"... the nomination is Sarah Palin's to lose... if Sarah Palin seeks the presidential nomination, it will be quite plausible to view her not as one of many or even 'first among equals,' but as the clear front-runner."- JP
Grimm, who was also backed by Rudy Giuliani, was a former FBI agent and Marine veteran. He was criticized for raising a lot of money outside the district, and not having lived there as long as Allegretti, whose family ran a local business on the Brooklyn side of the district.With 63 percent of the precincts reporting, Grimm had an impressive 66.5 percent of the vote to Allegretti's 33.5 percent.
[...]
Grimm will take on freshman Rep. Michael McMahon, a moderate Democrat who has the backing of the Conservative Party and who voted against Obama’s health care policy.
McMahon came under criticism earlier when a campaign aide distributed to a reporter documents that described how much money Grimm raised outside the district, labeling one category as “Jewish money.” The campaign aide was fired and McMahon apologized.
The winner will succeed Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.).With roughly half of the precincts reporting, Duffy, who was endorsed by Sarah Palin, captured 68 percent of the vote to Mielke's 32 percent.
Lassa easily defeated Don Raihala of Superior for a shot at the seat held for more than four decades by Obey.
Duffy, a former Ashland County district attorney, beat Daniel Mielke for the Republican nomination while Lassa, a state senator, outdistanced Don Raihala, a Democrat from Superior.
*"Joe Miller Defeats Lisa Murkowski; Governor Palin Gets Her Miracle on Ice"Shira Toeplitz at Politico:
"Miller, who had the backing of former Gov. Sarah Palin, defeated Murkowski in what will likely be remembered as one of the biggest upsets in Alaska's political history and one of the most stunning defeats of the entire cycle."ZIP at Weasel Zippers:
"The Palin Derangement Syndrome crowd about to go into full-fledged meltdown mode…"John Ruberry at Marathon Pundit:
"They're not laughing at the Tea Party movement any more... Miller's win is a triumph not just for the Tea Party movement and the Tea Party Express, which targeted Murkowski for defeat, but also for Sarah Palin, one of the few prominent Republicans to back Miller."Melissa Clouthier at Liberty Pundits:
"Anyone doubting Sarah Palin’s scope of influence should reconsider his position."John McCormack at the Weekly Standard blog:
"Of course, it takes more than superior credentials to defeat a well-funded incumbent senator. The strong backing of Sarah Palin was certainly crucial for Miller. Palin had knocked Frank Murkowski out of the gubernatorial primary in 2006 and sought to do the same to his daughter this year in the Senate primary."Jim Hoft at Gateway Pundit:
"Another RINO bites the dust…"Michael Memoli at the Chicago Tribune:
"Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski conceded the state's Republican primary to her 'tea party'-backed rival Tuesday night, an outcome that illustrated voters' anger with the Washington establishment and the power of former Gov. Sarah Palin in her home state... Miller, a Fairbanks attorney and decorated Gulf War veteran making his first try for statewide office, had trailed Murkowski in fundraising and in opinion polls throughout the campaign. But he had Palin, who bucked state party leaders to endorse him; and the Tea Party Express, the political action committee that spent $600,000 on ads assailing Murkowski as insufficiently conservative and promoting Palin's endorsement."Erick Erickson via Twitter:
"Sarah Palin has now pretty much single handedly taken out the entirely of the old guard Alaska GOP. That's impressive."Ken Rudin at NPR:
"I've said it before, and I'll say it again - In a year of real surprises, this may top them all... Miller is a politically unknown Gulf War veteran who won the endorsement from former Gov. Sarah Palin. That was followed with the decision by the Tea Party Express to give money to Miller, who had been widely outspent by Murkowski."Amy Walter at The Note:
"Huge Victory for Tea Party as Sen. Murkowski Concedes... Miller got significant financial support from the Tea Party Express and had the backing of Alaska ex-Gov. Sarah Palin (R)"Stacy McCain at The American Spectator:
"Many have credited Sarah Palin's early endorsement with boosting Miller in their home state, and certainly she helped call national attention to the anti-establishment candidate. The leaders of the Tea Party Express say that it was Palin who prompted them to take a second look at Miller, for whom they spent $500,000 for campaign ads in the closing weeks of the primary."FoxNews.com:
"Miller, who had the backing of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is now the immediate front-runner in the heavily Republican state."Dan Joling of the Associated Press:
"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... 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. "Rebecca Mansour of SarahPAC, via The Daily Beast:
"Todd Palin and Gov. Palin believed in Joe from the beginning when everybody else thought he was an impossible long shot."- JP
Speaking to reporters at her campaign headquarters in Anchorage, Murkowski said "based on where we are right now, I don't see a scenario where the primary will turn out in my favor."Miller will face Sitka Mayor Scott McAdams, a Democrat, in the November general election.
The concession came after a day of counting absentee ballots in which Murkowski gained little ground on Miller, the Fairbanks attorney backed by former Gov. Sarah Palin and the Tea Party Express.
