ALASKA: GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski Declared Winner Over Teabagger Joe Miller

Sen. Lisa Murkowski has become the first person elected to the Senate via a write-in campaign since SC Sen. Strom Thurmond did it 56 years ago. Alaska election officials declared Murkoswki the winner today after it became clear that her lead could not be overcome by the remaining uncounted ballots. Teabagger Joe Miller has threatened to sue for a recount, but it seems that may not happen, based on the near-final tally. However he hasn't conceded as of this writing.

CNN is calling Murkowski's win a "huge black eye" for Miller-backer Sarah Palin, who was eviscerated by Murkowski yesterday.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowki told CBS News' Katie Couric today that she would not support Sarah Palin for president because Palin lacks the "leadership qualities" and "intellectual curiosity" to craft great policy. "You know, she was my governor for two years, for just about two years there, and I don't think that she enjoyed governing," Murkowski said. "I don't think she liked to get down into the policy." The Alaska senator added that she prefers a candidate who "goes to bed at night and wakes up in the morning thinking about how we're going to deal with" important issues.