But the reaction of pro-Trump activists could be volcanic this time, given that she is the only Republican with immediate political risks ahead who voted to condemn Trump for inciting a Capitol insurrection. She said, “You are sure that there are many Alaskans who are very dissatisfied with my vote, and I am sure that many in Alaska are proud of my vote.”
The moderate Republican also voted against Supreme Court judge Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, who considered condemning Trump in 2020 and was angered by her party’s efforts to confirm Amy Coney Barrett in the Supreme Court before the November election last year. Still, since the January 6 invasion of the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters, Murkowski has telegraphed his potential vote of condemnation begging Trump to step down.
When she entered her hiding place on Capitol Hill to finish her official statement about her vote to condemn Trump, she pointed out where there was trash and broken glass from rioters who desecrated the building and remembered the sound of a policeman “vomiting” because he was sprayed with spray of pepper. She said that what made her “happy” on Saturday was the reminder that Congress finished certifying the election that day.
“We did this because we had some extraordinary men and women who were willing to stand up, defend and protect. And that was a good thing, ”she said. “I just wish Donald Trump had been one of them.”