Also: "For the good of the state of Alaska, I am conceding the race for senator."Updates:
"Do you believe in miracles?! http://u.nu/72z2f Congratulations, @JoeWMiller! Thank you for your service, Sen. Murkowski. On to November!"Followed by:
"Joe Miller's msg: Time for Alaskans to come together, reach out w/core message - take power from fed govt & bring it back home to the people"Tea Party Express:
The Tea Party Express (website: www.TeaPartyExpress.org) congratulates Joe Miller on winning the race for the GOP primary for U.S. Senate in Alaska.Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), via The Corner:
"Tonight Senator Lisa Murkowski conceded the race for U.S. Senate to Conservative Republican Joe Miller. We here at the Tea Party Express couldn't be more excited," said Amy Kremer, Chairman of the Tea Party Express.
"We congratulate Joe Miller on winning the political shocker of the year. Joe Miller's campaign based on a constitutional conservative platform resonated with the state's Republican primary voters and should serve as a wake up call to the political establishments of both parties.
"We also thank and congratulate Gov. Sarah Palin who first called our attention to this race. She was right in her proclamation that Joe Miller was a first-rate candidate who offered a vision for the future of this country and how to return America to the right track," said Amy Kremer.
“I want to congratulate Joe Miller on his remarkable victory tonight and offer him my full support,” said Senator DeMint. “He pulled off the upset victory of the year because he ran on principles and because Alaskans, like all Americans, want to stop to the massive spending, bailouts, and debt that are bankrupting our country.”I applaud Senator Murkowski for gracefully conceding this race and for doing her part to help Republicans in Alaska move forward.Statement by Joe Miller:
“Joe Miller’s victory should be a wake-up call to politicians who go to Washington to bring home the bacon. Voters are saying ‘We’re not willing to bankrupt the country to benefit ourselves.’”Now it’s time for Republicans to unite behind Joe Miller and help him win this important race in November. I’m proud to announce that the Senate Conservatives Fund will add Joe Miller to its list of endorsed candidates, and will immediately begin working to raise support for his campaign.”
Earlier this evening, I received a call from Senator Murkowski honorably conceding the race. I want to thank her for a hard fought contest.- JP
Tomorrow, the general election begins.
But tonight I'd like to reflect back on the amazing feat we accomplished together. We started from a handful of people knowing who we were and what we stood for to now being the Republican Party nominee.
I want to thank the many people that made it all possible. First the people of the Great State of Alaska. As I traveled throughout the state, I met and spoke with more and more people who shared the same concern that our nation has reached a critical point, and we needed to change course.
I would like to especially thank my wife and children who have sacrificed quite a bit during this primary campaign. I love you all, and you are the most important reason I decided to enter this race.
I need to thank others who provided vital support to this campaign including Governor Sarah Palin, Governor Mike Huckabee, and the Tea Party movement. I'd also like to thank current and former state officials including Lt. Governor Loren Leman, Senators Fred Dyson and John Coghill, and Representatives Wes Keller and Tammy Wilson. Additionally, I'd also like to thank national conservative leaders and our local voices here in Alaska, Dan Fagan, Glenn Biegel, and Michael Dukes. But without our incredible volunteer network, this victory could not have been possible. They worked day and night to ensure success in this race. Thank you!
Now is the time for all Alaskans to come together and reach out with our core message of taking power from the federal government and bringing it back home to the people. If we continue to allow the federal government to live beyond its means, we will all soon have to live below ours.
I look forward to the challenge of the general election ahead. I intend to continue to travel to every corner of Alaska talking to folks about the answers needed to get our nation back on track and keep the American dream alive for ourselves and our children.
Thank you once again to the great people of this wonderful state. I look forward to the campaign ahead. God bless you and God bless Alaska!
Sources in Alaska have informed Big Government that the trend in the count of absentee ballots makes it virtually impossible that Sen. Murkowski will overtake Joe Miller in the GOP Senate Primary. A trusted and well-placed operative told BG:Warner also revealed that the full Murkowski campaign team is meeting by conference call this afternoon (Alaska time) to discuss what they should do next. He advises to stay tuned for updates,because there there is additional information he hopes to be able to publish soon.It’s over.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski could concede the GOP Senate primary as early as Tuesday night after election officials in Alaska finish counting the day's absentee ballots.Back at Big Government, Warner reports that Sen. Murkowski tentatively announced a 9 PM (Texas Time) press conference.
In an interview with CNN, Murkowski campaign spokesman Steve Wackowski was emphatic that the vote could still swing their way. "We're being hopeful, we want to make sure that all the votes are counted," he said.
But Wackowski also addressed the harsh reality that Murkowski might fall to the once lesser known, Tea Party Express-endorsed Joe Miller.
"I think we should know ... by our calculus, we should know by tonight," Wackowski said.
Wackowski was asked if Murkowski might concede the race to Miller once Tuesday's ballot counting ends. "Unfortunately we've got all our options are on the table," he lamented.
RT @shushwalshe: Murkowski staffer: "She is calling her family now-It looks like she will come out/concede That's what we recommended to her"- JP
At that rate, there may not be enough outstanding ballots to carry Murkowski to victory, even if the trend holds. It is not clear what ballots have yet to be counted, but in one batch counted Tuesday, Murkowski won 59.5 percent. Similar batches could close the gap substantially, if they exist. Of course, a run of Miller votes in a similar grouping could tip the scales further towards his nomination.Stacy McCain, live blogging from Anchorage, says most of the ballots counted today were from Anchorage, a Murkowski stronghold, and the early votes and questioned ballots from the Wasilla-Palmer area. The absentee ballots from the Mat-Su Valley, considered to be a Miller bastion, will not be counted until Wednesday:
Also yet to be counted are about 9,000 questioned ballots. Those are typically from voters casting ballots at the wrong polling place, and there has been little speculation whether those ballots will differ from the statewide totals in any meaningful way.
