Knowles must win this race. Alaskans are tired of sending disgraceful candidates to represent us in the senate.

I'm no longer convinced this is a sure loss for the GOP. Knowles is not a bad candidate, given that the Democrats have fielded mostly nonentities over the years. But, he is hardly a proven vote-getter. For example, he polled 51% against two utterly pitiful opponents in his 1998 race for re-election. He may be well-liked, but that hasn't translated into a strong following at the ballot box.

I agree the Republicans are probably going to do much better than people think, but Frank would have helped himself and the party if he did not appoint Lisa. About the only other bad Republican appointee he could have made was Ben Stevens becuase of possibly the same issue kinda, sorta, in a ffreaky way with Ted.

Knowles still ahead in latest poll by less than 2%. Shoudl be close all the way until the election, but I think Murkowski will win by 1-3%

This race should be very close. I think that Knowles is probably leading by a nose but this is a very conservative state. I wonder if perhaps some Alaskans will wait to vote and see how the rest of the counrty does things before deciding which party they want to have representing them in Washington.

Is Sarah Pallin going to run or not??

I have a feeling the winner of this race won't be determined for certain for several days.

If Murkowski does get the Republican nomination, she will pull through in the end.

An incumbent republican down in the polls to a Democrat in Alaska is not a good sign that she will win the election.

I think Murkowski will win this one when all is said and done.

Murkowski will win this seat, it will be close, but nonetheless, she will retain this one for the GOP. Republicans know that this seat matters for the majority, and their base will come out in droves to support Lisa. Not to mention that the GOP base in conservative Alaska dwarfs that of the Democrats. Knowles has only beaten a Republican when the party has been divided between two GOP candidates, not this time. Alaska's GOP will definitely get the vote out for Murkowski. I truly will be surprised if Knowles somehow manages to squeek out a victory.

Actually, Alaska is hardly a hotbed for conservatism. And Knowles would have won easily in 1998 whether there were two or three candidates running. Additionally, unless control of the Senate is hanging in the balance, Alaskans will know who has the majority by the time the booths close there.

Does Murkowski's pro-choice stand help or hurt in Alaska. I know the state has a strong libertarian streak.

It helps her with moderates but it hurts her with her base.

Are there any chances a libertarian or a conservative thrid party would enter this race. Good numbers for Knowles, ahead of the incumbent in a very republican state is good news.

Having "Senator Knowles (D-Alaska)" would be great. I really hope he wins.

I think that Knowles has some strong appeal in libertarian circles, the libertarian Democratic Freedom Caucus has endorsed him for the Senate and he's the only non-Presidential candidate they've done that for on the national level. They highlighted his views on gay rights, federalism, guns, Native American issues, and No Child Left Behing

Are the Republican Moderates not running any candidate?

Murkowski is ideologically inline enough with them.

Cheer up on this race Mr. Con. This reminds me of the hysterical liberals in 2002 on the Texas Dream Team.

If I were Knowles I'd be concerned that I am not farther ahead than I am. The nepotism stuff will only fade over time and Murkowski's money edge and the partisan nature of the state make me think Murkowski has more potential to move up.

Except that Knowles is ahead in the polls! Whee!

I am the only liberal-leaning poster to think that Murkowski will win?

It's worth noting that in only one of the many polls taken in this race so far that Knowles tops 50%. He's a strong Democratic candidate for Senate as far as Alaska Democrats go, but oh my Lord is he going to have a tough time breaking 50%.

With even several thousand votes for Millican or Sykes, Knowles may not need to.