Lisa Murkowski

It seems she isn't done just yet. On Friday, she announced giving up her Senate leadership post. This was just a leadup to the next big thing: her launching a write in campaign to get her seat. A person, if unhappy with the other two nominees, may substitute a person's name. Spelling doesn't count, as long as what the person meant is clear. Republicans are making it clear that they support Mr. Joe Miller, who unexpectedly nailed the nomination. Republicans may hold the voting edge, but Mrs. Murkowski has made it clear that she will try to get voters from both parties, by featuring Democrats who asked her to stay in. Writein campaigns are notoriously difficult: only one person has ever had success in doing so. That one is South Carolina's Strom Thurmond, who would later become a Republican. Republicans obviously fear that her staying in will give Democrats the edge to win. It's possible, but not probable. I think it far more likely that she will win in the write in slot.