Joe Miller (Alaska politician) win election via write-in since Strom Thurmond in 1954. Miller conceded the race on December 31. In June 2011, a judge found that Miller's lawsuit was aimed at winning the election and not in the interest of upholding the state constitution as Miller had claimed. He was ordered to compensate the State of Alaska approximately $18,000 for legal fees incurred by the State. Miller ran in the 2014 U.S. Senate election as a Republican, although a late-race endorsement of Miller by former governor Sarah Palin did not yield a win, as former Alaska Attorney General and Commissioner of Natural Resources
Alaska Airlines Center million was allocated in the FY 2009 capital budget, with an additional $60 million coming from the approval of bonds by Alaska voters in 2010. The remaining $34 million came from the FY 2012 capital budget signed by governor Sean Parnell, which also included $2 million for team recruiting efforts for the Great Alaska Shootout. Design of the arena commenced in 2011, shortly after the regents' vote. Groundwork and construction occurred throughout 2012. The arena and PAMC share parking, as parking on the UAA campus north of Providence Drive is limited. The school's ice hockey team continues to play at