ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Sen. Lisa Murkowski was booted from office in the Republican primary Tuesday by a little-known conservative lawyer in arguably the biggest political upset of the year.
Joe Miller, backed by Sarah Palin and the Tea Party Express, became the latest newcomer to the national political stage to take down an incumbent in 2010 amid deep dissatisfaction with the Washington establishment.
Murkowski trailed Miller, a Fairbanks attorney, by 1,668 votes after the Aug. 24 primary. Election officials began counting absentee and outstanding ballots Tuesday, and Murkowski made slight gains. But after more than 15,000 ballots were counted, she remained 1,630 votes behind.
“We all know that this has been a long week, a terribly long week,” she said at campaign headquarters while conceding. She said that while there were still outstanding votes, “I don’t see a scenario where the primary will turn out in my favor, and that is a reality that is before me at this point in time.”
“And for that reason, and for the good of the state of Alaska … I am now conceding the race for the Republican nomination.”
The stunning result was a huge validation of the political power of Palin as the former Alaska governor has been playing kingmaker in midterm elections ahead of a potential 2012 White House run.
Miller, 43, is an Ivy League-educated lawyer, West Point graduate and decorated Gulf War veteran who cast Murkowski as too liberal and part of the problem in an out-of-control Washington. It is a campaign strategy that has helped oust other incumbents this year and that Republicans will employ again in November as they look to take back Congress.
He didn’t immediately return messages to The Associated Press.
Murkowski has proudly touted her seniority after eight years in office, and said her roles on the appropriations and energy committees put her in a strong position to ensure Alaskans’ voices are heard. Alaska has long been heavily reliant on federal money to run — a legacy largely carved out by former Sen. Ted Stevens before his death in a plane crash this month.
After keeping a low profile for much of the race, Palin recorded a robocall for Miller in the campaign’s final days and touted him as a “man of the people” on her Facebook page. She also repeated a claim that Murkowski had waffled on her position on repealing the federal health care overhaul — claims the senator has called false.
Palin has been on a losing streak as of late with her candidates faltering, and many were expecting similar results in Alaska with Murkowski holding such a name-recognition and fundraising advantage. Palin also still remains a highly divisive figure in her home state.
But as the results began coming in on election night, it became increasingly clear that Miller connected with the voters and tapped into anti-incumbent anger among Republicans.
Aside from a failed legislative bid in 2004, the Kansas-raised Miller had no experience running in political races before jumping into the race to take on Murkowski. He is friends with Sarah and Todd Palin, and they both endorsed him.
Miller also had the blessing of the tea party crowd. The California-based Tea Party Express reported spending at least $550,000 for Miller.
The Tea Party Express’ PAC, Our Country Deserves Better, tweeted Tuesday night: “Murkowski concedes!!! Thanks to all who helped make this possible. A great moment for the movement.”
Palin and the Murkowski family have a complicated history.
Palin trounced Murkowski’s father, Frank, in the 2006 gubernatorial primary — the race that would launch her national political career. Last year, she said she’d raise money for Lisa Murkowski, and even contributed to her campaign, quieting widespread speculation that Palin would challenge Murkowski for the seat. But the women have clashed on issues like health care, though they’ve denied any bad blood between them.
Murkowski has fought back against Miller and Palin’s claims. A radio ad on the election‘s eve called Miller out as twisting the truth about Murkowski’s position on the federal health care overhaul. Miller has stood by his statements.
“Alaskans deserve to know the honest truth,” she said, “and they haven’t gotten it from Miller.”
The race was disrupted when Stevens died in a plane crash, with both candidates briefly suspending campaign ads.
Murkowski was appointed to the Senate at the end of 2002 by her father and won her first term in 2004.
She said she was proud of the campaign she ran, which she called “honest” and “upright.“ She said it stayed focused on the issues and the ”high road.”
Previously, she had criticized Miller for running an unfair fight.
“This was not a race about Lisa Murkowski,” she said during her concession speech. “This was a race about Alaska.”
During a speech in which her voice wavered at times, she said confidently that once she completes her term, “I’m coming back home.”
“I’m looking forward to coming back home with my family and looking forward to building this great future, a great future that will not only be with my family but helping to fulfill Alaska’s promise, because there’s still so much work that remains to be done.
