Alaska's guv-elect, Frank Murkowski, is leaning toward selecting his daughter to fill the Senate seat he vacated.

Aside from the nepotism issues, which no one seems to mind (and if Alaskans don't mind, neither do I), the choice may ultimately benefit Dems in 2004.

According to the linked WP article, Lisa Murkowski, a two-term state legislator, is considered a moderate and would probably face a primary challenge from the right. The Dems already have a strong potential candidate in former 2-term guv Tony Knowles. If the Alaska GOP offers up either a wingnut conservative or a bloodied moderate, the state will become a strong pickup opportunity for Dems in '04.