Another good article by Mr. Wohlforth.  I have a different spin.  I think the fix was in for a 51-50 vote with  VP Pence breaking the tie.  Murkowski could pander to Alaska interests by voting no in a rigged vote, knowing all the while her vote would not count. Then hero John McCain stepped up and blew the deal McConnell had brokered.  I'll bet that Murkowski was surprised as anyone when McCain voted no.  It will be interesting to see if all the moderate praise she is earning will have a lasting effect.  I suspect it will soon be business as usual, Koch agenda first, Alaskan's be damned.  36 years of Murkowskis voting for the richest of the rich and against Alaskans best interests and now we are all praising her for finally doing the right thing.  I don't buy it.