Sen. Murkowski Picks Up More Key Endorsements
Shows Growing Strength and Momentum
Anchorage, AK - In a sign of increasing strength and momentum, an impressive group of current and former legislators, Anchorage Assembly Members, former Anchorage Mayors, and Alaskan leaders gathered to endorse Senator Lisa Murkowski in her election for U.S. Senate.
Endorsing Senator Murkowski was Ann Wagner, Republican National Committee Co-Chairman; State House Members Pete Kott, Tom Anderson, John Harris, Mike Hawker, Cheryll Heinze, Lesil McGuire, Kevin Meyer, Norm Rokeburg, Ralph Samuels; Former House Members Eldon Mulder, Gail Phillips and Brian Porter; Former Anchorage Mayors Rick Mystrom and George Weurch; State Senator Con Bunde, Former State Senator Tim Kelly; Anchorage Assembly Members Debbie Ossiander, Anna Fairclough, and Dick Traini; and Valley Resident Jim Palin.
Below are comments made by several of the Alaskans gathered at the press conference or who asked that comments be read on their behalf:
Ann Wagner, RNC Co-Chairman - "There is no higher praise than to be lauded by those who know you best. I can tell you how important it is not only to have Lisa delivering for Alaska but working hard as part of the U.S. Senate team and the Senate majority that is so important to the President. Lisa Murkowski is a vital part of the President's team and we are grateful for her leadership."
Brian Porter, Former Speaker of the House - "It's been my observation working with Lisa that she is one of the very best at addressing the questions that others have had answers for that ultimately never seem to work."
Rick Mystrom, Former Anchorage Mayor - "In the U.S. Senate, you aren't just representing Alaska, you are representing America and the world. Lisa has shown the kind of thoughtful decision making that will be good for America and the world, and not just Alaska."
Con Bunde, State Senator - "I have had the opportunity to work with both leading candidates for U.S. Senator, and that's why I have no hesitation at all to say that I'm endorsing Lisa."
Lesil McGuire, State House - "Lisa was a mentor to me. She is able to take the things that she has learned from the leaders in her life and pass them on as true gifts."
Cheryll Heinze, State House - "There is no better Senator for Alaska than Lisa Murkowski. Period."
Norm Rokeburg, State House - "Lisa is excellent as Alaska's representative to the world. She will be an excellent candidate in the primary and it is an excellent opportunity for her to lead us on the ticket in November."
Gail Phillips, Former Speaker of the House - "There have not been a lot of candidates that we have had the opportunity to support where you feel confidant, and you feel a part of a strong team and you want to go out and work. Lisa has given that to us."
Kevin Meyer, State House - "Lisa served as my mentor during my first term in the legislature. She would go the extra mile to try to find win-win solutions that were acceptable to both union and management. But most important her solutions were always in the best interests of Alaska."
Ralph Samuels, State House - "I believe that Lisa represents what is best about Alaska. She is committed to the state, having been everything from a PTA leader to a State Legislator to a U.S. Senator. She is willing to take on tough issues and fight for what is right. That is why I am proud to support Lisa."
Jim Palin, Mat-Su Valley Resident - "Lisa is doing an outstanding job as our U.S. Senator. She will continue to do so in the future."
Dick Traini, Anchorage Assembly Chairman - "Lisa is the person that my family and I are voting to return to the U.S. Senate. She understands both local and national issue as only someone with her seniority can."
Anna Fairclough, Anchorage Assembly - "Lisa is a person of integrity, she is committed to the welfare of all Alaskans and she has the can do attitude that makes Alaska the state it is today."
Debbie Ossiander, Anchorage Assembly Member - "I was immediately impressed with [Lisa's] knowledge, her advocacy for young people and her courage. Over the last few years I've had more and more opportunities to talk with her about complex and difficult local and state issues---and my respect for her keeps growing."
Eldon Mulder, Former Alaska Representative - "Finding good and qualified people to serve this state is very difficult, and we are lucky to have someone of Lisa's caliber and experience willing to serve us in Washington."
Tim Kelly, Former Alaska Senate President - "From speaking with swing voters throughout the state, it's clear to me that Lisa has a broader base of support than Mike Miller and that only she can beat Democrat Tony Knowles and his East Coast allies in November."