JUNEAU -- Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski says it's unlikely her still-disputed race will be certified this week.

Murkowski, who'd been hopeful for certification before Christmas, said Tuesday that the longer it takes for a ruling from the Alaska Supreme Court, the less likely it appears that will happen.

The high court heard arguments Friday on Republican Joe Miller's challenge to the way the state ran the Nov. 2 election.

A federal judge put a hold state certification of the election results in the U.S. Senate race pending resolution of the legal issues Miller raised in the state courts. He has given Miller 48 hours from the time the Supreme Court rules to make his case in a separate federal lawsuit on any outstanding claims, if Miller wishes to do so.

Murkowski has declared victory.