When we called out Rebecca Schwanke for her ambiguous stance on protecting Alaska’s children from dangerous cross-sex interventions, we expected some strong responses. What we didn’t expect, however, was the ugly wave of slander and insults now flooding social media. Schwanke’s supporters, rather than addressing legitimate questions, are resorting to name-calling, baseless accusations, and even outright fabrications.
Rebecca Schwanke, running for State House in Alaska, has made headlines for sidestepping Rep. David Eastman’s clear-cut bill to make it a felony to perform gender-transition procedures on minors. Instead of directly addressing her position, Schwanke and her supporters are attacking critics with accusations that go beyond the pale. This kind of discourse—filled with hate and misinformation—isn’t just unprofessional; it’s beneath the standards of someone who claims to represent Alaskan families and conservative values.
The Pattern of Slander and Libel
Let’s take a closer look at what Schwanke’s “attack dogs” are saying online. Hannah Bengtson, a vocal Schwanke supporter, took to social media with wild accusations, calling Alaska Report an “antisemitic shill” and a supporter of “Christian Nationalist” groups. There’s no basis for these claims, but they’re clearly designed to muddy the waters, distract from the core issue, and shift attention away from Schwanke’s lack of action.
When logical arguments fail, Schwanke’s supporters turn to personal attacks. Bengtson, in a series of bizarre statements, accused us of “abuse of women,” “trafficking children,” and even made references to domestic violence, saying we should “go back to the cave you crawled out of and beat your wife some more.” Such remarks aren’t just offensive; they reveal the kind of smear tactics Schwanke’s campaign is willing to tolerate—or worse, condone.
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Dodging the Real Issue: Where Does Schwanke Stand?
Notice how none of these attacks touch on the actual issue at hand. Schwanke’s supporters are focused solely on character assassination, offering not a single substantive rebuttal to our critique of Schwanke’s inaction on Rep. Eastman’s bill. They have no defense for her refusal to clearly support protections for minors, nor do they offer any insight into her stance on parental rights. Instead, they’re using inflammatory language to distract from a simple truth: Rebecca Schwanke refuses to stand with conservative Alaskans on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
The Smear Campaign: Typical Tactics of the Political Elite
These kinds of slanderous attacks are nothing new in politics. When candidates can’t defend their records, they often turn to smear campaigns, hoping to silence opposition rather than address legitimate concerns. Schwanke’s backers have followed this playbook to a tee, hoping to make the conversation so toxic that voters stop asking questions. This is a tactic straight out of the uniparty playbook: when the issues get uncomfortable, focus on creating noise and drama.
Rebecca Schwanke’s supporters should be reminded that accusations without evidence are not arguments—they’re cheap shots. Voters see through these tactics, and they deserve better. Instead of hiding behind her online “attack dogs,” Schwanke needs to directly address her position on Rep. Eastman’s bill and clarify whether she truly stands with Alaskan parents and children or not.
Alaskans Deserve Accountability and Real Leadership
Our platform stands firmly on the side of protecting minors and supporting parental rights. We believe that Alaska deserves better than politicians who dodge tough issues and send others to attack their critics. We’re committed to holding every politician accountable, and we won’t be silenced by slander, lies, or personal attacks. We call on Rebecca Schwanke to take a stand, clarify her position, and reign in the inflammatory rhetoric her supporters are using on her behalf.
As 1 Peter 3:16 reminds us, “Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” Let’s demand accountability, integrity, and real answers—not baseless accusations and character attacks.
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