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.
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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.
6 Comments
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.
Sally–Alaska no longer uses the closed primary process to select candidates. Murkowski therefore cannot be “primaried.”
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!
This woman needs to go!
Princess’ clout is waning with a new sheriff in town. She is becoming more irrelevant every day because Congress is trending MAGA.
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.