Frank Murkowski
Encyclopedia
Francis Hughes Murkowski (mərˈkaʊski; born March 28, 1933) is an American
politician
and a member of the Republican Party
. He was a United States Senator
from Alaska
from 1981 until 2002 and the eighth Governor of Alaska from 2002 until 2006.
to Frank and Helen (née Hughes), Murkowski attended Ketchikan High School
in Alaska, graduating in 1951. Studying at Santa Clara University
from 1951 to 1953, he gained a BS
in economics from Seattle University
in 1955. Thereafter, he served in the United States Coast Guard
until 1957 - the same year his daughter Lisa
was born. After a stint at Pacific National Bank and further study at Pacific Coast Banking School, Murkowski became Alaska's youngest commissioner at the time when he was appointed Commissioner of Economic Development, aged 33, and was elevated to the presidency of the Alaska National Bank of the North in 1971. He has also headed the Alaska Bankers Association and - in 1977 - the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce.
to oil drilling.
In a floor statement in the Senate, regarding the bar of homosexuals serving in the military, Mr. Murkowski stated that homosexuals have a right to choose their lifestyle, but there exists no right to serve. In his opposition to lifting the ban, his speech focused on the cost affect on the Veterans Administration in treating service members infected with HIV. His successor in the Senate, his daughter, Lisa Murkowski voted to repeal the ban on homosexuals in the armed services.
on November 5, 2002, receiving nearly 56% of the vote, the highest percentage for any gubernatorial candidate in Alaska history up until that point. He succeeded Democrat Tony Knowles
and took office on December 2, 2002.
Upon his inauguration, he resigned his Senate seat and appointed his daughter, Lisa Murkowski
, the Majority Leader-designate of the Alaska House of Representatives
, in his place. His opponents derided the appointment as an act of nepotism
.
Toward the end of his administration he brokered a deal for a gas pipeline that was never considered, in final form, by the legislature. Murkowski threatened to sign the deal without legislative approval, but the legislature successfully brought a lawsuit to enjoin him from doing so.
Governor Murkowski ran for re-election in 2006, but came in third behind former Wasilla
mayor and future Republican Party
vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin
and Fairbanks businessman John Binkley
in the Republican primary election on August 22, 2006 (Palin winning with 51% and Binkley taking second with 30% to Murkowski's 19%). Most polls had predicted this result. Murkowski left office with one of the nation's worst approval ratings of 19%.
On March 4, 2008, Murkowski's former chief-of-staff, Jim Clark
admitted that he was aware that Veco Corp had paid $10,000 for a political poll to gauge the popularity of then-incumbent Governor Murkowski. Clark was charged with "honest services fraud
". Before he was sentenced, the US Supreme Court ruled that the statute was drafted with unconstitutional vagueness and henceforth will only cover "fraudulent schemes to deprive another of honest services through bribes or kickbacks supplied by a third party who ha[s] not been deceived." Since Clark was guilty of neither bribes or kickbacks, all charges were voided.
In all, Murkowski spent two years in the armed services, 22 years as Alaska's junior senator in D.C. and four years as governor.
II jet with state money for $2.7 million. This purchase became the symbol of his unpopular legacy in state politics, so much so that his successor, Sarah Palin
, promised to sell the jet once she became governor.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
and a member of the Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. He was a United States Senator
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
from Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
from 1981 until 2002 and the eighth Governor of Alaska from 2002 until 2006.
Early life and career
Born in Seattle, WashingtonSeattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
to Frank and Helen (née Hughes), Murkowski attended Ketchikan High School
Ketchikan High School
Ketchikan High School, often referred to as Kayhi, is the principal high school for the Southeast Alaska community of Ketchikan and the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District.-Academics:...
in Alaska, graduating in 1951. Studying at Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University is a private, not-for-profit, Jesuit-affiliated university located in Santa Clara, California, United States. Chartered by the state of California and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, it operates in collaboration with the Society of Jesus , whose...
from 1951 to 1953, he gained a BS
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
in economics from Seattle University
Seattle University
Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic university located in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, USA.SU is the largest independent university in the Northwest US, with over 7,500 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within eight schools, and is one of 28 member...
in 1955. Thereafter, he served in the United States Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
until 1957 - the same year his daughter Lisa
Lisa Murkowski
Lisa Ann Murkowski is the senior U.S. Senator from the State of Alaska and a member of the Republican Party. She was appointed to the Senate in 2002 by her father, Governor Frank Murkowski. After losing a Republican primary in 2010, she became the second person ever to win a U.S...
was born. After a stint at Pacific National Bank and further study at Pacific Coast Banking School, Murkowski became Alaska's youngest commissioner at the time when he was appointed Commissioner of Economic Development, aged 33, and was elevated to the presidency of the Alaska National Bank of the North in 1971. He has also headed the Alaska Bankers Association and - in 1977 - the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce.
