Hypothetical, of course – I do not have access to Senator and Senate Minority Leader McConnell’s (R-KY) social calendar. But in view of this announcement from the former President, I can’t imagine McConnell’s not reaching out to Senator Murkowski (R-AK) in view of this:
Endorsement of Mike Dunleavy
Mike Dunleavy has been a strong and consistent Conservative since his time in the Alaska State Senate. I was proud to endorse his first run for Governor, and I am proud to support his reelection, too. From his handling of the virus, support of the Constitution—including the Second and Tenth Amendments—taking advantage of all the opportunities Alaska has to offer, and his strong pushback against the Liberal Biden Administration’s attempt to hurt our great Country. Alaska needs Mike Dunleavy as Governor now more than ever. He has my Complete and Total Endorsement but, this endorsement is subject to his non-endorsement of Senator Lisa Murkowski who has been very bad for Alaska, including losing ANWAR, perhaps the most important drilling site in the world, and much else. In other words, if Mike endorses her, which is his prerogative, my endorsement of him is null and void, and of no further force or effect!
This is a double-shot from the former President against two Senators who he feels have not been totally and slavishly devoted to him. That is the preferred environment of the former President – adored, constantly told that he’s right and he’s amazing, responsible for all the good things that happen, and never incurring blame for those things that go poorly.
If that sounds like a pathological condition to you, join the club.
While I think Senator Murkowski will simply stick with the Republican Party and run roughshod over all comers up in Alaska during the election season in 2022, there is a distinct possibility, in view of certain remarks she’s made in recent years, of her moving to the (I) column in the Senate, and caucusing with the Democrats.
This would worsen Senator McConnell’s position in the Senate, as his caucus shrinks and his prestige is damaged. Worse, the damage would be inflicted by a former President infamous for his incompetence in many sectors, from politics to business. I might argue that his only real success has been as a B-list actor in The Apprentice.
Quite the embarrassment for a Minority Leader whose own set of accomplishments is sharply limited to confirming judicial picks and frustrating Democrats. The Democrats, incidentally, are happy to assist him in that respect.
Are the Alaskan Republicans going to re-elect a Senator who has respect in the Senate from both sides of the aisle? Or are they so glued to Trump’s knees that Murkowski is out? Time will tell.
And will Murkowski take McConnell’s meeting request?
