Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, is trailing in the Republican primary in Alaska.

Murkowski faces a loss of her seat to Joe Miller, an attorney who has the backing of the Tea Party movement. She said she won't concede until all of the absentee votes are counted.

Murkowski was the first woman to serve as vice chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. She co-sponsored the Tribal Law and Order Act and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, both of which became law this year.

Since joining the Senate, Murkowski has become a strong advocate for law enforcement, health care and other needs in rural Alaska Native villages .She also has defended Alaska Native corporations from attacks on their government contracts.

Get the Story:
Miller's lead slims; Murkowski awaits absentees (The Anchorage Daily News 8/26)
Democratic Party looking to brand Miller as 'dangerous (The Anchorage Daily News 8/26)
Upset likely in Alaska primary (The Washington Post 8/26)