Politics
Rove responds to write-in bid on FNS: ‘Sad but Sorry’:
Associated Press writer Mary Pemberton contributed to this report from Anchorage, Alaska.
Murkowski Defends Mounting Write-In Bid for Alaska Senate
- Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:09pm by
Scott Baker
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JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — In the weeks following her defeat in the GOP primary, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski went back and forth over whether to re-enter the race as a write-in candidate or accept life outside Washington and a role other than Alaska’s senior senator.
On Friday, Alaskans learned her decision: She’s in. And, this time, she said: “The gloves are off.”
Murkowski faces tough odds with her write-in candidacy. She has lost support from members within the Republican establishment, who are backing the Republican nominee, Joe Miller. She also has just more than six weeks to gear up a campaign, motivate her staff and turn out the vote.
But she told supporters — who greeted her at an Anchorage convention center with chants of “Run, Lisa, Run!” — that she couldn’t walk away and ignore the pleas of Alaskans who urged her to offer them a choice between the “extremist” views of Miller, a self-described constitutional conservative and tea party favorite, and the “inexperience” of Democrat Scott McAdams, a small-town mayor.
“So I am here to tell you, you are disenfranchised no more,” she said.
Republican leaders — including Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele, Sens. John Cornyn and Mitch McConnell — reiterated their support for Miller.
McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, said he had told Murkowski that if she ran as a write-in, she no longer had his support for any leadership roles. Murkowski resigned her position as vice chairwoman of the Senate Republican conference, her campaign spokesman confirmed.
“Lisa has served her state and our party with distinction,” McConnell said in a statement, “but Republicans acknowledge the decision Alaskans made and join them in support of the Republican nominee, Joe Miller, the next senator for Alaska.”
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who endorsed Miller and through her PAC gave $5,000 to his campaign, urged Murkowski recognize the results of the primary.
“Listen to the people, respect their will,” Palin said via Twitter. “Voters chose Joe instead.”
Miller said Murkowski’s re-entry won’t change his strategy, which includes calling for reining in government spending and giving Alaska greater control over its resource base.
Miller told The Associated Press Friday night that voters chose to support him because they wanted to move away from Murkowski’s agenda.
“Liberals don’t relinquish power easily, that would be my first observation,” he said.
Murkowski acknowledged making mistakes during the primary but promised to be more aggressive this time.
During the primary, she touted the benefits of her seniority for Alaska and ran largely on her record. Miller, meanwhile, cast Murkowski as part of the problem in a big-spending, out-of-control Washington. And the California-based Tea Party Express, which reported spending more than $550,000 in support of Miller, labeled her a liberal Republican and repeatedly claimed she opposed repeal of the federal health care overhaul — claims she called false but didn’t challenge until late in the race.
The group said it would work twice as hard as it did during the primary to beat her if she stayed in the race.
Murkowski has some advantages: she enjoys widespread name recognition and her campaign estimates she has about $1 million in the bank. Plus, the race features a “kind of perfect storm of the things you need for a write-in to be successful,” pollster Ivan Moore said. Among those, he said: a vast middle of Alaskans looking between Miller and McAdams and questioning their choices.
The largest bloc of registered voters in Alaska are nonpartisan and undeclared. Miller beat Murkowski in the party primary by just over 2,000 votes.
“I’ve been saying from the beginning she can win this thing,” Moore said. “So people have got to write the name. So what? It’s not rocket science.”
The convention center where the rally took place had a table where people could sign up to help Murkowski’s campaign. Signs declaring “Let’s Make History” abounded. There was also literature on how to cast a write-in vote.
Lt. Gov. Craig Campbell, who oversees elections in Alaska, has asked the attorney general to review what would be necessary for a write-in vote for Murkowski to count. His understanding of the law is that voters would have to mark the ballot oval and write in either the candidate‘s last name or the name as it appears on the candidate’s declaration to run. But he wants an opinion on that, and on how far elections officials need to go in enforcing spelling.
Murkowski, who got off a plane from Washington not long before the rally, took aim at Republicans, pundits and others who’d labeled a run a “futile effort.”
“Well, perhaps it‘s time they met one Republican woman who won’t quit on Alaska,” she said, taking a swipe at Palin, who resigned last year in the middle of her first term as governor.
Heather Handyside, a spokeswoman for McAdams, said the Democratic candidate welcomed Murkowski to the race. She said the campaign didn’t see how it was “statistically possible” for Murkowski to win and that her entry doesn‘t change McAdams’ strategy at all.
“He still respects Sen. Murkowski but he knows it’s impossible for her to win,” she said.
Rove responds to write-in bid on FNS: ‘Sad but Sorry’:
Associated Press writer Mary Pemberton contributed to this report from Anchorage, Alaska.
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Comments (118)
I like Ike
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 8:09pmMiller has Momentum and an easy name to spell. Lisa is her own worst enemy.
Report Post »spendthrift
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 8:08pmElite Arrogance at it’s finest
Report Post »chattycathy
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 7:38pmThe Murkowski Motto: If I can’t have it, NOBODY CAN!
