David Eastman, representing Alaska’s House District 27, has achieved an impressive and rare feat—a 100% cumulative score on the Freedom Index. This score isn’t just a statistic; it’s a testament to Eastman’s steadfast commitment to constitutional principles, individual liberty, and limited government. For several legislative sessions, Eastman has voted in alignment with pro-liberty values, consistently standing for the rights of Alaskans. But what exactly does this 100% rating signify, and why should it matter to voters in Alaska and beyond?
The Freedom Index evaluates elected officials based on their adherence to constitutional governance and free-market principles. A perfect score like Eastman’s shows that he has maintained an unwavering dedication to protecting liberty, upholding the Constitution, and resisting government overreach.
As noted by Kassie Andrews in her analysis titled “Freedom in Alaska: A Report Card“, Eastman consistently ranks as one of the most principled and effective representatives in the state. His unwavering adherence to free-market energy policies and individual liberties sets him apart from other so-called “conservatives” in the Alaska Legislature. Andrews highlights that Eastman’s record is often ridiculed by the political establishment, yet he remains a favorite among voters, regularly winning reelection despite ongoing efforts to discredit him.
In Andrews’ words:
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“The costume-conservative representatives censure Eastman and play fraudulent lawfare in their persistent attempts to discredit and make him look bad. It is interesting when you consider that no matter all of this, he is reelected by his constituents overwhelmingly time and time again.”
This statement holds true as Eastman continues to be a beacon of liberty in a sea of political posturing. His votes—whether it’s against Medicaid expansion or in favor of protecting Second Amendment rights during emergencies—show that he isn’t afraid to stand alone when necessary. Eastman’s courage to stick to his principles even in the face of opposition from both sides of the aisle is why he maintains a 100% Freedom Index rating.
Let’s dive deeper into the key votes that contributed to Eastman’s 100% Freedom Index rating and see how his voting record reflects his conservative values.
A Consistent Defender of Liberty
Eastman’s perfect 100% Freedom Index score highlights his consistency across multiple legislative sessions. Whether it’s standing against unnecessary government expansion, defending gun rights, or resisting federal overreach, Eastman has proven that he prioritizes individual freedoms and fiscal responsibility over political convenience.
Key Votes and What They Mean
1. Sound Money: HB3 (2023)
In a bold move to restore constitutional money, Eastman voted for HB3, a bill that designates gold and silver as legal tender in Alaska. This legislation aligns with Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution and prohibits boroughs and cities from taxing the sale or exchange of gold and silver. Eastman’s vote here is rooted in his understanding of the need to reduce government interference in the economy and move toward a sound monetary system.
This vote is significant because it shows Eastman’s commitment to addressing federal monetary manipulation and returning Alaska to its constitutional foundations. By supporting sound money, Eastman aims to protect Alaskans from the long-term effects of government-fueled inflation and economic instability.
2. Shrinking Government: SB25 (2023)
Eastman supported SB25, a bill designed to shrink the size of government by closing inactive state accounts and returning unused funds. In a political climate where government bloat is the norm, Eastman’s support for this bill highlights his desire to limit government waste and streamline government operations.
By voting for SB25, Eastman reinforced his commitment to fiscal responsibility and reducing unnecessary spending. His support of this bill is another reason why he consistently earns a perfect score on the Freedom Index—he actively works to cut back on government waste and protect taxpayer dollars.
3. Rejecting Government Overreach: HB62 (2023)
Eastman’s opposition to HB62, a renewable energy grant bill, showcases his stance against government interference in the free market. This legislation, which advances a Marxist climate agenda, would cost Alaska $1.4 million annually. By voting against this bill, Eastman demonstrated his belief in letting the free market decide Alaska’s energy future without government picking winners and losers.
This vote emphasizes Eastman’s dedication to small government and his opposition to bloated government programs that lead to increased taxes and waste.
4. Protecting Constitutional Rights: HB61 (2023)
Eastman voted in favor of HB61, a bill that sought to protect the Second Amendment rights of Alaskans even during declared states of emergency. This vote reflects Eastman’s firm belief that constitutional rights cannot be suspended by government mandates, even during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eastman’s support for HB61 shows his commitment to protecting Alaskans’ God-given rights to self-defense, illustrating once again why his Freedom Index rating remains perfect. Whether it’s protecting the right to bear arms or opposing government overreach, Eastman stands firmly on the side of freedom.
5. Rejecting Medicaid Expansion: SB58 (2023)
Eastman voted against SB58, a bill that expanded Medicaid eligibility for postpartum mothers. Eastman’s opposition to this bill is based on his belief that health care should not be controlled by the government and that Medicaid is an unsustainable entitlement program. By voting against SB58, Eastman showed his dedication to limited government and fiscal responsibility.
This vote reflects his understanding that entitlement programs create long-term dependency on the government, harming individual freedom and burdening taxpayers.
6. Federalism and State Sovereignty: HJR10 (2023)
Eastman’s support for HJR10, a resolution opposing the National Park Service’s limitations on non-subsistence hunting methods, reinforces his commitment to state sovereignty and federalism. The resolution asserts Alaska’s right to manage its own natural resources without federal interference. By supporting this measure, Eastman aligns himself with the 10th Amendment and fights to protect Alaska’s rights from federal overreach.
