Rep.Young of Alaska Gets Tough Primary Challenge

Embattled Alaska Rep. Don Young's road to re-election just got significantly more difficult, as Lt. Gov Sean Parnell told attendees of the state's Republican convention today that he would challenge the incumbent in the GOP primary.

Young had already drawn one challenger in the Aug. 26 primary, state Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux, and the longtime House member also faced a tough general election contest against the likely Democratic nominee, ex-state Rep. Ethan Berkowitz. But Parnell -- who was elected in 2006 on a ticket with immensely popular Gov. Sarah Palin - could be Young's toughest foe this year.

Young is under federal investigation for his dealings with the Alaska oil services company Veco Corp., and he has seen his popularity in the state plummet. A new poll of Alaskans by the Hays Research Group found that 55 percent of respondents viewed Young unfavorably, while just 40 percent had a favorable view of him.

Young headed back to Alaska early this week to address the state convention, causing him to miss House votes on key issues like the budget and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He was present at the beginning of the week for the roll call on Democrats' ethics reform proposal, and while many vulnerable Republicans voted in favor of the bill, Young voted no.