Report Post »Eagle07
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 7:19pmSo now the democrat is the one who don’t have the extremist ideas huh? What a turncoat.
Report Post »spendthrift
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 7:18pmOne, Two, Three Strikes…..your out!
Report Post »TheAntiProgressive
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:58pmI couldn’t believe it, but Murkowski basicly said that she’s against abolishing or reforming Social Security, Medicare, Dept of Education or eliminating earmarks. She’s just another Progressive with an R after her name. Disgusting!
Report Post »PA PATRIOT
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:54pmhttp://murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=EMailLisa
Let her know!
Report Post »Workforit
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:54pmMurkowski … The progressive elitist republican.
Report Post »And in this corner… the progressive :Obama democratic hand puppet… what’s his name, really… whats his name? I just got done watching Joe Miller on Fox Sunday and if Alaska voters are smart as I think they are Joe Miller can take them both down! There is only one consecrative, fiscally responsible, non-progressive choice on that ballet… and it is Joe Miller!
Buckaroo
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:51pmAce of Spades noted that misspelled/illegible ballots are considered spoiled and won’t count
/i say this for those 200 or so folks who still support laura murcowski
//yes indeed if u think write-in, think Linda murkowsky!!
Report Post »:-)
jcatlanta
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:50pmRegardless of the words she uses, her actions show she is just in it for her own power and self serving greed. If the Dems don‘t want her and the Republicans don’t want her (as shown in the primary election) and the Libertarians don’t want her (a 5 to 0 vote of their board), then how does she conclude there is a snowball’s chance in Hell that she could win (especially since a write-in candidate will only have ballots counted that spell the name EXACTLY correct and her name is Merkowski, Murkowski, Murcowski ah whatever it is). It appears to me she is doing it out of spite to Mr Miller and she has nothing else in mind. To say this argument is disingenuous is an understatement. She doesn’t give a crap about Alaska unless its in her best interest.
Report Post »usualsuspect
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:46pmI really could care less how she feel to justify what is doing as a write in candidate Murkowski is A true elitist shame on her if she wanted to run as A independent she should have stated that in the beginning of her bid for the seat. How much were you paid by the DNC? And give every penny you received in donations back you crook and sore loser. You are a selfish political hack and you deserve nothing
Report Post »usualsuspect
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:43pmK who’s turn is to put A muzzle on loser Schmuckkowski
Report Post »norway1516
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:44pmThe people of Alaska said your fired now pack your things and get out of our house.
Report Post »Tatum
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:40pmLisa, Bow out like a Lady. If you would have won and the other person wanted to Write-In I would tell them the same thing. Don’t be an ARLEN SPECTICAL.
You sound more like a Lib-Terd everyday.
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:39pmWhat self centered narcissistic loser. She’s a spoiled little girl who believes that the Senate seat belongs to her and she is not going to believe that it is no longer hers. She is a disgrace.
Report Post »PA PATRIOT
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:38pmNow is NOT the time for the United States to become a divided Nation. Now IS the time for unity. Inform Senator Murkowski that WTP are examining her actions. Please be reminded that she is a sitting US Senator. Write her now. Show her the power of WTP. I did.
http://murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=EMailLisa
Report Post »spendthrift
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:35pmApparently when We the People speak, she doesn’t listen. That is exactly what is wrong with our country today.
Report Post »Lesterp
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:43pmShe heard it loud and clear, she just can’t believe it! It’s called elitism!
Report Post »outwest
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:33pmSentaor Murkowski, you have revealed your true motivation – win at any cost. Shame on you. You would rather split the party than be gracious. I am embarassed for you.
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:30pmthis reeks of sour grapes. all she is doing now is validating the voters and their choice. good job, Alaska.
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:27pmMINE! MINE! MINE! She‘s like a spoiled little kid who won’t share a toy! Some people just don’t know when to quit. Hey Murk, your employers have fired you! It’s time to go home now. She’s going to make such a fool of herself, but you can bet she’ll blame the tea party. Or, maybe George Bush can be blamed!
Report Post »Navyveteran
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:25pmanother progressive that will do their best not to lose the power they got drunk off of.
Report Post »drattastic
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:20pmHack in the box alert. People like her sicken me ,she feels she is entitled to that position .Party really means nothing to her (doesn’t to me either for much different reasons),it’s all about her ,her family and her ego.pure scum.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:17pmAnd when you RINO supporters choose to write in, remember her name is spelled, “L-O-S-E-R”.
Report Post »carol m
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 7:27pmLol Hey Broker is that kinda like heads I win tails you lose shhhh don’t tell anybody.
Report Post »DagneyT
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:16pmLisa, you lost fair & square. Your write-in campaign is showing desperation, and is going to water down the results. You should be ashamed. If you are not ashamed, I say SHAME ON YOU!!!
