Alaska judge blocks distribution of write-in names (Murkowski Setback)

Washington Post ^ | Wednesday, October 27, 2010; 1:40 PM | DAN JOLING

[Red Steel]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- An Alaska judge on Wednesday granted a temporary restraining order stopping the state elections officials from handing out names of write-in candidates at polling places.

The ruling is a setback for the campaign of incumbent U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who was defeated in the August GOP primary by tea party favorite Joe Miller and is mounting a write-in campaign. Former Sitka Mayor Scott McAdams is the Democrat in the race.

Anchorage Superior Court Judge Frank A. Pfiffner said the division was in clear violation of an administrative regulation.

The regulation reads, "Information regarding a write-in candidate may not be discussed, exhibited, or provided at the polling place, or within 200 feet of any entrance to the polling place."

[dirtboy]

Anchorage Superior Court Judge Frank A. Pfiffner said the division was in clear violation of an administrative regulation. The regulation reads, "Information regarding a write-in candidate may not be discussed, exhibited, or provided at the polling place, or within 200 feet of any entrance to the polling place."

A judge who can understand plain English. How refreshing.

[LowTaxesEqualsProsperity]

At least there is some judicial integrity in Alaska.

[perfect_rovian_storm]

Appointed: October 29, 2009, by Governor Sean Parnell

[rocksblues]

Wow!According to this ruling/regulation you cannot mention her name within 200 feet of the polling station. Gotta love it.

[mwl8787]

No mention of whether this can be appealed.

[Psycho_Bunny]

I almost don’t care if Miller loses because of votes Murkowski siphens off...so long as that stupid whore loses.

[ScottinVA]

That’s why it’s a “WRITE-IN,” Lisa! You wanted this gig, so dance to the tune!

[dirtboy]

Expect Murko to hire loudspeaker trucks, park them 201 feet away from polling places, and have them blare the spelling of her name.

Until the cops come by and shut them down for noise violations.

[freespirited]

The Murkowski campaign had intervened in the lawsuit, arguing that election officials have a broad mandate to assist voters and the desire of voters in past court cases has trumped state rules.

Doncha know that rules dont apply to Princess Lisa?

[mwl8787]

My guess is that Murkowski will promptly appeal to the State Supreme Court, which is typically how the judiciary is constructed in many states. Hopefully, they’ll demure, but I doubt it.

[The Cajun]

Somebody needs to put up the “Big Frown” picture of Princess Lisa ;^)

[ReleaseTheHounds]

Of course you’re referring to this being a set-back for Linda Mobowski, right?

[dirtboy]

My guess is that Murkowski will promptly appeal to the State Supreme Court, which is typically how the judiciary is constructed in many states. Hopefully, they’ll demure, but I doubt it.

This ain't New Jersey. It appears words still have meaning in Alaska, which, after all, takes the 'shall not be infringed' part of the 2nd Amendment seriously.

[dirtboy]

According to Wiki, this is the current makeup of the Alaska Supreme Court:

Dana Fabe 1996 2010 Tony Knowles (Democrat)
Chief Justice: Walter Carpeneti 1998 2012 Tony Knowles (Democrat)
Morgan Christen 2009 2012 Sarah Palin (Republican)
Craig Stowers 2009 - Sean Parnell (Republican)
Daniel Winfree 2007 2012 Sarah Palin (Republican)

No Frank Murkowski appointees to be seen.

[ozzymandus]

Anybody catch Rachel Maddow sucking up to the hag last night?

[Mr. K]

Poor Linda Merchowski ... this is bad for her

[BigEdLB]

[HighlyOpinionated]

. . . "Shhhhhhhhh . . ."

[Ole Okie]

A judge who can understand plain English. How refreshing.

Yes. I applaud Judge Pfiffner for his command of the English language.

Of course, on appeal, the appeals judge will find all sorts of shadows and penumbras in this straightforward sentence.

Why, some of the folks can't spell Murkowski, so the decision has already been made that variations on the name or, perhaps even just a pencil dot on indentation will probably be counted for the Sinator.

It will be obvious to the appeals judge that it's only fair to provide voters with the correct spelling of the name of the write-in candidate. /s