So today’s totals, with Lisa Murkowski gaining slightly, do not reflect the final outcome in those districts...- JP
“We’re thinking it will be a good day at the end of the day,” Joe Miller campaign spokesman Randy DeSoto says in reaction to preliminary absentee ballot count from Anchorage.
*"On CNN I suggested that Palin’s endorsements only matter in some cases like Nikki Haley’s, but overall were no more impactful than other endorsements. Glad to say I was wrong. She’s five for five [Tuesday] night it seems... And there are a number of state legislative races in Alaska where her support was critical. Well done, Governor! Now let’s get Joe to Washington."Mark Byron:
"They went RINO-hunting in Alaska and they bagged Sen. Lisa Murkowski..."Peter Andrew at ConservativeAmerican.org:
"Presumed 2012 Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin, we were told in July of 2009, is finished. Her political career is over, they said. She had no future the pundits said on liberal TV for weeks on end. As we said then, they were wrong. Palin proved in elections [Tuesday] she is a political force to be reckoned with. If Joe Miller wins in Alaska, then all of her endorsed candidates were winners [this week]. The libs don’t like it. Some in the GOP, especially RINO’s, don’t like it either. Too bad for them."Neo-Neocon:
"Sarah Palin can really pick em."Dan Riehl at Riehl World View:
"In a surprising, and for some, hilarious bit of irony concerning the Alaska GOP primary, it seems as though if Senator Lisa Murkowski had read and paid attention to Sarah Palin's Going Rogue, she may not have found herself now fighting for her political life... Hey, Murkowski, who you gonna believe, now - Palin's book, or your own eyes? Or, you know, maybe she tried to warn you, but you opted for GOP establishment cronyism over competence? That doesn't sound like the kind of Senator Alaska needs to me."Operation Liberty at Operation Liberty USA:
"Rumors of the Sarah Palin-endorsed candidate's demise have been greatly exaggerated."JEQQ:
"Though liberals and the media are quick to call the Tea Party over with any loss for their candidates, Sarah Palin’s endorsement record is more wins than losses... There’s new blood and new life in the GOP. Take a look at Lt. Col (Ret.) Allen West, the new Republican nominee for Florida House District 22 endorsed by Palin. West is a dynamo, a fearsome warrior who quotes classic Greek with a warm, Southern charm. Put this guy on the watch list for future stars of the GOP."Christina Bellantoni at liberal website Talking Points Memo:
"This may make Palin the breakout kingmaker for the GOP, with all the weight that could carry come 2012..."Holly on the Hill:
"Last week, almost no one knew the name of Senator Lisa Murkowski’s challenger for the GOP nomination in Alaska – and no one really cared. [As of Wednesday] morning they all do – it’s Joe Miller – and it looks like he will be the next Senator from Alaska. Less than a week ago, national pundits were saying that a Murkowski loss was 'extremely unlikely'. Miller – with little notice – announced his candidacy in April. Todd Palin held a fundraiser for him in May and Sarah Palin endorsed him the beginning of June."Marco at Live Journal:
"Future president Sarah Palin had a great night..."Ross Kaminsky at The American Spectator:
"On Tuesday, with all local ballots counted, attorney Joe Miller looked set to pull the season's biggest upset, knocking off incumbent Senator Lisa Murkowski in Alaska's Senate primary. By Thursday morning, the lead was down to 1,668 votes with up to 8,000 absentee ballots still to be received and counted. Even if Murkowski pulls out a victory -- but especially if she doesn't -- the result reinforces the power of Sarah Palin; she endorsed Miller, who spent a mere $200,000 on his campaign, less than one-seventh of the $1.4 million plus spent by Murkowski, who had the fourth-lowest ranking among Republican Senators in the 2009 American Conservative Union ratings."The Orange County Register:
"Palin looks prescient in primaries..."Jerry at Goldfish and Clowns:
"Sarah Palin remains the barracuda to everyone else’s guppy. Her endorsement of Joe Miller in the Alaska GOP Senate race was crucial in his upset win over incumbent Lisa Murkowski despite her heavily outspending, plus enjoying far greater public recognition than, Miller... Palin is seldom given credit for her political savvy. Or much of anything else, even by more than a few of her most ardent supporters who have become so enraptured by her aura they fail to see the person behind them. Palin is not addicted to pleasing those who measure everything by their aforementioned private political litmus tests. She pays little attention to pundits, professional or amateur, on either side of the aisle. Instead, time and again she has demonstrated pragmatism without sacrificing [principle]."Civic Forum PAC:
"Poking the largest proverbial bear, it seems that the Murkowski family decided to participate in good old-fashioned nepotism by passing up the queen of the Mama Grizzlies herself for that very [Senate] seat."Marc Ambinder at left-leaning The Atlantic:
"How much influence did Sarah Palin really have? A significant amount... she endorsed Joe Miller, did radio ads for him, identified with him, brought together all the strands of Tea Party elements that were supporting him. Merely by bringing attention to him, she significantly increased his visibility. So is she a force to be reckoned with? She doesn't win every race she plays in, but absolutely. Her endorsement doesn't always sway voters in every race, but it draws significant attention and extends her brand. And she still has a loyal following in Alaska."- JP
