ALASKA SEN. STEVENS FOUND GUILTY IN CORRUPTION CASE
Originally published Monday, October 27, 2008 at 11:54 a.m.
Updated Monday, October 27, 2008 at 3:57 p.m.
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WASHINGTON — Ted Stevens, a pillar of the Senate for 40 years and the face of Alaska politics almost since statehood, was convicted of a seven-felony string of corruption charges Monday — found guilty of accepting a bonanza of home renovations and fancy trimmings from an oil executive and then lying about it.
Unbowed, even defiant, Stevens accused prosecutors of blatant misconduct and said, “I will fight this unjust verdict with every ounce of energy I have.”
The senator, 84 and already facing a challenging re-election contest next Tuesday, said he would stay in the race against Democrat Mark Begich. Though the convictions are a significant blow for the Senate’s longest-serving Republican, they do not disqualify him, and Stevens is still hugely popular in his home state.
The jury — itself a daily drama, trying to expel one of its own members — convicted Stevens of all the felony charges he faced, accusations based heavily on the testimony of a wealthy oil contractor who for years had been a fishing and drinking buddy.
Visibly shaken after the verdicts were read — the jury foreman declaring “guilty” seven times — Stevens tried to intertwine his fingers but quickly put his hands down to his side after noticing they were trembling. As he left the courtroom, he got a quick kiss on the cheek from his wife, Catherine, who testified on his behalf during the trial.
Stevens faces up to five years in prison on each count when he is sentenced, but under federal guidelines he is likely to receive much less time, if any. The judge did not immediately set a sentencing date.
The monthlong trial revealed that employees for VECO Corp., an oil services company, transformed Stevens’ modest Alaska mountain cabin into a modern, two-story home with wraparound porches, a sauna and a wine cellar.
Stevens said he had no idea he was getting freebies. He said his wife handled the business of the renovation. He said he paid $160,000 for the project and believed that covered everything.
As his attorneys had during the trial, Stevens said in a statement issued afterward that prosecutors had improperly held back favorable evidence, had sent a crucial witness back to Alaska and “allowed evidence to be introduced that they knew was false.”
“I am innocent,” he declared. “I ask that Alaskans and my Senate colleagues stand with me as I pursue my rights.” Addressing the folks back home, he added, “I will come home Wednesday and ask for your vote.”
He had asked for an unusually speedy trial, hoping he’d be exonerated in time to win re-election. Despite being a convicted felon, he is not required to drop out of the race or resign from the Senate. If he wins re-election, he can continue to hold his seat because there is no rule barring felons from serving in Congress. The Senate could vote to expel him on a two-thirds vote.
“Put this down: That will never happen — ever, OK?” Stevens said in the weeks leading up to his trial. “I am not stepping down. I’m going to run through, and I’m going to win this election.”
Taking nothing for granted, Begich said merely, “This past year has been a difficult time for Alaskans, but our people are strong and resilient and I believe that we will be able to move forward together to address the critical challenges that face Alaska.”
Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, said, “The verdict shines a light on the corrupting influence of the big oil service company that was allowed to control too much of our state. It was part of the culture of corruption I was elected to fight. And that fight must always move forward regardless of party or seniority or even past service.”
“I’m confident Senator Stevens will do what’s right for the people of Alaska.”
Carl Shepro, a professor of political science at the University of Alaska in Anchorage, said, “It’s very possible that he’s going to win the election.”
Many Alaskans believe Stevens is being unjustly attacked, and that the charges against him don’t amount to real corruption, Shepro said.
Democrats, hoping to pick up a long-sought Republican seat, have invested heavily in the race, running television advertisements starring fictional FBI agents and featuring excerpts from wiretaps introduced at the trial.
Stevens’ conviction hinged on the testimony of Bill Allen, the senator’s longtime friend and the founder of VECO. He testified he never billed Stevens for the work on the house and the senator knew he was getting a special deal.
Stevens spent three days on the witness stand, vehemently denying that allegation. He said his wife paid every bill they received.
Living in Washington, thousands of miles away, made it impossible to monitor the project every day, he said. Stevens relied on Allen to oversee the renovations, he said, and his friend deceived him by not forwarding all the bills.
Prosecutors used a barrage of witnesses to question how Stevens could have been in the dark about VECO’s work on the project. VECO employees testified to seeing Stevens at the house. One left him a company business card. Stevens sent thank you notes to others.
Stevens’ conviction is the highlight of a lengthy FBI investigation into Alaska corruption, but prosecutors noted that it is not the end. Stevens’ longtime Republican colleague, Rep. Don Young, remains under investigation for his ties to VECO. Stevens’ son, Ben, a former Alaska lawmaker, is also under investigation.
Stevens is a legendary figure in Alaska, where he has wielded political influence since before statehood. His knack for steering billions of dollars in federal money to his home state has drawn praise from his constituents but consternation from others.
Stevens is the fifth senator convicted of criminal charges. The last previous one was Republican David Durenberger of Minnesota, who was indicted in 1993 on charges of conspiring to make fraudulent claims for Senate reimbursement of $3,825 in lodging expenses. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and was sentenced to one year of probation and a $1,000 fine.
