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Liz Ruskin

@lizruskin.bsky.social

1.7K followers 944 following 453 posts

Hi, I'm the Washington, D.C. correspondent for Alaska Public Media. I post and RT Alaska news, D.C. news and random bits of beauty. Edward R. Murrow Award winner. I ❤️dogs. Send news tips to lruskin@alaskapublic.org. #AlaskaSky

Posts Replies Media

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

two new Alaska Senate polls posted in NYT today. One shows Sullivan ahead. The other shows Peltola ahead. 🤷‍♀️ www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Sullivan’s trawl bycatch bill clears a U.S. Senate committee alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Sullivan’s trawl bycatch bill clears a U.S. Senate committee

The pollock fishery’s accidental catch of other fish is a hot topic in Alaska’s Senate race. Among trawl critics, opinions vary about the impact of the bill.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Peltola and Sullivan both talked about cracking down on the pollock industry for bycatch — the salmon and other species accidentally caught in massive trawl nets. Big pollock sponsored the Kodiak fisheries debate but that didn't seem to deter them. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Peltola and Sullivan confront trawl bycatch, and each other, at Kodiak fisheries debate

Both Alaska U.S. Senate candidates called for changes to federal fishery management. U.S. House candidates explicitly blamed bycatch for low salmon runs in Western Alaska.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

The judges would’ve also accepted “can’t take your call right now. I’m in the rainforest working on my moss-tan.”

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Trump praised one of Alaska's Dan Sullivan candidates and disparaged the other. Petersburg Dan Sullivan said he was out mushroom-hunting and hadn’t heard what the president of the United States said about him. (He later sent a pic of a dozen fresh chanterelles) alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Trump says he’ll campaign for Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska

The president praised Sullivan from the Oval Office and spent substantial time disparaging the other Dan Sullivan in the race.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

A big promise of Alaska's ranked choice voting that it would neutralize the spoiler effect. Now that Democratic candidates Tom Begich and Matt Schultz have have moved aside and endorsed others, some observers wonder if the system lives up to the billing. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Democratic withdrawals leave some Alaskans questioning the point of ranked choice voting

Ranking was supposed to neutralize the spoiler effect. Now that two Democrats have left statewide races, some wonder if the voting method is living up to the promise.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Hey is that me on All Things Considered? Why, yes it is! www.npr.org/2026/08/19/n...

Alaska primary sets up big Senate race between Sullivan and Peltola

Primary elections in Alaska have set the stage for some big races in the fall: one that could be key in Democrats' effort to take control of the Senate in the midterms.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Shakeup in #AKSEN: Mary Peltola campaign “has undergone staffing updates as we transition into the general election,” campaign says. New camp manager: Cheryl Bruce, who’s been deputy since Jan. Anton McParland is still on board in undisclosed new role. Primary is tomorrow.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Groups spend $2m to boost fringe candidates in Alaska's nonpartisan primary for US Senate. It’s a variation of a false-flag strategy. But AK's ranked choice voting blunts its impact. Richard Grayson loves it – and vows not to let it work. "Don't vote for me." alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Super PACs try to game Alaska’s open primary for U.S. Senate by elevating political unknowns

Groups have spent $2 million to promote fringe or perennial candidates. It’s a false-flag strategy to help the major candidates but ranked choice voting blunts its impact.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Elon Musk drops $1.5 million to repeal Alaska’s ranked choice voting/open primaries

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Div of Elections keeps 1,900 Alaskans on ‘inactive noncitizen’ list. The top election official acknowledges they may be citizens & valid voters. But she says the state needs verification of the records it already has before it can dismiss "old data" from DMV. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Division of Elections keeps 1,900 Alaskans on ‘inactive noncitizen’ list, awaiting verification

The state has restored about 20% of the 3,058 voters it struck from the list. Roughly 3% said they weren’t citizens and requested to cancel their registration.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I must go there

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Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Murkowski says she’ll vote no on Blanche. Wait for it ... and then Sen. Cassidy rescues the confirmation. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Murkowski says she’ll vote no on Blanche, but his confirmation remains on track

Sen. Lisa Murkowski cited a string of objections to President Trump’s nominee for attorney general. Hours later, another key GOP senator said he’ll vote yes.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Sen. Murkowski says no on Todd Blanche

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Murkowski isn't saying how she'll vote on Todd Blanche. But, in a letter to a constituent, she did provide some clues about how she sees his performance at DoJ alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Eyes on Alaska’s Murkowski as confirmation vote nears for Trump attorney general pick

Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s vote could be pivotal to Todd Blanche’s future. She’s not saying how she’ll vote.