*"If this holds up... it is probably the biggest political upset of the cycle. I’ve talked about how some of Sarah Palin’s endorsements have been longshots, and so we shouldn’t be surprised when a number of them fall short. Well, even if Miller ends up falling short by a small margin, she’s proven that her endorsement still carries enormous weight in her home state’s politics."Ken at One American's Opinion:
"Yes America, Sarah Palin has become a very real Category 5 threat to the old political structure in America."John Lott:
"Alaska looks to be replacing Sen. Murkowski in Republican primary... This will be pretty amazing if things continue the way that they look right now. Murkowski had a huge lead just weeks ago, and then Sarah Palin endorsed Joe Miller. As I recently noted, 'Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski Rejects Repealing Obamacare.' These are the types of changes that Republicans will have to make if they are going to convince voters that they are serious about repealing Obamacare."David A. Patten at Newsmax.com:
"Incumbent GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski's stunning setback in Alaska sends a powerful message to political insiders in both parties: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is now the GOP's clear No. 1 kingmaker."Alvin Felzenberg at U.S. News blogs:
"The state with the greatest potential to cast egg... on the face of pundits is Alaska. For the last several weeks, the 'narrative'... has been the alleged 'catfight' between former Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Lisa Murkowski... Sen. Ted Stevens'... use of his vaunted position in the Senate to corrupt the appropriations process to steer money from 49 other states to Alaska and the degree to which Murkowski sought to emulate him presented Alaskans with an important choice to make. Do they want to be known as the proud, independent last frontier we saw every week on Northern Exposure, or as the lobbyist-laden, politically corrupt, federally financed 'bridge to nowhere' state, where benefits, produced by the hard work and taxes of the many--both inside Alaska and out--are bestowed on the powerful, the well-connected, and the few? Republican primary voters, albeit by a narrow margin, appear to have decided. Again, what is it about them that armchair and anchor analysts do not understand? Pork barrel spending and Tea Parties do not often or always mix -- not even in Alaska."Maggie at Maggie's Notebook:
"Press and pundits have gleefully said Sarah is losing her clout, even in her own State... Today the MSM is in mourning, learning the hard lesson that Sarah Palin supports the sames values and principles that freedom-loving Americans support."Huma Khan of ABC News:
"Not one poll had Miller even close to Murkowski. But it didn't take long for the tide to turn. With funds from the California-based Tea Party Express flowing in under the tutelage of Sarah Palin, Miller stunned the political world Tuesday... Perhaps [a] political shift that Murkowski didn't gamble on was the power of Palin's endorsement and the Tea Party's influence, one that many say helped change the course of the race... But it was Palin, Republican insiders say, who helped pull the purse strings. Her political action committee gave $5,000 to Miller's campaign, and helped with getting the Tea Party Express to bankroll much of Miller's campaign. It's unusual for national money to pour into Alaska for midterm elections, except for when an incumbent is running. But Palin changed that game."Sister Toldjah:
"Would love to see Palin via Miller go 2-0 versus the big government Murkowski family."Mike Memoli at The Swamp:
"Sarah Palin's biggest political victory this year could come in her home state, where her endorsed candidate for Senate holds a surprising lead over incumbent Lisa Murkowski in the Alaska Republican Senate primary... Palin had not actively campaigned with Miller, but posted support on Facebook and Twitter, and recorded a late telephone message on his behalf. 'He's got the backbone to confront Obama's radical agenda. By contrast, Lisa Murkowski has voted with the Democrats more than any Republican up for re-election this year,' she said."Frank J. at IMAO:
"It’s looking like a major upset in the Alaska GOP primary for Senate, as the Sarah Palin and Tea Party backed candidate Joe Miller is currently ahead of the establishment backed incumbent Lisa Murkowski. I think the lesson [is] don’t have blue-state Republicans in a red state — especially not this year."Toby Harnden at The Daily Telegraph:
"There were a couple of prominent mainstream media memes before last night’s primary elections. One was that... Sarah Palin endorsements did not matter or were even counter-productive and that Joe Miller, the candidate she had backed in Alaska, was a sure-fire loser against Senator Lisa Murkowski... Well, it looks like Murkowski... may well be out of a job come January. Miller is saying that Palin’s endorsement was 'absolutely pivotal' and Murkowski is certainly bleating about it. All in all, it was a remarkably good night for Palin. Assuming Miller does eventually prevail, all her candidates won. I guess that means it’s time for a new Palin meme."Dafydd at Big Lizards:
"Can the Murkowski clan spell 'nepotism?'"Weekend Monkey at Joshuapundit:
"Well, [Tuesday] night's primaries showed one thing...any of my Democrats who diss Rethug pin up Sarah Palin and discount her influence are definitely up the wrong tree and could be headed for a nasty fall... A lot of the Donkeys were high fiving each other, laughing at Palin and predicting that Miller was gonna get stomped like a rat running in front of an elephant stampede. Instead, when the dust settled, Miller was on top... and since it's Alaska, he's almost a shoo in for the senate seat. Palin give him a few shekels out of her Pac, made some speeches and recorded a robo-call for Miller... Anyway, Miller credits her with making the difference. She did, no doubt about it... But the point is that whatever else my Democrats are gonna say about Sarah Palin, they gotta admit that she's to be reckoned with. It remains to be seen whether Palin's appeal crosses party lines, but only a deranged baboon would make book that it won't. In the political jungle, this Monkey can tell you that Sarah Palin is gonna be one beast that needs watching...and not just for her looks."MacRanger at Macsmind:
