Big Dogs Weblog

Murkowski and the Senate

by Mr. Ogre on Nov 5, 2010 at 14:32 Political

Now I realize that to many people the election in Alaska isn’t quite over. But, for all practical purposes, it is. Joe Miller is only showing up with 34% of the vote, while “write-ins” are 40%. Since the board of elections has already said they’re going for intent and that anything close will count (Lisa M, Mercowskii, etc.), unless 10% of the people wrote-in “Mickey Mouse,” she’s going to win. I will be curious to see how that pans out in DC.

You see, Lisa Murkowski lost her primary election in Alaska to Joe Miller. The Republicans in the state of Alaska voted for Joe Miller. The Republicans in Alaska did not vote for Lisa Murkowski. To win the general election, Murkowski turned to bribery — most of her support was from unions, native corporations, and state employees. These are all groups that will be paid back with cash from her votes. She made many liberal promises and ran on the idea that she will increase spending in Washington. In other words, she ran on the platform of the Democrat Party, and she was rejected by the Republican Party of Alaska.

However, Murkowski has repeatedly said that if elected, she will be a Republican, she will attempt to represent Alaskan Republicans, and she will caucus with Republicans. Why would she do this? One word: seniority. She is the ranking member of one committee and one sub-committee. The longer you remain, the more power you get. And she certainly wants more power. And, in all likelihood, she will remain (although strangely enough on the current Republican Senate Leadership page, she doesn’t show up at all). But should she?

In my humble opinion, I think the Republicans in the Senate should tell her, “Gee, I’m sorry, but you do not represent Republicans. You lost Republican support in your state. Sure, we’d like your support on our issues, but since you don’t represent the Republicans from Alaska, you’re not part of the Republicans in the Senate.” She should then appear as an independent on the rolls. I’m not holding my breath, but that would show that the Republicans in the Senate are principled and understand what just happened in this election. By taking her back, knowing her positions, and knowing she ran on the Democrat platform, the Republicans in the Senate will show that party affiliation doesn’t matter, principles don’t matter, just win and you’ll be on the team — and that there really is no difference between the two parties.

[tip]If you enjoy what you read consider signing up to receive email notification of new posts. There are several options in the sidebar and I am sure you can find one that suits you. If you prefer, consider adding this site to your favorite feed reader. If you receive emails and wish to stop them follow the instructions included in the email.[/tip]

Tags: alaska, miller, murkowski, sore loser