U.S. Senate
During his time in the Senate, he was most notable as Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee from 1995 to 2001. As chair, he argued and attempted unsuccessfully to open the Arctic National Wildlife RefugeArctic National Wildlife Refuge
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a national wildlife refuge in northeastern Alaska, United States. It consists of in the Alaska North Slope region. It is the largest National Wildlife Refuge in the country, slightly larger than the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge...
to oil drilling.
In a floor statement in the Senate, regarding the bar of homosexuals serving in the military, Mr. Murkowski stated that homosexuals have a right to choose their lifestyle, but there exists no right to serve. In his opposition to lifting the ban, his speech focused on the cost affect on the Veterans Administration in treating service members infected with HIV. His successor in the Senate, his daughter, Lisa Murkowski voted to repeal the ban on homosexuals in the armed services.
Governor
Murkowski was elected governorAlaska gubernatorial election, 2002
The 2002 Alaska gubernatorial election took place on 5 November 2002 for the post of Governor of Alaska. Republican US Senator Frank Murkowski defeated Democratic Lieutenant Governor Fran Ulmer. Murkowski became the first Republican elected governor of Alaska since Jay Hammond in...
on November 5, 2002, receiving nearly 56% of the vote, the highest percentage for any gubernatorial candidate in Alaska history up until that point. He succeeded Democrat Tony Knowles
Tony Knowles (politician)
Anthony Carroll Knowles is an American Democratic politician and businessman who served as the seventh Governor of Alaska from December 1994 to December 2002. Barred from seeking a third consecutive term as governor in 2002, he ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 2004 and again for governor in...
and took office on December 2, 2002.
Upon his inauguration, he resigned his Senate seat and appointed his daughter, Lisa Murkowski
Lisa Murkowski
Lisa Ann Murkowski is the senior U.S. Senator from the State of Alaska and a member of the Republican Party. She was appointed to the Senate in 2002 by her father, Governor Frank Murkowski. After losing a Republican primary in 2010, she became the second person ever to win a U.S...
, the Majority Leader-designate of the Alaska House of Representatives
Alaska House of Representatives
The Alaska House of Representatives is the lower house in the Alaska Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Alaska. The House is composed of 40 members, each of whom represents a district of about 15,673 people . Members serve two-year terms without term limits...
, in his place. His opponents derided the appointment as an act of nepotism
Nepotism
Nepotism is favoritism granted to relatives regardless of merit. The word nepotism is from the Latin word nepos, nepotis , from which modern Romanian nepot and Italian nipote, "nephew" or "grandchild" are also descended....
.
Toward the end of his administration he brokered a deal for a gas pipeline that was never considered, in final form, by the legislature. Murkowski threatened to sign the deal without legislative approval, but the legislature successfully brought a lawsuit to enjoin him from doing so.
Governor Murkowski ran for re-election in 2006, but came in third behind former Wasilla
Wasilla, Alaska
Wasilla is a city in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, United States and the sixth-largest city in Alaska. It is located on the northern point of Cook Inlet in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of the southcentral part of the state. The city's population was 7,831 at the 2010 census...
mayor and future Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin
Sarah Louise Palin is an American politician, commentator and author. As the Republican Party nominee for Vice President in the 2008 presidential election, she was the first Alaskan on the national ticket of a major party and first Republican woman nominated for the vice-presidency.She was...
and Fairbanks businessman John Binkley
John Binkley
John Binkley is an Alaskan politician and a former Republican candidate for the office of Alaska governor in the 2006 election.-Biography :...
in the Republican primary election on August 22, 2006 (Palin winning with 51% and Binkley taking second with 30% to Murkowski's 19%). Most polls had predicted this result. Murkowski left office with one of the nation's worst approval ratings of 19%.
On March 4, 2008, Murkowski's former chief-of-staff, Jim Clark
Jim Clark (Alaska)
Jim Clark served as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Alaska during the administration of former Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski.- Early life :...
admitted that he was aware that Veco Corp had paid $10,000 for a political poll to gauge the popularity of then-incumbent Governor Murkowski. Clark was charged with "honest services fraud
Honest services fraud
Honest services fraud refers to a 28-word sentence of , added by the United States Congress in 1988, which states: "For the purposes of this chapter, the term, scheme or artifice to defraud includes a scheme or artifice to deprive another of the intangible right of honest services."The statute...