"The PDS crowd will be upping their therapy over this for sure."Hillbuzz:
"We’re telling you, as people who have always liked her, that Governor Palin has not even fully come into her own yet. We’ve only seen a small taste of what this woman has, in terms of potential, because we believe fully that she wakes up each day and operates with a servant’s heart. She is not in this for the money, the cocktail parties, the soggy sandwiches, or the plastic hair that drew people like Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty into politics. Governor Palin is the real deal, and she is 100% in sync with not only what’s best for this country, but with where we think the mood of the electorate is heading. She’s going to surf this wave all the way to Washington, and we hope she gets to bring as many like-minded, America-loving, Left-fighting grizzlies with her."- JP
*"Sarah Palin tweeted [Tuesday] night – This may be Alaska’s 'Miracle on Ice.'"Scared Monkeys:
"There appears to be an upset brewing in Alaska... Should we be really be shocked? Maybe only... the MSM. [Joe} Miller is a strong Conservative, Tea Party backed Republican candidate who got the endorsement of Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska. Miller had a successful message during the campaign and painted Murkowski as too liberal for the times and part of the Washington, DC inside-the-beltway problem... This election race should send chills into the hearts of Democrats, and not just because the polls had it wrong."Donald R. McClarey at The American Catholic:
"This is the most stunning political upset thus far this season."Quin Hillyer at The American Spectator:
"Readers of this site know that I have been complimentary of Sarah Palin's basic political values, but critical of her experience and some of her political moves. Well, I'm warming to her politics. If Joe Miller holds on to his apparent upset over Lisa Murkowski in the Senate race in Alaska, it will not only be one of the biggest upsets in memory but it also will clearly be attributable to Palin's efforts and her power... If Joe Miller wins, as it looks like he will (pending absentee ballots), it will prove to be a huge advance for the conservative cause. And it will be an advance due almost entirely to Sarah Palin. Bravo to Sarah Barracuda!"Kathryn Jean Lopez via Twitter:
"if miller wins, everyone who was counting out palin's influence in the world -- nevermind alaska -- may have to eat crow."Jon Ward at The Daily Caller:
"Miller’s win or strong showing will be interpreted as a demonstration of political strength by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who threw her support to Miller in June, and by the Tea Party Express, one of several national Tea Party groups, which spent $560,000 to help Miller compete with the far more cash-strong Murkowski. Miller himself credited Palin on Tuesday night with helping him come from behind to lead the incumbent daughter of the state’s former senator and then governor, Frank Murkowski."Christian Heinze at GOP 12:
"You get the feeling that if Joe Miller shocks the world and defeats Lisa Murkowski, the latter will be even more bitter than she sounded at a campaign rally [Tuesday]."Taylor Marsh:
"Sarah Palin makes many people crazy, but she understands the mood [of] the country right now... and is fairly fearless about putting herself on the line... Taking on establishment Republicans is not always what Palin does, but it’s obviously what she loves best. The other thing about Sarah Palin and what her Tea Party power and 'mama grizzlies' are doing is riding a national wave of discontent... It’s not about a long-term strategy at all. It’s all about winning in 2010, then taking it from there. It’s the smart play, because the moment is now and won’t last forever. But if Palin and the Tea Party make gains in Congress, who knows what could happen down the line?"Alexander Mooney at CNN's Political Ticker:
"Sarah Palin's endorsement slump has come to a screeching halt, with all... of the... candidates she backed either leading or having won their primary bids Tuesday night."Patrick S. Adams at Unsheathed:
"There are liberals on ledges everywhere... Across America, thousands of writers are either tearing up or deleting pre-written columns forecasting the demise of a Sarah Palin who couldn't even affect the outcome of a primary in her own home state. Palin lost three heartbreakers with Tiahrt in Kansas, Handel in Georgia and Rita Meyer in Wyoming in the past weeks leaving liberals with much to spin. But the sting is gone after four landslides and a squeaker in Alaska. Palin was 5-5 [Tuesday] night... Miller's win would indeed be the sweetest of all wins for Palin, who can now stare down the haters and the morons in Alaska and say 'resistance is futile.' Sarah Palin owns Alaska. With Sean Parnell a lock for re-election and the removal of RINO Lisa Murkowski, Sarah Palin has proven that what she said during her resignation speech was right. She has proven that she is better able to effect change without the title than she would have with it."Jeff Graham at Mayor Graham's View:
"Not only is it a grudge match as Palin and Murkowski despise each other...But it shows Palin still has influence back home."Christopher Chantrill at Road to the Middle Class:
"Sarah Palin is a political force. All the people that wrote her off as a lightweight and as a bumbling fool are wrong. Sarah Palin is a remarkable political talent... She seems to have a political... instinct for the right word, the right gesture, that President Obama would probably love to borrow, if only he could. Sarah Palin is making herself into a political kingmaker... Are you chaps ready to take her seriously yet?"John McCormack at The Weekly Standard Blog:
"Of course, it takes more than superior credentials to defeat a well-funded incumbent senator. The strong backing of Sarah Palin was certainly crucial for Miller."Lauren Seifert at CBS News' Political Hotsheet:
"Miller's campaign may not have gotten much traction were it not for Sarah Palin, who's been an active and often-successful endorser in this election cycle. Palin lobbied hard for Miller while snubbing Murkowski, whom she originally endorsed last year before switching her endorsement... Republican Strategist Cheri Jacobus... said 'I don't think there's any question that the impact of Sarah Palin is still very strong.'"Shane Vander Hart at Caffeinated Thoughts:
"Governor Sarah Palin... in a story reported by Anchorage Daily News is getting credit from one camp and blame from the other..."- JP
Is there any plausible reason to believe absentee voters would be so much more pro-Murkowski than the Election Day voters who went for Miller by 51%?We see two potential problems with The Other McCain's arguments. First, he says the "grown-ups in the party" would never go along with a Murkowski demand for a recount. But we're not convinced that the Alaska GOP is under the control of responsible adults. Allow us to introduce People's Exhibits A and B, your honor. Randy Ruedrich, who has his own axes to grind for both Sarah Palin and Joe Miller, is still the chairman of the state Republican Party, and the Murkowski family still has a lot of friends in low, but powerful, places up there.
Answer: No.
The absentee-ballot scenario being demonstrably implausible, we then turn our attention to the prospect of Murkowski dragging out the process in a futile recount effort. Would responsible Republican officials — the grown-ups in the party — countenance such a spoilsport tantrum by the loser of a primary?
Answer: No.
OK, so we proceed to Final Jeopardy: Would Murkowski, who was bequeathed her Senate seat through appointment by her father, former Gov. Frank Murkowski, be a viable third-party candidate?
Answer: No.
All possibilities for the viable continuance of Murkowski’s candidacy are far-fetched conjecture.
Alaskan Independence Party
Alaska Green Party
Alaska Libertarian Party
Veterans Party of Alaska
If Murkowski loses the primary, there is a possibility that she might able to run on the Libertarian ticket in the November general election. But that would require the Libertarian Senate candidate, David Haase, to agree to step aside, and for the Alaska Libertarian Party to agree to put Murkowski on the ballot.The Senator has only said that it's too soon to talk about a third-party run, which means that she hasn't ruled it out. Lisa Murkowski remains defiant. She could surprise us and bow out with the pretense of doing so gracefully, but so far she has shown no signs that this would be her course of action.
Alaska Libertarian Party chairman Scott Kohlaas said he was open to the idea and that party leaders were discussing it. "There's a chance," Kohlhaas said on Wednesday.
Haase didn't rule out the idea, saying he'd certainly listen if Murkowski wanted to step into his place.
"The ruling class in the Murkowski vote, they're going to find some missing ballots. I don't care whether it's Republicans or Democrats, they're going to find 'em. There are already rumors of found ballots. This is before they get to the absentees. I'm telling you the truth, Murkowski is refusing to go away quietly. She's allowing her campaign to float the idea of a third-party bid or a write-in candidacy if she ends up losing this. There you go. A third-party bid is gonna give that seat to a Democrat, currently held by a Republican. There you go. You might say, 'Well, doesn't she care about the party?' What do you think? She first and foremost cares about herself. Is she going to have an election here where there's 1600 votes she might lose by? Found ballots, election fraud, what else is she gonna do? You can't build a bridge to nowhere if you're not in the Senate. Not that she had anything to do with it. I'm just speaking euphemistically. So, yeah, she's toying with the idea of a third-party. And if she goes third party where do you think the Republican Party will go, with her or with the Tea Party candidate? You think the GOP will go with the Tea Party? In Alaska, you think the Tea Party candidate would have the support of the Republican Party? We'll see. I don't know. The fact that I even have to ask the question is interesting to me."Erick Erickson weighed in Friday morning:
"I have confirmed through multiple sources that Lisa Murkowski has already approached the Alaska Libertarian Party. In exchange for putting her on the Libertarian ticket in November, Murkowski will hand the Libertarians a sizable chunk of her +$1 million war chest. The Libertarian Party Chairman, Scot Kohlhaas, is denying direct talks with Murkowski, and says it probably won’t happen, but I can confirm conversations are still happening regarding this."Ace's take:
"Lisa Murkowski is attempting to run as a representative of a different party. She is not then a Republican. Helping her is thus contrary to the NRSC's mission. She can either attempt to capture the Republican Party's nomination through recounts and such, and swear in a written document to not pursue another party's nomination, or she can stop using the services and influence of the NRSC. She cannot do both."The plot is now officially thick as a brick...