The jury left the court without comment.
Said U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan: “The jurors have unanimously told me that no one has any desire to speak to any member of the media. They have asked to go home and they are en route home.”
They had been a story all by themselves after deliberations began last Wednesday.
They complained of stress and violent outbursts in the jury room. They tried to expel one of their members. They asked to go home early. Then one of them said her father had died, and she was allowed to go home to California. Then she couldn’t be reached.
The judge put an alternate on the jury on Monday, and within hours there was a verdict.
Community Discussion
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Stevens = Guilty!
In your face!
yep, ADN reports GUILTY. go figure.
Huh... Wow...
When it rains it pours, right Republicans?
Congratulations, Mark Begich!
What do we rename the airport to?
Save all the snow you can this year...they say people in hell want ice water ...TED CAN MAKE MILLIONS!!!!!!
Sadly I can see a presidential pardon coming his way since he is found completely guilty.
Sad, sad, sad way to end a great career. He will be pardoned before Bush leaves office and then he can join his peers like Liddy and Oliver North as a Fox News commentator.
Sad day for Alaska.
A sad ending to a long and positive career.
The question is, now what will happen? Who will take his place? I bet Queen Palin would like the job.
damn If he looses the election I loose a bottle of scotch.
If he looses the election I loose another corrupt political representive.
Oh what is a confused voter to do. Scotch vs corrupt politicaian.
oh the drama of it all....
Will my neighbors predictably elect a felon or will they suprise me and my check book. Oh please to do tell. How many folks could care less that their politcal representives are crooks? And will vote for them regardless?
Actually suprised he was found guilty for all 7 counts considering how poorly the federal prosecutors presented their case. That said, is Ben next?
There is no justice in this world.
Sadly enough, we will now get Mark Begich. Its too bad that Berkowitz was in the other race.
Of course this was a relatively benign Felony conviction on all charges. And the charges only involved paperwork violations. This shouldn't be a problem for his political career... look at all the good he has done. *rolls eyes*
Maybe he could conduct the business of being a senator from his cell in Oregon? We could set up two way video conferencing and where he normally sat in the senate we could put a flat screen tv. Come on everybody, Alaska owes it to this man to try to make it work! It is only a matter of logistics.. You know there are no rules about being a felon and holding seat in the senate.
That is a foul of the highest order! He is guilty of a felony, yet he can keep his senate seat? Total BS! A person cannot vote as a convicted felon, and cannot be in the military as a convicted felon, but he can hold a Senate seat and make decisions as a convicted felon!?!?
As for the democrat gloaters;
isn't it sad that all you see is a "win" for democrats instead of what this really is? This is blatent crap that a Senator can break the law and not be held to the same standard as the voters who vote him in!That is a loss for Alaskan citizens, democrat, republican, and other.
I wouldn't have voted for Mr. Begich before, but now it looks like I need to find a new candidate.
Vote BOB BIRD for senate!
Oddly enough, I now kinda want to vote for him just to see what the senate does when he is elected...
Don Young - your next!
I will vote for Ted over Mark baggage. Jury of his peers in DC, yeah right.
All Ted Stevens followers take my lead and vote for him, he was railroaded.
I wonder if they took him straight from the courtroom to jail like they do with the under class of felons found guilty? Suppose he will get to hang in Girdwood while his appeal is going through?
Vote for Bob Bird over Begich or the felon Stevens.
As a felon, Stevens cannot vote, so how can he legally vote in the Senate?
Yeah, a part of me just also wants Alaska to re-elect him just so we could see the Senate kick him out. Alaska could be in the history books as having the first Senator expelled since the Civil War!
What? Folks are surprised he was found guilty? Heck, I knew he was guilty the minute he opened his mouth. Hasn't been an honest thing out between those lips in decades.
BigDan....instead of voting for a convicted felon why don't you send Unca Ted some money? He might need it in prison to buy some protection when his cellmate, Bubba, starts looking at him longingly. *Grin*
Really, he cannot vote, own a gun, but he can hold his Senate seat?
Maybe I should go trolling through FCC and find us a Senotorial candidate.
So, get this. Convicted felons can't vote, but they can serve in Congress? What the heck?
If Stevens will swear that he'll resign if re-elected, allowing Palin to appoint his replacement...then I'll be willing to re-elect him.
I would bet there's a lot more that we don't know about. In politics, it would be rare for a person of Stevens position and political clout, not to have greased quite a few palms along the way. I think it's just because the FBI finally got the.. gusto, to move in and help us clean house.
I would also say the reason for such a move is due to the energy crisis the country has been experiencing. As a major resource of energy for the country, I'd expect a much tighter reign on corruption in our fair state.
It's a bad decade to be a greedy politician.
That's what he gets for not hiding it in his freezer!
Now he needs to pick which country club (minimum security federal pen.) he goes to. Oregon has 27 holes and better greens, but the food is better in California.
This state is an embarrassment.
