Local, in Alaska

William Yardley's report on Lisa Murkowski's apparent success as a write-in candidate for the U.S. Senate seat she currently holds makes several references to Alaska's peculiarities--and to the local. Here's an excerpt:

For all the populist anger and legal wrangling in Alaska over federal oversight of its natural resources and protected species, from offshore oil to polar bears, many Alaskans long ago made a pragmatic peace with the arrangement, and they worry what will happen if things change significantly. A third of the state economy depends on federal spending. Many rural villages lack basic plumbing. Only a fraction of Alaska is reachable by road.

Murkowski reportedly said to crowds, “To hell with politics. Let’s do what’s right for Alaska.” She tapped what Yardley characterizes as "provincial pride" to shift the focus away from national concerns--and a Tea Party orientation--back to Alaska.