Miller Asks: Where Was Lisa?
Alaska's Appointed Senator Misses Key Vote on Judicial Nomination
North Pole, AK - Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Mike Miller said he is worried about Alaska's appointed Senator after she missed a crucial confirmation vote Tuesday for one of President Bush's judicial nominees, Leon Holmes.
"I can only assume she must have been ill or had some other emergency that explains her missing this crucial vote where President Bush needed her support," Miller said.
Of the 100 Senators, 97 participated in the vote. In addition to Murkowski, Senators John Kerry and John Edwards were also missing. "We know what Kerry and Edwards were doing - they were too busy campaigning to show up for work," Miller noted. "I trust Lisa has a better excuse."
Last week a Washington-based newspaper, Human Events, listed Murkowski as one of six Republican senators who were "undecided" about Holmes. In the end, five Republicans actually voted "no" on the confirmation. Lobby groups supporting abortion had targeted Holmes for defeat because of his pro-life views. Holmes' nomination was approved narrowly, by a vote of 51 to 46.
Miller said it is curious that Murkowski showed up on an "undecided" list, given that she boasts in her campaign literature about supporting Bush's court nominees. "In a recent campaign mailing, Lisa says she has 'supported President Bush's judicial nominees to the bench - without litmus tests.' Given that abortion was the main reason for opposition to Holmes, Lisa's absence from the vote might arouse suspicions. She can put these concerns to rest by telling Alaska voters why she missed the vote, and how she would have voted if she had been present."
Miller also noted that the close vote reminds Alaska voters why it is crucial to elect Republican Senators who are reliably conservative. "With five Republicans voting against Holmes, the only reason he was confirmed is because six Democrats voted to support him. It is a sad day on Capitol Hill when President Bush has to rely on Democrats because he can't count on his Republicans."