A new group formed to back Tom Begich for governor, days before the primary

A new group registered with the state Aug. 10 to spend money supporting Tom Begich's run for governor, eight days before Alaska's primary. It has not yet reported raising or spending anything.

The group, Alaskans for Tom Begich, describes itself as an independent effort to support his campaign. As an independent expenditure group, it can raise and spend money on Begich's behalf but cannot coordinate with his campaign, and it must disclose the true source of any contribution over $2,000 within a day.

The registration is the only account so far, and it does not say what the group intends to raise or spend. The top four finishers in Tuesday's primary advance to the Nov. 3 general election.