Maurice Robert "Mike" Gravel is a veteran American politician. He became member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 8th district and served as Speaker of the Alaska House. He also remained United States Senator from Alaska for over a decade. During his tenure at the Senate, Gravel gained attention as a political figure for forcefully attempting, however remaining unsuccessful, in ending the draft at the time of the War in Vietnam, and for his role in releasing the Pentagon Papers. He remained instrumental in obtaining approval of Congress for the Trans-Alaska pipeline. He ran for US president as member of Democratic Party during the 2008 and 2020 United States presidential elections. The outspoken debate appearances of Gravel during his 2008 presidential campaign garnered him national attention and internet following. He founded the eponymous progressive think tank called ‘The Gravel Institute’ and advocates for direct democracy and National Initiative.
