Democratic Senate nominee Mary Peltola, a former Alaska state representative, is facing intense scrutiny over her legislative attendance record, with records revealing she missed nearly one in five votes during her five terms in the Alaska House of Representatives (18.6%, or 794 out of 4,265 votes) and a significant portion of Bethel City Council meetings (36.67%, or 22 out of 60 meetings) between 2011 and 2013. These absences, particularly concentrated during specific legislative sessions and council terms, have drawn sharp criticism from Republicans who question her commitment to public service as she competes in a closely watched U.S. Senate race. While Peltola’s campaign attributes some absences to maternity leave for three children born during her state House tenure and summer fishing camp, and claims that unexcused absences represent a much smaller percentage of missed votes, critics argue that such a pattern raises concerns about her dedication to her constituents, especially when contrasted with her opponent’s legislative record. Furthermore, her time in Congress has also seen a notable percentage of missed votes (17.2%, or 235 out of 1,370 roll-call votes), with no primary-sponsored bills becoming law, a point heavily emphasized by her opponents in the lead-up to the general election.
Adapted from: Latest Political News on Fox News
