ANCHORAGE: Opponents of Proposition 1 are running a misleading push poll designed to confuse Alaskans about the upcoming referendum. In contrast to the push poll, the only unbiased poll shows most Alaskans support Proposition 1, which would repeal the Oil Giveaway. Public support for Proposition 1 is strong despite an unprecedented, oil-funded ad campaign featuring slick TV, radio, and online ads.

“I wish I could say I was surprised by these tactics, but I’m not,” said Vic Fischer, a prime sponsor of Proposition One and framer of the state Constitution language that requires Alaskans get “maximum benefit” from resource development. “Opponents of Proposition One will say anything to protect their own economic interests while bankrupting Alaska with the Oil Giveaway.”

The misleading push poll has live interviewers, who are asking “Are you planning on voting the Democratic ballot, Republican ballot, OR the referendum ballot.” In fact, voters in the August primary will have the opportunity to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary AND on referendums including Proposition One. Voters also may choose to vote only on referendums without voting in party primaries at all. The misleading push poll seems designed to discourage primary voters from participating in the referendum on repealing the Oil Giveaway. Oil companies likely will use its skewed results in a cynical attempt to pretend the public opposes Proposition 1.

“We know where this is going: The oil companies that paid for this push poll will try to sell it as a real poll, in an effort to distract from Alaskans’ strong opposition to the Oil Giveaway,” said Fischer. “Even though they’re spending millions on slick TV ads and now this push poll, Alaskans are still supporting Proposition One.”