People were heartened Friday morning to see Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska vote No to proceed to a vote on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh. Murkowski later explained that she did not feel he was "the right man" for the court at this time.
On Friday evening, Murkowski further clarified her position before the full Senate stating:
"I have a very high standard. I have a very high bar for any nominee to the Supreme Court of the United States."
Many speculated that Murkowski based her decision on the wishes of her constituents, many of whom, including Native Alaskans, sexual assault survivors as well as the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of her home state, lobbied her to oppose the nominee. Yet it was another Alaska resident who took exception to Murkowski's decision that made the most waves.
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin took to Twitter to express her displeasure, stating:
"Hey [Lisa Murkowski] - I can see 2022 from my house..."
Palin made reference to a claim she made as the late Senator John McCain's running mate. When asked about her lack of foreign policy experience, Palin stated she could see Russia from her house.
Palin's dig at Murkowski failed to garner much support.
Some point to a possibility of a rivalry going back years.
In 2002, Palin was assumed to be on the short list of possible appointees to fill Frank Murkowski's Senate seat after working on the Republican's campaign. However, then Governor Murkowski appointed his daughter, State Representative Lisa Murkowski, as his successor.
Others asked if Palin even lived in Alaska any longer.
Others just, well... got personal with the former candidate.
It is unclear if Palin formally intends to return to live in Alaska and run against Murkowski in 2022.
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