Overview
In January 1996 more than 9,000 Alaska Republicans participated in the first ever presidential straw poll, handing Pat Buchanan a first place finish, with Steve Forbes a close second and the rest of the field far behind.

For 2000, Gary Bauer, George W. Bush and Steve Forbes organized campaigns in the state.  Bauer (state director Deborah Luper) and Forbes (state director Rich Vitale) each visited twice.  Meanwhile Bush (co-chairs Bob Malone, President of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company; and Bill Allen, President of VECO Corporation) had the backing of U.S. Senators Ted Stevens and Frank Murkowski and Rep. Don Young.  Party officials predicted as many as 12,000 might participate in "The Great Alaskan Straw Poll" held on Jan. 24 in conjunction with precinct caucuses.   However participation was anemic, with a total vote of just 4,330; Bush and Forbes finished in a virtual tie for first.

 Results of January 24, 2000 Alaska Republican Straw Poll
Total Vote
Percent
Gary Bauer
207
4.78%
George W. Bush
1,571
36.28%
Steve Forbes
1,566
36.17%
Orrin Hatch 163 3.76%
Alan Keyes
411
9.49%
John McCain
412
9.52%
Total
4,330
 


 
 
1996 Straw Poll Results
Pat Buchanan
2,988
33%
Steve Forbes
2,818
31%
Bob Dole
1565
17%
Alan Keyes
901
10%
Phil Gramm
786
9%
Lamar Alexander
53
1%
Dick Lugar
30
0%
Bob Dornan
20
0%
Morry Taylor
11
0%
 
9,172