Senator Criticizes Out-of-State Donations to Rival

By: John Semmens

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) warned state voters to “not let lower-48 donors determine who is sent to Washington to represent us. These donors don't know our state like I do. Don't let their donations to my opponent allow her to unseat me.”

Murkowski's characterization of the race doesn't match up well with the data. According to public campaign finance documents, 85% of Murkowski's funds come from out-of-state donors. Further, 89% of her $5 million campaign chest comes from large donors.

Her opponent Kelly Tshibaka's campaign chest of $2.5 million has garnered 50% from out-of-state donors. Of the total $2.5 million, 30% is from small donors. She is also the candidate endorsed by the state's Republican Party.

While the figures would appear to indicate that Murkowski is the favored choice of out-of-state donors, the Senator contends that “my opponent's endorsement by Donald Trump is emblematic of her out-of-state orientation. That endorsement is worth more than the $5 million I've gotten from out-of-state donors. In contrast, I have been elected by the voters of Alaska three times over the past 20 years. I think this is pretty solid proof that I am the true choice of Alaskans when it comes to representing the people's interests. I have also been endorsed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ken).”