Update 6 - Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski concedes primary race in a humiliating defeat to Sarah Palin

Juneau, Alaska

By Dennis Zaki
With 70 percent of precincts reporting, Sarah Palin, a former Wasilla mayor, won the GOP primary with 51 percent of the vote. Former state legislator John Binkley came in second with 30 percent. Murkowski polled just 19 percent.

Murkowski is one of the least popular governors in the entire United States. He began his term by appointing his daughter, Lisa Murkowski, to the Senate -- a move that did not sit well with the party political establishment. Then Murkowski got into a high-profile fight with the state legislature (and the federal government) over his plan to purchase a private jet on the state's dime. The more Alaskans got to see of Murkowski the less they liked him.

Critics have questioned Murkowski's leadership skills, his endless ethical lapses, and his secret pipeline proposal with the three largest oil companies in Alaska behind the backs of state legislators.

It is expected that Murkowski will retire when his term is up in November.

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Ken Mehlman issued the following statement regarding Sarah Palin's primary election victory for Governor of Alaska:

"Sarah Palin's candidacy is focused on bringing a new level of effectiveness to state government and her results oriented approach will make her an excellent Governor. Sarah's commitment to keeping taxes low and supporting the state's resource and tourism-based economy will benefit Alaskan citizens. Sarah Palin is the candidate for the right type of reform in Alaska and the Republican Party stands firmly behind her nomination for Governor."