KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
With Senator Lisa Murkowski the apparent winner in the U.S. Senate race Kodiak Republicans are reacting to the news. Bob Brodie resigned Kodiak’s GOP chairmanship to support Murkowski’s write-in bid following her primary defeat by Tea Party favorite Joe Miller. He said he hoped party unity wouldn’t suffer from the bruising campaign between the two Republicans.
— (senate 1 :14 "I hope when it’s over … what we need to do.")
Fellow Murkowski supporter Linda Kozak helped spearhead the local volunteer effort in which supporters of the incumbent senator set up a storefront to distribute campaign materials. Reached in Washington DC last night she said much of Alaska’s congressional staff seemed elated by the apparent result.
— (senate 2 :25 "I had an opportunity … she won the race.")
In Kodiak, local returns gave Murkowski 39 percent of the vote. Miller received 35 percent; Democrat Scott McAdams received 23 percent. That tally is still unofficial. Brodie commended Murkowski volunteers for getting out the vote.
— (senate 3 :18 "The volunteer effort … working on Kodiak things.")
Efforts to reach local Tea Party supporters yesterday were unsuccessful. Miller has so far not conceded the race. He released a statement yesterday afternoon saying he’s asking every ballots cast in his favor to be hand-counted just as the write-in ballots have been. His campaign has also alleged voting irregularities including unsecured ballot boxes.
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