2.5 "Lisa Murkowski"

1. Which two senators does the article single out as being potential obstacles to the passing of the tax bill & where are they from?

            Senator Murkowski from Alaska and Senator Collins from Maine were singled out.

2. What indications has Murkowski made about how she may vote on this tax bill?

            She has stated that if Senate also passed a bipartisan Obamacare stabilization bill she might vote in favor of it.

3. What did Republicans add to the bill that would specifically encourage Murkowski to vote for the bill?

            They included a provision to allow for oil drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Natural Reserve.

4. Why would Murkowski be more likely to support the bill if it adds this provision?

             Lots of money would be brought to the Alaskan people and more jobs would be created leading to her reelection.

5. Why does Murkowski support "Obamacare" if she is a Republican?

            Due to Obamacare, Alaskan has had their uninsured rate fall and she would like to prevent the reversal of that.

6. How long has drilling in this part of Alaska been banned?

            Since 1980, drilling has been prevented.

7. What benefit do Alaskan citizens get each year from the resources in their state?

            Residents get $2,200 each year.

8. How & why would Murkowski vote if she acts as a "delegate", a "trustee", and a "partisan"?

            As a trustee, she might vote against it given her personal stand on Obamacare. As a delegate, she might vote for it for the sake of her constituents. As a partisan, she would too vote for it so as to align with her party's interests.