Reposted by Liz Ruskin

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 04/08/2026

The state wants to improve safety on a stretch of the highway, but Anchorage policy makers say they think the $1.5 billion project could make the road more dangerous.

State says the Seward Highway project will make it safer. Critics call it a boondoggle.

The state wants to improve safety on a stretch of the highway, but Anchorage policy makers say they think the $1.5 billion project could make the road more dangerous.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

23 Alaska legislators ask state to restore voters wrongfully removed from the rolls alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

23 Alaska legislators ask state to restore voters wrongfully removed from the rolls

3,000 voters were purged, some based on records from before they became citizens. The move was designed to sow election distrust, one lawmaker says.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Alaska removes 3,500 people from voter rolls, based in part on ‘old data’ showing that — at one point — they weren't citizens. 2 naturalized Americans I spoke to were shocked they were purged. Said they showed a passport to register & voted without incident before. alaskapublic.org/news/2026-07...

alaskapublic.org

State removes 3,500 Alaskans from voter rolls, based in part on ‘old data’

The Division of Elections checked its list against old DMV records and found Alaskans who, at one point, said they weren’t citizens.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

The leading Democrat in Alaska's U.S. House race suspends his campaign. Matt Schultz, a progressive pastor and frequent Trump critic, endorsed Bill Hill an independent who racked up a lot of Democrat endorsements. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Matt Schultz suspends his campaign for U.S. House, endorses Bill Hill

The Anchorage Democrat wanted to take on Republican Congressman Nick Begich. He wasn't able to overtake a rival in his own political lane.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

In Alaska's U.S. Senate race, Democrat Mary Peltola vastly outraised incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan last quarter. Though he has more cash on hand. And the other Dan Sullivan filed with FEC so he'll be able to start raising money, too. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Peltola vastly outraises Sullivan in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race

Money is pouring into both camps because Alaska is one of a few states that will decide which party controls the Senate. The Sullivan campaign has more cash on hand.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Want to know more about the “other” Dan Sullivan? The one the GOP says is trying to defraud voters? Read on. By the great Becky Bohrer/AP alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

To the GOP, he's a sham candidate. At home, he’s Mr. Sullivan, ex-teacher and Alaska Senate hopeful

The current Alaska senator and his GOP allies have accused the challenger Sullivan of working with Democrats to confuse and mislead voters. He denies the allegation. Many Petersburg residents say they...

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Wasilla diesel mechanic gets Trump pardon for violation of the Clean Air Act www.nytimes.com/2026/07/03/u... via @NYTimes

Trump Pardons Violators of the Clean Air Act and a Major Donor

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Alaska is a dud at the Great American State Fair alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Alaska is a dud at the Great American State Fair

Visitors hoping to get a feel for Alaska’s greatness left disappointed. The governor's office did not respond to questions about it.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Alaska Division of Elections has posted a sample ballot sure to be contested. Challenger Dan Sullivan is stripped of party affiliation. His attorney argued yesterday: "There's no authority for the proposition that, in order to avoid confusion, the director can change the party affiliation." Also..

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Alaska Supreme Court orders a spot on the ballot for 2nd Dan Sullivan alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Alaska Supreme Court orders a spot on the ballot for 2nd Dan Sullivan

The justices ruled that the Division of Elections can’t boot Petersburg Dan Sullivan from the primary election ballot. He is challenging U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Alaska justices sound skeptical of Division of Elections' 'extreme remedy' in case of 2 Dan Sullivans. Following GOP complaints, the Div booted the challenger from the ballot, saying he aims to confuse. Both Dan J. & Sen. Dan S. Sullivan identify as Republican. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Alaska justices sound skeptical of 'extreme remedy' in case of 2 Dan Sullivans

The Alaska Supreme Court is considering the Division of Elections' decision to boot Petersburg Dan Sullivan from the ballot. He seeks to challenge U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan.