Sources close to Joe Miller, Sarah Palin, and others in Alaska all seem sure that Lisa Murkowski can’t make up the difference in the vote count for the GOP U.S. Senate race, according to Erick Erickson. But the CNN contributor and RedState.com editor warns that there is still a problem:The absentee ballots will not be counted for a week or so. Already there are rumors of “found” ballots. Murkowski is refusing to go away quietly, even allowing her campaign to float the idea of a third party bid or write-in candidacy.We're all strapped for cash in Obama's "Summer of
Joe Miller needs a quick infusion of cash to his campaign to pay for a ballot integrity program. Tea Party activists need to get to Alaska immediately to help secure the process and make sure Murkowski cannot steal the election.
And once all of that is done, Alaska media sources are reporting the Democrats may yank the winner of their contest and put in former Governor Tony Knowles, who they think will have a stronger shot at Miller.
*"Miracle on Ice? ... Miller also received high-profile endorsements from... most notably, Sarah Palin, who recorded a robo-call for Miller in the campaign’s final days. Palin’s support, he says, was 'pivotal.'"Chris Cillizza at The Fix:
"Just when it looked like her influence in Republican primary fights was fading, Palin came back with a vengeance last night -- as all five of her endorsed candidates appeared headed to victories including Alaska attorney Joe Miller who led Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski with 98 percent of precincts reporting. Both Murkowski and Miller blamed/credited Palin with the result, which is rightly seen as the biggest upset of the 2010 cycle to date. The message? In Republican primaries -- particularly small turnout affairs -- the energy and enthusiasm that Palin can help create is invaluable."Larry Sabato via Twitter:
"just talked to some solid Alaska sources. They do not think there is any realistic chance Lisa Murkowski can make up the votes she needs."McCain at Right Pundits:
"In reality Palin is the most powerful voice in politics today. Her endorsements generate interest, campaign donations, grassroots support, and results at the ballot box. The meme that Palin endorsements are irrelevant began surfacing in early August and became an oft repeated mantra by liberal television commentators in the mainstream media. If the Alaska senate results hold up for Joe Miller, the former governor of Alaska will have shut them up permanently."Lisa "Sour Grapes" Murkowski via McClatchy Newspapers:
"I think [Sarah Palin is] out for her own self-interest. I don't think she's out for Alaska's interest."Shane D'Aprile at The Hill's Campaign Blog:
"Palin, who endorsed Miller in June, recorded a last-minute robocall for the campaign that went out to voters Monday. She also posted a fundraising appeal on her Facebook page Monday trumpeting Miller's efforts to raise $30,000 for a late TV buy. She did not campaign with him, but she did tweet early Wednesday morning: 'Keeping fingers crossed, powder dry, prayers upward.” ' Miller told the Anchorage Daily News Tuesday that Palin was key to his success and said GOP primary voters responded to his message of fiscal discipline and smaller government. "Fishersville Mike:
"Mama Grizzly roars... Whatever the final outcome in Alaska, behold the power of Sarah Palin. Beware Democrats. You're going to be drinking tea this November. And in 2012. Get used to it."Kyle Wingfield at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
"Just when you thought Sarah Palin had lost it... By 'it' I mean the ability to help candidates win races through her endorsements, and by 'you' I mean anyone who jumped off the Mama Grizzlies bandwagon after Karen Handel’s defeat in the GOP runoff here... That’s a big turnaround from just Monday, when national publications were printing Miller’s political obituary — and, in a big leap, that of Palin and the tea party."Chris at Mason Conservative:
"Whatever you think of Sarah Palin, its clear she still has some real juice in Alaska... I think Sarah Palin could run for any office she wanted [to] in Alaska and win."JammieWearingFool:
"[Casting the incumbent as being too liberal and part of the problem in an out-of-control Washington is] a strategy that will result in a bloodbath for Democrats come November, which will then be reported as an unexpected surprise by the AP. But that's the national media template when it comes to Palin. Any time a candidate she backs wins it's a surprise to them and then quickly chalked up to anti-incumbent fervor sweeping the land. It's on those rare occasions one of her [picks] loses when it's really news to them and we're told she has zero influence."Don Surber at the Charleston Daily Mail:
"This shows three things. 1.) Alaskan voters are independent. 2.) A Palin endorsement gets you Tea Party cred, but you have to win it. 3.) Conservatives can win on social issues."Jim Treacher at the DC Trawler:
"No matter what you think you know about an upcoming election and how much you want one candidate or the other to lose, avoid making factual statements about 'embarrassing defeats' until people actually start voting... Yep. It’s one thing to say, 'Miller is not expected to win.' It’s another to say, 'Miller is not expected to win, and it will be an embarrassing defeat for Sarah Palin because I don’t like her.' But then, according to her Twitter bio, Gutierrez is a 'Grizzly woman not mama grizzly.' I guess that’s supposed to indicate her impartiality."Ian Lazaran at Conservatives 4 Palin:
"Never listen to any liberal when he or she tries to explain how Alaskans feel. If you really want to get a good gauge about what's going on in Alaska, it's probably a better idea to ask perhaps....the most popular Governor in that state's history. She knows a thing or two about the state."Ace at Ace of Spades HQ:
"This is... media 'horse-race' coverage; it's 40% genuine likelihood-assessment by checking with statisticians and pollsters, and it's 60% just wish-casting. I want Joe Miller to lose because [he] was endorsed by Sarah Palin and I hate her, so of course that's what I think will happen. They're not broadcasters, they're wishcasters. They're so partisan they can't even separate this function out from their driving rah-rah impulse."Thomas Bryan at Useful Info Nation:
"Alexandra Gutierrez is our Mad Lib of the Day. For someone always ready to throw salt into a Sarah Palin wound, we should ask her: Would you like salt with your crow, Alexandra?"- JP
After a large field of eight candidates, Republican Paul Gosar won the nomination with 17,0920 votes, or 33.54 percent. Gosar defeated Bradley Beauchamp, with 15.78 percent or 8,038 votes; Russell “Rusty” Bowers, with 13.25 percent or 6,750 votes; Sydney Hay, with 22.27 percent or 11,349 votes; Joe Jaraczewski, with 1.98 percent or 1,008 votes; Jon Jensen, with 2.17 percent or 1,107 votes; Steve Mehta, with 7.9 percent or 4,023 votes; and Thomas J. Zaleski, with 2.85 percent or 1,454 votes.Sarah Palin endorsed Dr. Gosar in the race.
