Joe Miller Gives Up, But Still Acts Like A Sore Loser

The battle between Joe Miller and Lisa Murkowski over Atlanta’s Alaska’s Senate seat effectively ended last night when Miller announced that he would not fight the state’s certification of the election results, meaning that Murkowski will be sworn in to a new term on January 5th. Nonetheless, Miller remains a sore loser:

Republican Senate candidate Joe Miller announced late Sunday that he would continue his challenge in federal court of the write-in election of rival Sen. Lisa Murkowski, but added he would not oppose certification of Murkowski’s victory by state election officials.

U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline, who is hearing Miller’s federal challenge, had already said he would probably lift his order staying certification, allowing Murkowski to assume office Jan. 5 without losing seniority or leaving the state short a U.S. Senator. In a prepared statement e-mailed to the media about 10:20 p.m., Miller said he planned to go ahead with his federal lawsuit “for the sake of the integrity of the election.”

Miller initially challenged the Nov. 2 election in federal court, but Beistline ruled he had to go to state court first. Miller lost in state Superior Court, and the Alaska Supreme Court unanimously declared last week that the Superior Court had ruled correctly.

Of course, once Murkowski is sworn in next week, Miller’s lawsuit becomes moot so there’s really no logical position for him to take this position. Then again, this wackiness is consistent with the way Miller has acted since October so it really shouldn’t be surprising.

FILED UNDER: 2012 Election, US Politics, , , ,
Doug Mataconis
About Doug Mataconis
Doug Mataconis held a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University and J.D. from George Mason University School of Law. He joined the staff of OTB in May 2010 and contributed a staggering 16,483 posts before his retirement in January 2020. He passed far too young in July 2021.

Comments

  1. Neil Hudelson says:

    Small correction: Murkowski will be the senator from Alaska, not Atlanta.

  2. anjin-san says:

    The Palin Juggernaut rolls on…

  3. wr says:

    News flash: Duck quacks like a duck.

  4. Mr. Prosser says:

    I said awhile back Miller would the dog in a manger, I like John Cole’s description today, “What a putz.”

  5. The Big Dipper says:

    Im so greatful that he did’nt win that election. Can you imagine the losses Alaska would have had if he did? His actions were that of a spoiled 7 year old! The tax payers of Alaska should be able to “sue” him for the time and money lost!! You’r a DOUCHE and an ASS John Miller!