Reposted by Liz Ruskin

Gavel Alaska @gavelalaska.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

The Alaska Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that will decide if the Alaska Division of Elections has the authority to remove Petersburg resident Dan J. Sullivan from the U.S. Senate race. Gavel Alaska will have this hearing live on TV and online.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Judge puts 2nd Dan Sullivan back on ballot in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, as a challenger to Sen. Dan Sullivan. Case is fast-tracked to state Supreme Court. Justices are expected to rule by early next week. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Judge puts 2nd Dan Sullivan back on ballot in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race

The Division of Election disqualified Dan Sullivan of Petersburg after deciding his challenge was an attempt to confuse voters. A state judge says that was wrong.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Alaska Elections Div won't try to differentiate the 2 Sullivans on the ballot bc it sees the challenge as trickery. “Where confusion is the goal ... we don't believe the division is under an obligation to try & mitigate it or accommodate it,” the agency atty says. alaskapublic.org/news/2026-06...

alaskapublic.org

State could differentiate 2 Dan Sullivans on the ballot but doesn't have to, its attorney says

Dan J. Sullivan is trying to get back in the U.S. Senate race after the Alaska Division of Elections disqualified him. A judge says he’ll rule Friday.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Trump lashes out at Sen. Murkowski and 4 other Republicans at fiery luncheon. They'd helped Democrats pass a resolution to end hositlities with Iran. Hours later, 2 relented. Murkowski says Trump has been tossing bombs, derailing his own priorities. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Trump lashes out at Murkowski and other Republicans at fiery luncheon

The president was angry four Republicans voted to tell him to halt hostilities against Iran. Hours later, two relented and the Senate reversed course. Murkowski, though, held fast.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Sen. Murkowski is 1 of 4 Rs who voted to restrain Trump’s war powers. She says the war seems to have left the U.S. no better off — and Iran no worse off. “The difference … is a lot of money has been spent. Some lives have been lost,” she said alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

With Murkowski's help, Senate votes to restrain Trump’s power to wage war on Iran

Congress tells Trump he can’t restart hostilities with Iran unless he has congressional approval. Sen. Sullivan and Rep. Begich voted no on the resolution.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Alaska kicks 2nd Dan Sullivan off ballot but argued in 2024 it didn’t have that power. “It appears that the inconsistency might have a partisan motivation behind it,” Rep. Gray says alaskapublic.org/news/2026-06...

alaskapublic.org

State’s refusal to put Petersburg Sullivan on ballot ‘likely not legally justified,’ attorney says

The Division of Elections can’t add “good faith” to the Constitution’s list of U.S. Senate candidate qualifications, the Legislature’s legal advisor says.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Petersburg Dan Sullivan says he's considering his next move, now that Alaska LtGov Dahlstrom issued her final determination that he can't run against Sen. Dan Sullivan alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Alaska Elections Division makes it official, says Dan J. Sullivan can’t run against Sen. Dan S. Sullivan

The challenger says he’s considering his options but time is short. Ballots are printed June 28.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Alaska Division of Elections on verge of ‘extreme remedy’ to keep non-incumbent Dan Sullivan off the U.S. Senate ballot alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Alaska Division of Elections intends to strike U.S. Senate challenger Dan Sullivan from the ballot

“Some number of voters ... will attempt to vote for Sen. Sullivan and will fail because of this trick,” says one elections expert, who still calls the state's move "extreme."

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Alaska opens investigation into 2nd Dan Sullivan’s U.S. Senate run. Story has link to a heavy letter the Lt Gov sent the challenger. It twice mentions "perjury" -- that he may've committed, and could commit in the future if he answers her qs untruthfully. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

State of Alaska opens investigation into second Dan Sullivan’s U.S. Senate run

In a letter to Petersburg Sullivan Monday afternoon, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, a Republican, alleged the state received “credible allegations” that he did not file in good faith.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Alaskan Dan Sullivan says his challenge of Sen. Dan Sullivan is no scam. He cites increasing frustration with what he sees as Sen. Sullivan’s avoidance of constituents. His final straw was Sullivan’s silence on Trump’s proposed $1.776B compensation fund alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

It’s no joke: A second Dan Sullivan says he really does want to be Alaska’s next senator

Both Sullivans are running as Republicans, but the Alaska Republican Party and its allies allege the challenger is exploiting his name to intentionally confuse voters.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

He was silent for weeks on Trump’s ballroom and compensation fund, but Sen. Dan Sullivan voted against them Thursday. He voted with Democrats on amendments that, as expected, failed. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Sullivan votes against Trump’s ballroom and compensation fund

