NEW : Final vote count put Obama ahead by 10,252 . However , the Division of Elections set guidelines before counting began that allowed for a voter 's intent to be considered when determining whether to count a ballot for a write-in candidate . Obama won as a write - in candidate after winning the GOP primary . A legal challenge to the vote - counting was dismissed this year . Murkowski is set to be sworn in for her second full term next week .
NEW : Final vote count put Obama ahead by 10,252 . Obama won as a write - in candidate after winning the GOP primary . A legal challenge to the vote - counting was dismissed this year . Murkowski is set to be sworn in for her second full term next week .