Tea Party wins again. True conservatism wins again.

“ANCHORAGE — Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski was booted from office in the Republican primary Tuesday by a little-known conservative lawyer backed by former governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, in arguably America’s biggest political upset of the year.
Joe Miller, backed by Palin and the ultraconservative Tea Party Express movement, became the latest newcomer to the national political stage to take down an incumbent in 2010 amid deep dissatisfaction with the Washington establishment.

Murkowski trailed Miller by 1,668 votes after the Aug. 24 primary. Election officials began counting absentee and outstanding ballots Tuesday, and Murkowski made slight gains. But after more than 15,000 ballots were counted, she remained 1,630 votes behind.

She said she informed Miller shortly before conceding the race on live television.
“We all know that this has been a long week, a terribly long week,” she said at campaign headquarters while conceding. She said that while there were still outstanding votes, “I don’t see a scenario where the primary will turn out in my favor, and that is a reality that is before me at this point in time.”

“And for that reason, and for the good of the state of Alaska … I am now conceding the race for the Republican nomination.”

Palin power

The stunning result was a huge validation of the political power of Palin as the former Alaska governor has been playing kingmaker in the November congressional elections ahead of a potential 2012 White House run.

Miller, 43, is an Ivy League-educated lawyer, West Point graduate and decorated Gulf War veteran who cast Murkowski as too liberal and part of the problem in an out-of-control Washington. It is a campaign strategy that has helped oust other incumbents this year and that Republicans will employ again in November as they look to take back Congress.

So much for Sarah not mattering any more eh? This is a consistent shot across to the bow to candidate in the GOP who like to ride that RINO fence. It’s time to get off, get with the program, or get out. It’s also a warning to the GOP who threw their money and support behind Murkowski. It’s time for YOU to get with the program too.