Murkowski credits 'phenomenal coalition' for win

[November 18, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- An exultant Sen. Lisa Murkowski is celebrating her write-in victory over Sarah Palin's favored candidate in Alaska, saying the "most phenomenal coalition" of Republicans, Democrats and independents re-elected her against long odds.

Murkowski acknowledges in nationally broadcast television interviews that ballots remain to be counted in the state, but said, "The fact of the matter is, the numbers are there and they are what they are."

Murkowski said Thursday that her triumph was "Alaskans coming together. ... It was a challenge for Alaskans, but they met it."

Murkowski, who defeated tea party-backed Republican Joe Miller, said, "We did the unprecedented. We made history." She appeared on CBS's "The Early Show" and NBC's "Today" show.

[Associated Press]

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