AK: Governor Frank Murkowski to Seek Re-election

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Alaska governor to seek re-election

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

JUNEAU, Alaska -- Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski, the nation's oldest governor at 73, announced Friday that he will seek a second term.

Murkowski, a Republican, told a crowd of party faithful in Fairbanks that he wanted to finish the job he began four years ago after leaving the U.S. Senate - improving the state's economy.

"We've lived up to that commitment, but it's not done yet," he said.

The governor said his top priority would be establishing a natural-gas pipeline from Alaska to Canada or Chicago.

Murkowski has been widely criticized for program cuts early in his administration and for appointing his daughter, Lisa, to take his former Senate seat. He is seen as an unpopular governor who could be vulnerable in a Republican primary.

Republicans in the race include former Wasilla mayor Sarah Palin and Fairbanks businessman John Binkley. On the Democratic side are Anchorage Reps. Ethan Berkowitz and Eric Croft.

The primary election is Aug. 22. The general election is Nov. 7.