Lisa Murkowski

Lisa Murkowski is an American politician, currently serving as a senator from the state of Alaska. One of the notable aspects about Murkowski is that she is the second-most senior Republican woman member in the Senate. For records, the most senior Republican woman member in the Senate is Susan Collins who represents the state of Maine.

Talking about Murkowski, she has held the senator post from Alaska since 2002. Her first term started in 2002 when she was appointed as a senator by her father Frank Murkowski. Frank had resigned from the senator post after being elected as the governor of Alaska. He appointed her daughter Lisa as the senator from Alaska. This had resulted in criticism of nepotism. Eventually a referendum was passed that annulled the governor’s power to choose replacement senators directly.

However, later in 2004, 2010 and 2016, Lisa Murkowski was properly elected as the senator from Alaska. Her toughest fight was in 2010, when she had to choose the write-in option to contest for the senate seat. By winning the seat, she became the second candidate in the history of senate to register a win via a write-in campaign. Another thing about Lisa’s tenure as senator is that she has never received majority vote. Her vote share was 48.6%, 39.5% and 44.4% in 2004, 2010 and 2016, respectively.

Early life and education

Lisa Murkowski was born on May 22, 1957 to Nancy Rena and Frank Murkowski. She was born in Ketchikan, a city located in the Territory of Alaska. Her mother was of Irish and French Canadian ancestry, whereas her father had a Polish descent. Lisa studied at Georgetown University from where she completed her B.A. degree in economics. In 1985, she completed her Juris Doctor degree from Willamette University College of Law. She started her professional career working as an attorney at Anchorage District Court Clerk’s office. Later, she started her own private practice as an attorney in Anchorage.

Political career

Lisa Murkowski has often been included in the list of moderate Republicans. She has voiced her opinions on various topics such as development of rural Alaska, improving fisheries, budget and national debt, defense, education, energy, health and welfare of veterans. She has served on various committee assignments and held caucus memberships such as Senate Oceans Caucus (co-chairwoman), Senate Cultural Caucus, Afterschool Caucuses, and Senate Republican Conference.

Personal pursuits

Just like most other folks in the state, Lisa likes to explore the great Alaskan outdoors. She is a skilled skier and had hiked on several glaciers. She also enjoys fall duck hunts.