Murkowski's Last Grab

Many years ago a friend and I were walking through a hallway of some dorm rooms and by chance saw an interesting poster on a wall. It pictured a squirrel hanging on for dear life to a tree branch and the caption read: “Hang in there, baby!” I’ve been reminded of this poster lately as I’ve watched entrenched politicians trying to find ways to cling to their “jobs” after being upset by Tea Party favorites.

One of the most recent was Lisa Murkowski, senator from Alaska who lost her primary bid to Joe Miller who was backed by Palin and Tea Party faithful. Murkowski, who was first appointed to office in 2002 by her Governor father, is just finishing her first full term to which she was elected by the people of Alaska. The unexpected loss obviously did not sit well with Murkowski because she has mounted a write-in campaign in hopes of regaining her seat. Talk about hanging on!

Why is it that some politicians can’t seem to accept the will of the people? Some try to find a way around the system by changing parties (i.e., Charlie Crist in Florida has jumped from the Republican Party to run as an Independent). Murkowski opted to give voters another chance to make up for their mistake or to come to their senses through a write-in vote. Why?

Well, in Murkowski’s case, she said she was doing it for the people of Alaska. So, what is she saying? Did the people of Alaska not make their choice in the primary? Did she not have an opportunity to make her case to “the people of Alaska”? What was so wrong about the process that will change with a write-in campaign? Are the people going to change their minds? Go figure.

I see another reason which Murkowski would never say openly. I think Murkowski is yet another example of the career politician. She sees it as a job. She was hired by the state of Alaska, given a great benefits package, and a very nice annual salary. The office where she works happens to be in Washington D.C. Being fired from this job doesn’t sit well with career politicians. Especially in her case; she hadn’t yet reached full-retirement that brings a lifetime income and benefits package. She needed to serve just one more term for that favored status to kick in. No wonder she’s clinging, clawing, and hanging for her life.

There was a day when politicians were statesmen (or women) who “served” the people rather than worked a job. When you are a servant, you go home when freed by your constituents. If for whatever reason your service is no longer required, “we the people” can send you packing. That’s all there is to it. To see an array of career politicians clamoring or clawing for their “jobs” is embarrassing. If you want a career, get a real job. If you want to serve “we the people,” then serve.