". Before he was sentenced, the US Supreme Court ruled that the statute was drafted with unconstitutional vagueness and henceforth will only cover "fraudulent schemes to deprive another of honest services through bribes or kickbacks supplied by a third party who ha[s] not been deceived." Since Clark was guilty of neither bribes or kickbacks, all charges were voided.
In all, Murkowski spent two years in the armed services, 22 years as Alaska's junior senator in D.C. and four years as governor.
Jet plane scandal
In 2005, in spite of opposition from the Alaska Legislature, Murkowski purchased a WestwindIAI Westwind
|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Frawley, Gerald. "IAI Westwind". The International Directory of Civil Aircraft 1997/98. Fyshwick ACT: Aerospace Publications, 1997. ISBN 1-875671-26-9....
II jet with state money for $2.7 million. This purchase became the symbol of his unpopular legacy in state politics, so much so that his successor, Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin
Sarah Louise Palin is an American politician, commentator and author. As the Republican Party nominee for Vice President in the 2008 presidential election, she was the first Alaskan on the national ticket of a major party and first Republican woman nominated for the vice-presidency.She was...
, promised to sell the jet once she became governor.
Electoral history
- United States House of Representatives election in Alaska, 1970
- Nick BegichNick BegichNicholas Joseph "Nick" Begich, Sr. was a Democratic Party member of the United States House of Representatives from Alaska. He disappeared in a plane crash in Alaska in 1972. His son Mark Begich is currently the junior U.S...
(D), 55% - Frank Murkowski (R), 45%
- Nick Begich
- United States Senate election in Alaska, 1980United States Senate election in Alaska, 1980The 1980 United States Senate election in Alaska was held on November 4, 1980. Incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Mike Gravel had earlier lost his party's primary to Clark Gruening, and Gruening lost the general election to Republican Party member Frank Murkowski.- Candidates :*Michael J...
- Frank Murkowski (R), 54%
- Clark GrueningClark GrueningClark S. Gruening is an attorney and Democratic Party politician from the U.S. state of Alaska. He is chiefly known as the second of three persons to defeat the incumbent holder of Alaska's Class 3 United States Senate seat in the primary election.Clark Gruening was born in San Francisco,...
(D), 46%
- United States Senate election in Alaska, 1986United States Senate election in Alaska, 1986The 1986 United States Senate election in Alaska was held on November 3, 1986. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski won re-election to a second term.-Results:...
- Frank Murkowski (R) (inc.), 55%
- Glenn Olds (D), 45%
- United States Senate election in Alaska, 1992United States Senate election in Alaska, 1992The 1998 United States Senate election in Alaska was held on November 3, 1998. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski won re-election to a third term.-Results:- External links :...
- Frank Murkowski (R) (inc.), 53%
- Tony Smith (D), 38%
- Mary Jordan (Grn.), 8%
- United States Senate election in Alaska, 1998United States Senate election in Alaska, 1998The 1998 United States Senate election in Alaska was held on November 3, 1998. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski won re-election to a fourth term.-Results:...
- Frank Murkowski (R) (inc.), 75%
- Joe Sonneman (D), 20%
- Alaska gubernatorial election, 2002Alaska gubernatorial election, 2002The 2002 Alaska gubernatorial election took place on 5 November 2002 for the post of Governor of Alaska. Republican US Senator Frank Murkowski defeated Democratic Lieutenant Governor Fran Ulmer. Murkowski became the first Republican elected governor of Alaska since Jay Hammond in...
- Frank Murkowski (R), 56%
- Fran UlmerFran UlmerFrances Ann "Fran" Ulmer is an administrator and Democratic politician from the U.S. state of Alaska. She is currently the chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage...
(D), 41%
- Alaska gubernatorial election, 2006Alaska gubernatorial election, 2006The 2006 Alaska gubernatorial general election took place on November 7, 2006. The former mayor of Wasilla, Sarah Palin, was elected governor.-Republican primary:...
(primary)- Sarah PalinSarah PalinSarah Louise Palin is an American politician, commentator and author. As the Republican Party nominee for Vice President in the 2008 presidential election, she was the first Alaskan on the national ticket of a major party and first Republican woman nominated for the vice-presidency.She was...
(R), 51% - John BinkleyJohn BinkleyJohn Binkley is an Alaskan politician and a former Republican candidate for the office of Alaska governor in the 2006 election.-Biography :...
(R), 30% - Frank Murkowski (R) (incumbent), 19%
- Sarah Palin
External links
- FrankMurkowski.com
- Governor Murkowski rated the most unpopular governor in the entire U.S., via alaskareport.com