Notorious Trump-hating senator could bolt the GOP

Surprising absolutely nobody, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is promoting her new book by flirting with a potential party change.

Murkowski has long been referred to as a RINO (Republican in name only) by conservatives who say her voting record aligns better with her Democrat colleagues than her own party interests. For years, it has been suggested that she should just cross the aisle and get it over with, rather than remaining a member of a political party she obviously disagrees with.

It appears she is finally considering taking that advice.

During a media blitz to promote her upcoming book, the senator spoke to FiveThirtyEight podcaster Galen Druke, where she entertained the idea of a party change but called out Democrats in the process.

“Challenged as I think we may be on the Republican side, I don’t see the Democrats being much better,” she admitted. “They’ve got not only their share of problems, but quite honestly, they’ve got some policies that I just inherently disagree with.”

Druke suggested perhaps making the leap to Independent, like fellow Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. This was more of an inviting idea to Murkowski.

“There may be that possibility,” she mused, going on to add that “There is some openness to exploring something different than the status quo.”

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In a separate interview with Semafor, the senator flat-out stated that she has considered leaving the Republican Party because she doesn’t feel at “home.”

“Have I considered [switching parties]? Yes, because I’ve been asked the question,” she said. “Do I feel that within my Republican conference, I always feel like I’m right here in my political home? No. There are sometimes directions and policies that I disagree with.”

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Sierra Marlee

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