After hearing news stories that Sen. Lisa Murkowski received campaign contributions from Betsy DeVos, I decided to head down to one of her Alaska offices to ask about this in person. Since I am in Anchorage this week for a conference, I visited her offices on L Street (6th floor for anyone interested).
My question to her staff: “What is Senator Murkowski’s official response to the frustration that the public has about her receiving campaign contributions from Betsy Devos?” Staffer’s response: “That has absolutely nothing to do Senator Murkowski’s decisions. It would be unethical if it did. Senator Murkowski wasn’t aware that Betsy Devos donated to her campaign until a reporter told her. Senator Murkowski doesn’t keep track of who donated or anything like that. So it’s absolutely, it’s a mute point. She may have donated but Senator Murkowski is not going to take that into consideration whatsoever.” Me: “And so she’s not concerned that that’s going to influence anything, one way or the other?” Staffer: “She is not concerned, because she trusts herself ethically.”
Providing financial contribution to Senator Murkowski’s campaign shows a lack of ethical consideration on the part of Devos. Betsy Devos thinks she can pay-to-play in our federal politics. But the futures of our country’s children are at stake. Senator Murkowski, please vote NO on the Devos confirmation.
Elizabeth C. Figus
Juneau
