By AlaskaWatchman.com

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski was one of just two GOP Senators who voted against President Trump’s nominee to head up the FBI, claiming Kash Patel’s past political activity raised personal “reservations.

She was joined by Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who, like Murkowski, often joins Democrats when it comes to voting on key legislation and top political nominees.

Alaska’s Sen. Dan Sullivan voted in support of Patel.

The final tally was 51 to 49, to confirm Patel, who has expressed a resolve to refocus the FBI, with a greater emphasis on traditional crime-fighting efforts and less focus on intel gathering.

Patel’s background includes serving as a former federal defender and Justice Department counterterrorism prosecutor. He has also been critical of the FBI’s investigation into the now debunked allegations that Trump colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 presidential campaign.

Patel has been praised by many Republicans as a leader who will restore trust in the FBI by ceasing to pursue pro-lifers and other social and political conservatives who were regularly targeted during the Biden administration.

In voting against Patel, Murkowski claimed she agreed with him that the FBI has become “an increasingly political agency” that has “eroded the public trust.”

That said, Murkowski still opposed Patel’s nomination.

“My reservations with Mr. Patel stem from his own prior political activities and how they may influence his leadership,” she opined on social media. “The FBI must be trusted as the federal agency that roots out crime and corruption, not focused on settling political scores. I have been disappointed that when he had the opportunity to push back on the administration’s decision to force the FBI to provide a list of agents involved in the January 6 investigations and prosecutions, he failed to do so.”

Murkowski ended by stating that she was still willing to work with Patel to address issues in Alaska, improve Tribal law enforcement across the country, and make needed changes within the FBI.

“I truly hope that he proves me wrong about the reservations I have of him today,” she stated.

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Citing politics, Murkowski joins Dems in failed vote to block Trump’s pick to run FBI

Joel Davidson
Joel is Editor-in-Chief of the Alaska Watchman. Joel is an award winning journalist and has been reporting for over 24 years, He is a proud father of 8 children, and lives in Palmer, Alaska.


20 Comments

  • Sally Duncan says:

    She is the one who is using politics against a candidate who is going to be outstanding according to his qualifications. She needs to be primaried and voted out of Alaska politics completely. NO CHANCE of representing Alaska AT ALL.

    • SA says:

      Sally–Alaska no longer uses the closed primary process to select candidates. Murkowski therefore cannot be “primaried.”

  • Diana says:

    If Alaska is lucky, the new FBI director just may investigate Murkowski! Wouldn’t that be a worthwhile use of the FBI and the time it takes for a legitimate investigation? I would think so! I hope it happens!

  • David Shoemaker says:

    This woman needs to go!

  • Steve Peterson says:

    Princess’ clout is waning with a new sheriff in town. She is becoming more irrelevant every day because Congress is trending MAGA.

  • Joe Drayton says:

    Murky is on her way out. RCV will be repealed next election in 2026. Plus Dunlevy will be running for her Senate seat when Murky’s term expires in 2028.

  • Ed Martin Jr says:

    NO TO DUNLEAVY if he can’t fulfill his constitutional oath ART. III section 16 now why in all Respect to the US Constitution would we want the same disregard?

  • Steve says:

    Her animus towards Trump and all things Trump have clouded what’s left of her brain. Elon Musk and Nicole Shanahan will now be investing money in Alaska’s elections to throw this witch out of office.

  • Manny Mullen says:

    Have any of you Trumpers done a dime’s worth of unbiased research on Kash Patel? He will destroy the rule of law in America. Good for Lisa for showing some sense.

  • Akdale says:

    the rule of law is destroyed. obviously others have not done any reading at all. yes Manny that’s a reference to you.

  • Davesmaxwell says:

    murky is on the epstien list! Children exposed to this desperately sex starved witch! WHAT A NIGHTMARE!

  • Michael Johnson says:

    Murkowski is in survival mode because she realizes the treason she has committed against the American people will now be brought to light. Lisa, there is a reason your good buddy McConnell is retiring, I would suggest you do the same. Keep this in mind, if the money trails comeback to you retirement will not save you from justice.

  • Doug glenn says:

    She is definitely scared of Patel. You could see it in her eyes. In the end ALL criminals fall on their own sword.

  • Ronald L Keel says:

    She is a Feinstein product.
    In my opinion she is also very mentally challenged and needs gone. If we had a majority in our State Legislature that were not compromised as well, possibly we could see some real movement on sending this Alaskan tragedy to the dugout never to return. We lack so much courage in our leadership starting at the top with Dunleavy. Dunleavy may physically look like he stands tall when in reality he would have a hard time looking over a grade school center field fence…….. Come on Kash, help us kick the BS to the curb

  • Julie says:

    The only entity that Murkowski serves is her own self interest. This woman has got to go. I’d love to see her recalled and for us to send a fresh new face that will actually represent the people of the State of Alaska.

  • jon says:

    Lisa did the right thing, unlike the MAGAs

    • Wilber of the Chugach says:

      Moat normal people in this state want her to go. Liberal that runs as a Republican, is exactly what a liberal is . A LIER !