Murkowski Launches Write-In Bid
Politico reports:
Saying voters need “one Republican woman who won't quit on Alaska,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Friday evening that she would wage a write-in campaign to retain her seat.
Murkowski, who was unexpectedly defeated in her Republican primary last month, made her announcement in Anchorage to the chants of supporters yelling, “Run, Lisa, Run.”
“I announce today that I will be a write-in candidate in November for the United States Senate seat that I now hold,” Murkowski told supporters.
Murkowski’s announcement carries enormous repercussions for the Senate race and even on Capitol Hill. Not only does her candidacy dramatically alter the race, but Murkowski also immediately resigned from her leadership role as Senate Republican Conference vice chairwoman, and may also face loss of her seniority and her position as ranking Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) made clear that her fellow Republican senators were rallying around the party's nominee, Joe Miller.
“Senate Republicans informed Lisa Murkowski that we will respect the will of the voters in Alaska and support the Republican nominee, Joe Miller," McConnell said. "Lisa has served her state and our party with distinction, but Republicans acknowledge the decision Alaskans made and join them in support of the Republican nominee, Joe Miller—the next senator for Alaska.”
State Republican officials wasted no time in saying Murkowski would receive no support from the party. “I am disappointed the senator has decided not to respect the will of Alaska’s Republican primary voters," Alaska Republican Party Chairman Randy Ruedrich said.
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