Sen. Lisa Murkowski would like to retain her job, and she’s meeting with the Libertarian candidate to see if they can strike a deal to get her on the fall ballot. Murkowski (R-AK), unseated in a shocking primary last month, met yesterday with Libertarian candidate David Haase.
Haase told Politico that he is “considering it and I wanted her to come up with some reasons why, and she’s considering that.”
Polls show Murkowski might be able to defeat Joe Miller (R) and Scott McAdams (D) should she run as a libertarian, but as we reported last week, the party’s official members voted unanimously they don’t want her as their candidate. Haase would have to withdraw by next Wednesday for Murkowski to take his place. She could file as a write-in candidate up to five days before the general election.
Still, Murkowski told the Associated Press she is “still in this game.”
She said she has been getting calls and emails from supporters who want to see her fight on.
“I’m not a quitter, never have been. And I’m still in this game,” she said.
Murkowski’s campaign manager John Bitney told RealClearPolitics that, “If she wants to stay in the race, I’ll support her 100 percent.” He added, “It is a campaign office that is just ready to launch at a moment’s notice.”
It’s already been a tumultuous race, so a new bid from Murkowski would shake things up all the more.
Of course, national Republicans have said they’ll stand by the nominee, and Roll Call is reporting today that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) donated $5,000 to Miller, the NRSC donated $42,600 and the NRSC will spend “roughly $170,000 in coordinated funds” on Miller’s behalf.
Another option would be for everyone to just look the other way, creating an opportunity for McAdams. As we reported yesterday, Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK) thinks McAdams has a chance to win.
Additional reporting by Jon Terbush
