Murkowski victory splits Republicans

To the editor:

Congratulations to Lisa Murkowski for winning re-election of her U.S. Senate seat — the hard way. It may be the first time a write-in campaign has won an election (in Alaska). Of course, she had a lot of help. A nearly unanimous vote of Alaska Native communities, labor unions, teachers and academicians gave her an edge.

But it was unexpected that major media, including the Anchorage Daily News, would back her all the way. They are usually liberal in their viewpoints. What clinched the win for Lisa was a decision by Lt. Gov. Craig Campbell, in charge of Alaska elections, to allow misspelled write-ins as long as voter intent was evident. That’s in violation of existing state law, and no one seemed to care that Mr. Campbell was a family friend and former state official under Frank Murkowski’s earlier administration.

There is one thing for certain: this squeaky victory for Lisa has split the Republican Party of Alaska right down the middle. But that’s not the end for us conservatives. We’re a powerful bunch in this state, regardless of parties, and we shall be watching the actions of both Alaskan senators for any misconduct. This should be a wakeup call for Lisa Murkowski.

Ken Wright

Palmer