Judge Rules Against Miller In Alaska Senate Race

GOP candidate contested write-in ballots for Murkowski; appeal expected

JUNEAU, Alaska — A judge on Friday ruled against Republican Joe Miller's lawsuit challenging how Alaska counted write-in votes for rival Lisa Murkowski in their Senate race, delivering a crushing blow to the tea party-backed candidate's longshot legal fight.

Judge William Carey's ruling all but ends Miller's hopes of getting relief in state court. Miller can appeal to the state Supreme Court, and his spokesman said he was mulling the option, but Carey cited past decisions by the high court in his ruling.

The judge said his decision to throw out Miller's lawsuit wouldn't take effect until Tuesday to allow time for an appeal.

Miller spokesman Randy DeSoto said there are still outstanding issues "in terms of wanting to get a true and accurate count, and we don't feel like we're there yet."

Murkowski called on Miller to concede, telling The Associated Press: "It's time to end this. It's time to say that the election is over."

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