Veteran lawmaker and former presidential candidate John McCain took the first step Tuesday toward securing a fifth term representing Arizona in the U.S. Senate as he secured the Republican nomination over Tea Party favorite J.D. Hayworth. Shortly after the first results were released in Arizona, McCain was leading Hayworth 59% to 30% and was declared the victor for the nomination by CNN.McCain had the endorsement of Sarah Palin, his running mate in the 2008 presidential race.
Allen West is out to a huge early lead in the GOP primary for the U.S. House in Florida's 22nd District. Of 18,958 total votes cast so far, 14,520 (76.59 percent) have gone to West, while his primary opponent David Brady had received only 4,438 (23.41 percent). Col. West has the endorsement of Sarah Palin.Joe Miller is Ready to Win for Alaska!Related...
Alaska is so full of potential for great private sector jobs and responsible resource development for the future of the Last Frontier – if only the federal government would stop its overreach and let Alaska thrive. We need a Senator who understands this and promises to stand up for Alaska and fight Washington’s liberal agenda. We’ll get that in Joe Miller!
We’re pleased to learn that recent poll results show the Alaska senate race between Joe Miller, a decorated Desert Storm war veteran, former judge, and proven Commonsense Conservative, and incumbent Lisa Murkowski is getting very close. Joe Miller has surged in the polls and is gaining strong momentum, while Lisa Murkowski has taken a big downward loss.
Constitutional Conservatives and Independent voters in Alaska have discovered what the far-left Huffington Post concluded and boasted – that Lisa Murkowski is a ”center-right Democrat.” Our country does not need another Democrat in the Senate voting for the Obama agenda which is bankrupting us. Alaska deserves a senator who will not talk one way in the Last Frontier and then vote the opposite way in the Beltway. It’s time for Alaskans who are concerned about endless bailouts, ever increasing debt and deficits, and the government take-over of health care (all planks Lisa Murkowski has walked) to get behind Joe Miller.
Alaskans are learning more about Joe. Here’s what we know: We know that Joe will not vote for amnesty for those who break our laws, but we know Lisa has already voted for amnesty – on May 25, 2006 on S. 2611, and voted against funding for the border fence. As Joe says: “It is a simple question. Are we a nation of laws? I believe we are. Therefore, the President must enforce our immigration laws as written and secure our borders, not sue the state of Arizona for acting where the federal government has failed to do so.”
We know Joe won’t support more bailouts, but we know Lisa already has. We know that Joe won’t vote for job-killing cap-and-tax legislation, but we know Lisa will because she co-sponsored a cap-and-trade bill and boasted of her commitment to “the issue of climate change” and carbon taxes.
We know Joe will vote to repeal Obamacare, but we know Lisa won’t because she said that repealing this government control of health care “is not the answer.”And this is very important: we know that Joe can be counted on to vote with Commonsense Conservatives in the Senate, but we can’t count on Lisa because she has voted with Democrats over 300 times and Human Events rated her one of the top five “Senate RINOs.”
Joe may be the underdog in this fight (because by using the power of a politician’s incumbency after being given her Senate seat by her father, Lisa Murkowski has outspent Joe six to one), but Alaskans see through this and are recognizing Joe’s ability to be a real leader. Lisa Murkowski is endorsed by special interests and unions. Joe Miller is a man of the people, endorsed by the people. But as Alaska comes into its own, it’s important to remember that this election is not just about Alaska; it’s about our whole country. Remember, when it comes to the Senate, Alaska is just as important as California or New York. One vote is one vote. Our Alaska election affects the entire nation. That’s why good conservative leaders and organizations from around the country are looking at this race and have stepped up to endorse Joe – including Governor Mike Huckabee, Mark Levin, Lars Larson, Laura Ingraham, Red State, and the Tea Party Express.Joe’s campaign needs to raise about $30,000 for a crucial final media buy. We can do it if we all pull together. Please go to Joe’s website at http://joemiller.us/ and donate to his campaign. Let’s raise $1,000 for each of the 30 years this senate seat has been locked in by the Murkowski family. The only way for our state to reach its potential, and to save our country, is to elect reformers who will fight for Alaska and all America and will stand up against the liberal Washington agenda.
- Sarah and Todd PalinHere's our yard sign!
