The Hill News

Lisa Murkowski was finally declared the winner of the Alaskan Senate race over the official Republican and Tea Party-backed candidate Joe Miller. This race might not seem like much, but is a dismaying representation of how, when confronted with a candidate espousing principals they claim to hold dear, many people will instead choose the peddler handing out the most candy. To say this race was business-as-usual and a disappointing example of hypocrisy is an understatement.

Joe Miller’s platform appealed to this self-perception: Alaskans are tough people who value their freedom and want as little government as possible in their lives. Alaskans don't need welfare, their own self-determination and Mother Nature provides for all their wants and needs. Joe Miller declared he would take a stand against earmarks, pork and the way Washington works.

There were no Sharron Angle or Christine O’Donnell gaffs and bizarre statements from Miller; rather, Murkow! ski simply appealed to Alaskans' true nature as federal government moochers, and Alaskans gladly acquiesced.

With a population of less than 700,000, Alaska received by far the biggest per-capita chunk of federal stimulus spending. All told, Alaskans receive 8 dollars for every dollar they pay in federal taxes. If you thought getting a one-time $500 dollar check from the IRS was nice, try the at least $1,600 tax-free, per-family member â€" not just taxpayer â€" that Alaskans are guaranteed by Uncle Sam each year. At the same time, they do not pay federal taxes due to their native status.

Lisa Murkowski had to spend millions of dollars and doled out hundreds of promises that could eventually cost American taxpayers billions to retain her Senate seat. She reminded Alaskans of how much they needed the federal government to subsidize their Alaskan “independence.” Now, she is upset because Republicans are prepared to pass earmark reform. Fortunately for! America, most Republicans listened to the people's cries for ! financia l responsibility. Good news for America, bad news to the moocher state of Alaska. 

Armstrong Williams is on Sirius/XM Power 169, 7-8 p.m. and 4-5 a.m., Monday through Friday. Become a fan on Facebook- www.facebook.com/arightside, and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/arightside.