Other Notable Votes that Reinforce Eastman’s Values
HA6 (SB136): Right to Keep and Bear Arms (2022)
Eastman voted in favor of HA6, an amendment to a bill regarding firearm possession during emergencies. This vote reaffirms his belief in unrestricted Second Amendment rights, even during times of declared disaster.
SB156: Prohibiting COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates (2022)
Eastman voted in favor of SB156, which aimed to prohibit vaccine mandates in Alaska. His support for this bill shows his dedication to individual freedoms and medical autonomy. Eastman firmly believes that personal health decisions should remain in the hands of individuals, not the government.
SJR15: Opposing the USMCA (2022)
Eastman opposed SJR15, a resolution supporting the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Eastman viewed this agreement as a threat to U.S. sovereignty, and his opposition demonstrates his concern with globalist trade deals that infringe on American independence.
HA2 (SB3006): Excluding Abortion-Inducing Drugs from Telehealth (2021)
Eastman voted for HA2, which aimed to exclude abortion-inducing drugs from telehealth services. This vote reinforces his pro-life stance and commitment to protecting the right to life for all Alaskans.
HA57 (HB69): Cutting State Spending (2021)
Eastman voted in favor of HA57, which aimed to cut state spending to reduce per capita spending in Alaska. This vote reflects his commitment to fiscal conservatism and addressing Alaska’s outsized government budget.
HA4 (HB76): Limiting the Governor’s Emergency Powers (2021)
Eastman’s support for HA4, which limited the governor’s emergency powers during the pandemic, showcases his belief in separation of powers. By voting for this bill, Eastman demonstrated his opposition to executive overreach and his defense of republican governance.
Related: Conservative Analysis of 33rd Legislature’s 2024 Prefiled Bills
David Eastman: A Model of Principled Conservatism
At the core of David Eastman’s 100% Freedom Index rating is his unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending individual liberty, and opposing government overreach. Each vote he casts reflects a deep understanding of limited government and the founding principles of the United States.
While many politicians compromise on their values to appease the establishment or follow the party line, Eastman has made it clear that his allegiance is to the Constitution and the people of Alaska. His perfect Freedom Index score is a reflection of his principled leadership and dedication to standing up for the rights of his constituents.
In an era of increasing government overreach and compromise-driven politics, David Eastman stands out as a rare legislator who consistently defends liberty and constitutional governance. His perfect score on the Freedom Index reflects his dedication to protecting the freedoms of Alaskans and fighting against government encroachment. For those who care about individual liberty, limited government, and constitutional integrity, David Eastman is the kind of leader Alaska—and America—needs.
David Eastman’s unwavering commitment to constitutional governance, limited government, and individual liberty stands in stark contrast to the status quo of political opportunism and empty rhetoric. But this raises an important question: if we have leaders like Eastman willing to stand firm, why does so much of the political landscape still feel stagnant?
“The right and left is for gangbangers.”
This brings us to the broader paradigm—the illusion of choice in modern politics. So often, we are given the impression that our vote counts, that we’re making decisions that will lead to meaningful change. Yet, whether it’s left or right, the system seems rigged to serve the same interests, leaving many of us disillusioned. I challenge whether we are truly being offered choices or just manipulated into thinking we are. Likewise, Eastman’s lone stand in the Alaska Legislature suggests that too few are willing to simply respect the constitution and represent genuine freedom.
So where does that leave us, the voters? Is Eastman’s steadfastness the exception, and should more politicians follow his example, refusing to compromise on the supreme law of the United States, even if it means standing alone? Or is there merit in working within the system to effect change, even if it requires compromise? Can we, the people, truly demand a government that works for us, or are we just cogs in a machine too big to change?
We want to hear from you.
- Do you believe in uncompromising principles, like Eastman, even if it means isolation in the political process?
- Or do you think compromise is essential to making progress, even if it sometimes results in policies that don’t fully align with liberty?
- What does true leadership look like to you in today’s political environment?
Can we truly have a civil discussion about governance, rights, and freedoms without grounding those discussions in the founding ideals of the Constitution?
The answer likely depends on your perspective. The Constitution provides a framework that guarantees certain inalienable rights and principles like limited government, individual liberty, and separation of powers. These founding ideals serve as the bedrock for civil discourse because they establish the rules of the game—defining not just what the government can do, but more importantly, what it can’t do.
Without that foundation, conversations about rights and governance risk becoming subjective, swayed by temporary trends, cultural shifts, or political whims. The Constitution protects against the tyranny of the majority, ensuring that individual rights are preserved even when they’re unpopular. It also provides a common language, so to speak, that allows people with vastly different viewpoints to debate ideas within a structured, lawful context.
When we stray from these founding principles, discussions about freedom and government power can devolve into chaos or authoritarianism. As we see with David Eastman, his adherence to the Constitution isn’t just a political stance—it’s a moral framework for how he believes the government should operate. The criticism he receives often comes from those who want to discard or reinterpret those founding principles to suit their own agenda, rather than adhering to the limits the Constitution sets.
So, can we have civil discussions without these founding ideals? Perhaps, but the cost would be a loss of the rule of law, consistency, and individual protections that the Constitution ensures. In the absence of such a framework, the conversation often becomes less about justice and more about who holds power at any given moment.
Let us know your thoughts, because in the end, it’s not just about the politicians—it’s about what kind of country we want to build together. Leave your comments below, or reach out on social media. Let’s continue this conversation about what freedom really means in today’s world.