Report Post »2010GOP
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:45pmHey Murkowski how much are you getting to toss the election to the Dems. You lost, you stand for nothing now that you are going against the wishes of the voters in the primary for the party you did say you stood for. Alaskans don’t want you or your ilk in DC any longer. Your “party” has asked you to leave, fair and square…
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 8:15pmLisa, I bet your father is spinning in his grave from embarrassment. I can’t believe he raised you to be a poor loser, as respected a politician as he was. Get on with your life while you still have a hint of pride and integrity. Certainly loosing twice will not raise your self esteem.
Report Post »drattastic
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:15pmAdd your comments
Report Post »drattastic
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:25pmSurely Alaska is not going to fall for this nonsense ,Florida isn’t
Report Post »CatB
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 1:26amTo Quote Donald Trump … YOU’RE FIRED!
Report Post »IntheKnowOG
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 4:07pmvic138
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 7:43pm
I think she’s doing this so she can divert her unused campaign cash to friends and family.
Agreed….she’s a thief, just like most of the establishment politicians.
Report Post »dteam270
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:15pmI wonder if she’ll find a new job at the white house for this..wink…wink
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:31pmShe’s answering the pleas of a minority.
Report Post »There is always be a plea for the loser—but they’re the loser for a reason… because the majority said so.
Get a grip, lady!!
JJ Coolay
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:33pmWhat a frikkin overused word: Disenfranchised.
I like to call it democracy, but you know—whatever floats your boat.
Report Post »79USMC83
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:40pmDefinition of TRAITOR
1: one who betrays another’s trust or is false to an obligation or duty
2: one who commits treason
Now put the word CONGRESS in for TRAITOR!!! This is the ONLY reason there IS a TEA PARTY.
Crist is a TRAITOR for running as an Independant. Specter was a TRAITOR for jumping ship also!!
Beck has a rally about CHARACTER, the LEFT is all over him and the people that attended it!!!
Many of WE THE PEOPLE are sick of your PARTY POLITICS. The reason the center has moved RIGHT though is not for the Republican PARTY so much. It is that the other choice is to vote for PROGRESSIVES,SOCIALISTS and COMMUNIST like the COMMUNIST O’Donnel will be running against in Delaware!!
Look at all the Dems that are running away from the “Speech Giver” and the Health-Care Bill they voted for just to get votes and stay in office. THIS is what WE THE PEOPLE are sick of!!
Mandatory Health-Care was not a tax and Steph read him the freaking definition. Now that it is going to lose in court it is a TAX!!
WE THE PEOPLE do not mind paying tax’s it is the CRAP we pay for. $800,000 dollars of STIMULUS money to teach AFRICAN men how to wash their Genitalia !!!
BETTER DEAD THAN RED !!
TERM LIMITS NOW !!!
FAIR TAX NOW !!
NO MORE PENSIONS FOR CONGRESS!!
NO MORE CAREER POLITICIANS!!
Report Post »birsterj
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:49pmShe reminds me of Hillary Clinton when she lost to Barrack Hussein Obama. Boo Hoo! You lost by the will of the people… get over it … your a sore loser and if you have any respect, you would support the winner. I don’t know who these people are but I just lost respect for this person because of her attitutude. She sounds fake and won’t accept the votes of the people, “By the People”
Report Post »Cemoto78
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:49pmDon’t you silly people of Alaska understand I am the only one that can do this. Lady, YOUR FIRED, now go away!
Report Post »Rev. WC
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 7:07pmCome on guys she is doing this for the children!
Report Post »RCScrolls
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 7:30pmI thought that it was spelled Merkowsky, atleast thats what I think.
Report Post »Dont they voters have to spell it exact or its no good.
Typical Progressive liberal crying whining its not fair.
Ever see Her Porn flick thats she never disputed.
vic138
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 7:43pmI think she’s doing this so she can divert her unused campaign cash to friends and family.
Report Post »klstj
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 10:35pmTThis is where they are so disconnected…voter said get out…she says because some supporters show up at an airport that she can’t ignore the voters. the voters spoke, get out,get out, get out! Get behind the candidate the people want and take the back seat other than support. these people just don’t get it…they are so stuck up and detached…wake up, wake up, wake up!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 1:24amThese RINO‘s Can’t take a “HINT”! Sore losers .. now go away! What a total lack of class!
Report Post »KingArthurUp
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 1:34amMan… Karl Rove is great coming up with ideas for a holes figting the tea party…. MORON
Report Post »Hellpig
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 4:58amspell it correctly “Murkowsky”
Report Post »Beckofile
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 3:04pmBy the way…before the primary it was ok of her to use the national GOP machine but not ok for Miller to use a national Tea Party Express machine or DeMints Conservative Fund? I can‘t fathom how she comes up with the idea that Alaskan’s did not go to the polls to show her the door??? This should energize so many people up there to just throw the incumbent to the side for the rest of her life. She has shown her true colors and must be retired for life…god knows she gets a pension and free healthcare. Go to DeMints web site and donate to his CONSERVATIVES FUND which helps candidates like Miller all across the country. Help him with some friends that have read the Constitution.
Report Post »bz.bees_mom
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 11:03amIf we VOTE you out -
Report Post »Will you please GO home?…