Frank Murkowski

Francis Hughes Murkowski (born March 28, 1933) is a Polish-American politician who is the current Governor of Alaska and a member of the Republican Party. Previously, he was a U.S. Senator from Alaska from 1981 until 2003.

Related Topics:
March 28 - 1933 - Polish - American - Politician - Governor - Alaska - Republican Party - U.S. Senator - 1981 - 2003

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Raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, Frank Murkowski initially attended Santa Clara University but graduated from Seattle University, both Catholic Jesuit universities. Prior to his election to the Senate in 1980, he worked in the banking industry in both Anchorage, Alaska and Wrangell, Alaska.

Related Topics:
Ketchikan, Alaska - Santa Clara University - Seattle University - Catholic - Jesuit - 1980 - Anchorage, Alaska - Wrangell, Alaska

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During his time in the Senate, he was most notable as Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee from 1995 until 2001. He argued and moved politically against attempts by environmentalists to stop oil drilling in certain areas in Alaska.

Related Topics:
Energy and Natural Resources Committee - 1995 - 2001

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He was elected governor on November 5, 2002, defeating his Democratic opponent, Fran Ulmer 56%-41%. He succeeded retiring Democrat Tony Knowles and took office on December 2 2002.

Related Topics:
November 5 - 2002 - Democratic - Fran Ulmer - Tony Knowles - December 2

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Upon being inaugurated as Governor the following month, he resigned his Senate seat and appointed his daughter, Lisa Murkowski, the Majority Leader-designate of the Alaska House of Representatives, in his place. This led his opponents to accuse him of nepotism.

Related Topics:
Lisa Murkowski - Alaska House of Representatives - Nepotism

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He has six children with this wife, Nancy. He currently resides in the state's capital, Juneau.

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As of July, 2005, according to a poll, Murkowski has the second lowest approval rating out of the 50 governors, only Robert Taft of Ohio is ranked worse. His approval rating is only 31%, while his disapproval rating is 61%. Murkowski has been involved in a bit of controversy over his desire to purchase a private jet to be used by himself and Alaska State Police. link

Related Topics:
2005 - Robert Taft - Ohio

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