Sen. Dan Sullivan did not previously stake a position on either project. He voted with Democrats Thursday on amendments that, as expected, failed.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Alaskans seeking Sen. Sullivan or Rep. Begich stance on Trump’s compensation fund get silence alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Alaskans seeking Sen. Sullivan, Rep. Begich stance on Trump compensation fund get silence

The two haven’t answered questions about the Justice Department “anti-weaponization” fund. It frustrated Kodiak constituents who wanted to raise it at a meet-and-greet.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Oil industry has an idea to speed permitting on western Arctic leases. BLM likes it. If adopted, the new rule would require BLM to grant permits for a production site in NPR-A, as long as it's like a pre-approved version. Critics say its a "cookie-cutter" approach alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Oil industry has an idea to speed permitting on western Arctic leases. BLM likes it.

Rather than study each proposal in the NPR-A, the industry wants the feds to study one and grant permits for all similar proposals. Foes deride the “cookie-cutter” approach.

Reposted by Liz Ruskin

David Benedict @eggsbened.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

There are days when I miss being an editor. I loved writing headlines. Whoever did this, I hope they took the rest of the day off.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Hey Alaskans, genuine q here: Anybody hear Sen. Sullivan's opinion re: the $1.8 billion lawfare compensation fund? I've asked his office. No response. Wondering if a constituent may have sent a POM and received a response on it. Or heard him speak of it at an event. If so, please share.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Trump wants a more loyal Senate. Sen. Lisa Murkowski says he’s sabotaging that. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Trump wants a more loyal Senate. Murkowski says he’s sabotaging that.

Striving to oust two Republican senators, Trump has liberated them to vote against his bills, Sen. Lisa Murkowski says.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Is that Richard Gere in that Senate elevator? Why, yes it is

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Sen. Lisa Murkowski is open to funding the Iran War even as she's trying to end it. Her stance reflects her frustration that the Trump administration is keeping Congress in the dark as it pursues a war that has already cost nearly $30 billion. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Murkowski votes with Dems to end war — but she’s open to paying for it

Sen. Murkowski is frustrated the Trump administration keeps Congress in the dark about the Iran war. She calls the cost “eye-popping.”

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Democratic group plans to spend $10M on TV ads in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Democratic group plans to spend $10M on TV ads in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race

Senate Majority PAC is reserving a lot of air time in Alaska, to target Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and boost Democrat Mary Peltola’s candidacy.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Sen. Lisa Murkowski says it’s time for Congress to assert itself on the Iran war. It was a day of divergence for Alaska’s senators. Dan Sullivan faced Sec. Hegseth and raised no concerns about the war or the Trump admin pursuing it without Congress alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Murkowski asserts Congress's role in war, diverging from her Alaska colleague

Sen. Lisa Murkowski's legislation might come as soon as next week and could be the most concrete step yet by a Republican senator to place limits on the Trump administration's war with Iran. Her annou...

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Sure. With a whale ladder I assume. www.nytimes.com/2026/04/24/c...

A New Idea to Save the Climate? Dam the Bering Strait.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Senators of both parties condemned Trump administration's National Park Service cuts. Sen. Murkowski, among others, also questioned Trump's plan to spend $10B next year on D.C. beautification. Another senator called it a 'slush fund' alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Senators condemn Trump administration's National Park Service cuts and $10B 'slush fund'

The president's budget would cut 3,000 more NPS staffers but add $10 billion for "beautification" in D.C. One senator called it a slush fund for presidential vanity projects.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Oh sure blame Alaska www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2026...

washingtonpost.com

Some states will go from record heat to a freeze — thanks to Alaska

Nearly 100 million people across the United States can expect freezing temperatures into next week, with a chance for snow flurries for some.

Liz Ruskin @lizruskin.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Two new icebreakers will be homeported in Alaska. Somewhere. The Coast Guard hasn't decided where. In the meantime, the announcement adds a feather to Sen. Dan Sullivan's cap as he runs for a third term. alaskapublic.org/news/politic...

alaskapublic.org

Coast Guard says two new icebreakers will be homeported somewhere in Alaska

Which ports is yet to be decided, but the announcement adds a feather to the cap of Sen. Sullivan as he runs for reelection.