Alaska judge to decide Miller suit by Friday

Tea Party-backed Republican Joe Miller could know his fate by the end of the week. 

A state judge in Alaska heard arguments Wednesday in Miller's legal challenge to the legitimacy of thousands of write-in ballots counted for Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). 

The judge said he will make a decision in the case by Friday. 

Murkowski was declared the winner last month and her attorneys, along with lawyers for the state, have argued the lawsuit should be expedited citing concerns that a drawn out legal battle could result in the state being without full representation in Congress come January. 

Murkowsi currently holds a lead of more than 10,000 votes, but if a judge rules in Miller's favor, some 8,000 write-in votes could be thrown out and the race might head to a recount.