Palin is the spoiler in this election, taking away first-preference votes from Begich until Begich is eliminated, and then losing to Peltola. If Palin had stra

Palin is the spoiler in this election, taking away first-preference votes from Begich until Begich is eliminated, and then losing to Peltola. If Palin had strategically dropped out, or if Palin voters had dishonestly voted for the "lesser of two evils", then the outcome would have been better from their perspective.