Alaska judge to hear arguments in Senate challenge

[December 08, 2010]  JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) -- An Alaska judge plans to hear arguments Wednesday in Juneau that could decide the fate of Republican Joe Miller's challenge to the U.S. Senate race.

Judge William Carey is being asked to decide whether to grant a state request to dismiss Miller's lawsuit or grant his request to strictly enforce election law.

A decision in Miller's favor could result in thousands of challenged ballots for incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski being tossed and lead to a recount.

Miller has said he wants to ensure the election process was fair and has shown no signs of giving up despite calls for him to do so.

Attorneys for the state and Murkowski say that if the race isn't certified by Jan. 5, the state will be down to one senator and she could lose her seniority.

[Associated Press; By BECKY BOHRER]

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