Free Republic

Alaska Republicans have long mined into the state's deep reservoir of conservatism, enabling them to turn congressional elections into political riches for decades. But this year, it's Democrats who see electoral gold in them thar hills. Prospecting for opportunity in a fairly barren political landscape, Democrats are laying claim to the seat held by former Sen. Frank Murkowski (R), who, after winning last year's gubernatorial contest, appointed his daughter, Lisa Murkowski, as his successor. Murkowski will serve out a two-year term before facing her first election for a full term in 2004. Democrats are banking on a backlash against the...