talented and industrious population and great resource wealth. Important opportunities are on our horizon -- like the development of our Arctic oil resources, the construction of an Alaska Gas Line, our role in the strategic defense of our Nation and the expansion of our railroad, roads and ports. "Many people have identified the need for seasoned leadership and experience to guide the State through the challenges and opportunities ahead. Numerous Alaskans by phone, letter, and in person have asked me to come home and run for Governor. They know my commitment to unify Alaskans and my ability to work with the legislature in developing our common goals. They have urged that my past business experience throughout the State, my service in state government, and my 21 years of service in the U.S. Senate is the kind of experience needed now, at home, here in Alaska.

"While Nancy and I would surely enjoy being closer to our children and grandchildren living and working here in Alaska, as well as our many friends throughout the State, this is not why I have decided to run for Governor. I make this decision out of my commitment to public service and recognition of the critical needs of our State at this time. I must say with great humility that I appreciate the confidence that Alaskans have placed in me. I am ready and eager to take on the challenges ahead. I want to assure the people of Alaska that I will continue to work tirelessly on their behalf while serving them in the U.S. Senate and ask them for the opportunity to continue my service as the next Governor of Alaska."