RUMBLE IN ALASKA

Judge Tosses Out Joe Miller’s Lawsuit

Paves the way for Murkowski to be seated.

Looks like Lisa Murkowski may be joining the 112th Congress on time after all: A judge in Alaska on Tuesday dismissed Senate challenger Joe Miller’s lawsuit, paving the way for Murkowski to be sworn in January 3. Federal Judge Ralph Beistline called for Miller’s entire federal case to be dismissed, saying Miller did not raise any federal issues. Beistline also said he would not second-guess the Alaska Supreme Court, which already had ruled against Miller, and Beistline lifted the block on the election’s certification that he had previously imposed. Miller said Monday he would not stand in Murkowski’s way from being sworn in, although he said he still plans on fighting her in court.