KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Incumbent Senator Lisa Murkowski has picked up the endorsement of Kodiak-area Native organizations. The endorsement was announced Wednesday and was made over both the Democratic and Republican nominees.
Andy Teuber, president and CEO of the Kodiak Area Native Association says Alaska’s senior senator has earned the support of Kodiak area Native organizations.
— (murkowski native 1) "She’s been supportive … that we confront." :23
Teuber says it’s unusual for Native organizations in an entire region to endorse a political candidate and he doesn’t know of any other candidates being endorsed by the Kodiak area organizations.
— (murkowski native 2) "Many organizations … quite uncommon." :13
The decision to endorse Murkowski was reached last Friday during a roundtable meeting of representatives from the 10 federally recognized tribes on Kodiak and several regional village corporations and nonprofits.
— (murkowski native 3) "Together they have … Lisa Murkowski." :14
Teuber says Kodiak Natives haven’t heard from Republican nominee Joe Miller’s campaign, though Democrat Scott McAdams has reached out to Native organizations in Alaska.
McAdams’ campaign spokeswoman Heather Handyside downplayed the significance of the Native organizations’ collective endorsement.
— (murkowski native 4) "I mean I think … win their vote." :20
She added that McAdams strong supports many Alaskan Native issues.
— (murkowski native 5) "He supports funding … that at this point." :32
Miller’s campaign did not return calls for comment Wednesday.
Murkowski’s write-in campaign is considered a long-shot. But Teuber says the Kodiak Native organizations feel the stakes are high enough to warrant an endorsement.
— (murkowski native 6) "The issues confronting … critical importance." :23
Murkowski lost last month’s Republican primary to political newcomer Joe Miller, who has been supported by the national "Tea Party" movement. McAdams is mayor of the city of Sitka.