“You are WHO I AM,” she told Alaskans.
Miller will face Democrat Scott McAdams, a small-town mayor, in the November general election.
___
Associated Press writers Becky Bohrer in Juneau and Rachel D’Oro and Mark Thiessen in Anchorage contributed to this report.
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zsuzi
Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:59ami only read the headline and all i can say is oh yea baby — we’re comin!
Report Post »timej31
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:41pmWell…if you’re a Progressive (Socialist) you do not belong in the GOP. Period.
Report Post »ordchief
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 1:03amThanks for your gracious exit Sen. Murkowski. You have nothing, in your record, to be ashamed of. Just happened to be an incombent. I am sure we will see you again in the arena, it’s in your blood. Good race. Please support Joe. I am sure he will also be good for your state. Fresh ideas are always a plus.
Report Post »levelheaded
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 10:52amCongrats on the Republican defeat, Republicans.
Report Post »JonKernPA
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 10:33amI think you could have chosen a more flattering photo of the senator for the home page blurb.
Please don’t be like the liberal media and use lousy photos of people.
Report Post »Waiting4George
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 8:14pmYou read my mind. Let’s keep it elevated—please!
Report Post »Iowa_man
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 9:57amLets hope that he has the right things in his heart and will do the hard things.
Report Post »pbrenda51
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 9:55amAnother one bites the dust!!!!
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 8:42amBASICALLY he‘s right it’s not HOWEVER.. IF the government FORCES you to pay into it they OWE it to you.. welfare isn‘t in the constitution either but it costs BILLIONS for people who aren’t citizens or have ever worked..However..since SS is PREPAID by the receiver, they have to HONOR it..welfare well it’s not prepaid by the receiver..
Report Post »AnnfromTX
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 8:36amCongrats to Joe Miller. I read that after 9,000 absentee ballots were counted, Lisa had only picked up 38 votes. That is a firm loss. I was glad to see Joe Miller speak out about the party lawyers involving themselves in the primary count, too. That wasn’t smart on their part.
I remain convinced that part of Lisa’s problem was that she listened entirely too much to chatter from DC and media and jumped on the bandwagon to bash Palin. It was unnecessary, and that probably left a sour taste in many voter’s minds. Palins favorability ratings fell, yes, after her resignation…but they didn’t tank totally. That meant Lisa offended a lot of people. They were gratuitous remarks that had no benefit.
Commonsense tells me that’s not a smart senator. Why would you risk losing votes just to satisfy some blood feud from the past? Palin was always very polite about her.
Lisa could learn a bit about politics.
Report Post »AmeriWoman
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 8:29amCongrats Mr Miller, the ball has been thrown right to you, what will you do now!
I‘m praying you dont ’punt’.
aw
Report Post »dressseller
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 8:24amApparently the people of Alaska CAN see November from their house ;)
Report Post »Bubbasuncle
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 8:15amI hope this will begin the awakening of the ruling class. The RNC needs to start listening to the people who vote. It’s time to put the fear of the VOTER into all politicians.
Report Post »jdsbengaltiger
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 8:10amNice! You are the reason the libs are going down in flames.
Report Post »stevesmithjr
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 7:33amTypical. Thanks for showing all of us here the true integrity, character, and values of the party that’s on their way out the door. Hopefully for good this time.
JeffersonSmith
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 3:12am“When was the last time anyone took people from Alaska seriously? My city has a larger population than that entire state.”
People…. or politicians?
Why wouldn’t you take them as seriously as any other State?
Report Post »Sunnyr
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 3:04amWonderful news. I think Mr. Miller will make a great United States Senator! Now on to November and the Tsunami that is on the way. Woo Hoo!!
Report Post »timej31
Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:55pmEl Nino! El Nino! El Nino!
Report Post »Thecute1
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 1:50amWhat’s got you so angry?
fineyounglad
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 1:40amGlad to see the true voice of America is being heard.
Report Post »Jimmy Doolittle
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 1:35amCongratulations on your show of integrity Lisa Murkowski. It will serve you well.
Bravo Joe and Hooray for our Sarah!
You have a Huge Mission ahead of you. Dismantle it with prejudice.
stevesmithjr
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 7:31amThe same could be said for any “State” in New England. Your point?