Alaska Republican gubernatorial debate postponed following Stevens’ death in plane crash

Governor race debate postponed after Stevens death

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Thursday’s Alaska GOP gubernatorial debate has been postponed because of the death of former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens.

Commonwealth North pushed the debate to Aug. 23, the day before the primary.

Several campaign events were canceled Tuesday after Stevens and four others were killed in a plane crash in southwest Alaska. Several candidates also suspended campaigning out of respect.

Meanwhile Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Don Young turned a fundraiser at former Gov. Bill Sheffield’s home into a night of remembrance for Stevens, who was listed as one of the events co-hosts. Young spent much of his long career in Washington with Stevens, and the two were friends.

Young’s campaign manager said the event was closed to reporters.