Murkowski hopes for Peltola ‘to continue’ in Congress

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she hopes Democratic Congresswoman Mary Peltola is able to continue her work in Congress.

Murkowski, a Republican senator who has held her seat since 2002, was at the 2024 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention on Saturday and was presented with the AFN Denali Award.

Murkowski addressed reporters afterward and was asked about a possible endorsement of Peltola. She didn’t give a direct answer, but did say she hopes Peltola continues.

“I have had an opportunity to work with Representative Peltola now for two years and keep in mind, this is in addition to the time that we worked together in the State House some years ago. She was a workhorse then. She has proven herself to be a workhorse now,” Murkowski said. “I think she has, she has lent a voice in Washington in the House during a very difficult and very contentious time, lent a voice of not only focused on Alaska-specific issues, but really coming back from a bipartisan approach.

“I think that people that know me know that I don’t have a similar philosophy, and so I’ve appreciated the great work that she’s done for our state and hope she’s able to continue.”

Murkowski previously endorsed Peltola in 2022 and vice versa.

In an email, Peltola‘s campaign told Alaska’s News Source that she considers Murkowski “a good friend and an amazing Senator for Alaska.”

“Like she said, we’re both people who put Alaska before our parties,” her campaign wrote. “Unlike a lot of people in Congress these days, we don’t mind working with people we disagree with if it allows us to bring home wins for Alaska. I’m really honored to have earned her trust and to know she wants to continue this partnership in the next Congress.”

In a follow-up email, the Murkowski campaign was asked to clarify if the senator “endorsed” or “supported” Peltola.

“It is fair to say that Senator Murkowski endorsed Peltola in the 2022 race,” Kevin Sweeney with the campaign said. ”She was asked about that endorsement outside of AFN and I believe you had a cameraman there and recorded the answer she gave AK public media. I am not in a position to provide anything on the record beyond what she said.”

Sen. Dan Sullivan previously endorsed Nick Begich on Sept. 17.

On Facebook, at that time, Begich thanked Sullivan.

“Alaska is a special place, blessed with incredible people and incredible potential, but to unlock that potential, it takes a team. Republicans in the House and Senate want to see Alaskans prosper: good paying jobs, strong families, and opportunities for future generations. Democrats have proven through executive action, their platform, and their votes in Congress that they have another plan for Alaska: closure.”

The AFN passed a resolution endorsing Peltola for Congress on Saturday. The Sealaska Corporation submitted the endorsement.

When asked about presidential endorsements for either Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump, Murkowski said she will not endorse either.

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