Stevens-convicted
Young- Under a few investigations
Palin- found to have abused power, and under other investigations
Papa Murkowski- ousted by the people 2 years ago
Sen. Murkowski- I hope she keeps it clean...
"What do we rename the airport to?"
Jay Hammond Anchorage International Airport
I will vote to for him and let Sarah appoint a Republican replacement.
Looks like the Democrats will have a coupe d'etat if they get full control of congress and the presidency.
There is no need to walk to our own hanging.
I can't see how he can fund the Federal Government by taxing 5% of the population!
Even, if you confiscated every cent they have, or will ever have.
The current Federal budget is around 3 trillion!
serves him right. shame he won't get much jail time. If i stole 250k from alaska i'd be in prison for a long time.
I'd bet a bottle of Scotch that our neighbors and friends with different views still elect him!! Then what will the world think of Alaska? Thee goes telling people your from Alaska, not the U.S.
Sarah Palin Anchorage International Airport
I'd bet a bottle of Scotch that our neighbors and friends with different views still elect him!! Then what will the world think of Alaska? Thee goes telling people you're from Alaska, not the U.S.
MatthewErickson,
I just think it's pretty telling that it took the FBI and a felony conviction to *force* us to clean house. If this hadn't happened Stevens would still be here.
Are we the only state in the country to have an international airport named after a convicted felon?
For all you people who have never lived in Fairbanks before Uncle Ted's earmarks, welcome to the real Alaska. Goodbye Eilson Air Force Base, goodbye non profit's fedreal grants, goodbye school district federal grants. goodbye UAF federal research grants, goodbye federal money for Whitakers day dreams, etc.. It will be a welcome to have Fairbanks return to the way it was, but I don't think most people will be ready for it. How many think Bush will pardon him on the way out of office.
err nevermind my comment. if i did commit 7 felonies though....
Bill Allen was and is a dirtbag.
Lesson is:
Hang out with a dirtbag, and sooner or later you can expect to find yourself thought of as a dirtbag as well.
This is most unfortunate, because we need Ted now more than ever.
Troubles for all Alaskans ensue...
Things are looking up for the new Democrat revolution! If things go well in 11/4 the Dem's will have a filibuster proof Senate. Now for 2010 if we can get just 5 more corrupt republicans convicted we could potentially have a veto proof senate.. WoW! My how the pendulum has swung since the times of the "Reagan revolution" and Gingrich's "contract with America" set us on the road to ruin. The people of this great land are starting to speak! They are saying to the former power brokers and conservative elite, "WE ARE MAD AS HELL AND WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANY LONGER"!! Makes me proud to be an American!!!
What is wrong with just renaming it "Anchorage International Airport" and leave it at that?
Congratulations on your election win Mr. Begich. I just hope that the rest of the republicans can win their races and prevent us from facing a veto proof congress with the most liberal president of our time.
Palin, or any Governor doesn't get to appoint whoever they want anymore. Promise or not.
I heard that Bill Allen and his family will get to keep all their money, regardless of how gained. Anyone know if this is true ?
dobieman - I don't have to send Unca Ted any money as Barak Obama will be taking yours and everyones elses and sharing it with him. He is down and needs a handout from the government.
draconianslacker sez: Palin, or any Governor doesn't get to appoint whoever they want anymore. Promise or not.
Well, f course she can, What has changed since Gov Murky did just that
And 'they' accomplished this full set of felony convictions without ever touching heavily on the Seward Sea Life land deal involving Trevor, and without a closer look at the $1 million (+/-) in 'consulting fees' that ended up in Benny's pockets, following the quasi-monopoly afforded to ADAK Fisheries, and without calling in Mr. Sjoberg to question him as to what specific political leverage Benny was suppoosed to have access to when they gave him all of those (inflated) 'consulting fees' (i.e., access to his daddy, Theodore...)
Alas! So many turns left unstoned. Seems to me that they hit him with the lightest of all possible issues, and left the -real- whammies hanging in the closet.
Will those who're addicted to Davis Bacon wages (resulting from Ted's and Don's ear-marks) vote to re-elect him? Probably. It's a quasi-mercenary world anymore, and we've all gotta' pay MasterCard, right?
Sooooo. the multi-year-long appeal starts... when??
When does Baby Ben get to do the perp walk, or has he been singing in private for the last two years or so? Ted's wife? You know, the one "(responsible) for all that financial stuff,".... "(who) didn't like the stairs," or anything else, but was too polite to say, "Get that junk outa' here!".
Power and cash can have strange effects on persons' integrity; even decent persons. It's a wild world, huh, Ted.
And the multiple investigations re. Begich's ties to Jon Rubini's cash ain't over yet.
"Oh.. What a tangled web we weave when we pwactice to deceive..."
I cant believe all the idiots who post on here. You are not the voice of real Alaskans.
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A guilty ted is better than a pelosi pet..
Real Alaskans don't eat pork...
we prefer muktuk
"I cant believe all the idiots who post on here. You are not the voice of real Alaskans."
Are you talking to the Stevens apologists, or the people who are happy to see a crook get his comeupins?
Mark Begich will be Senator only if he wins the election; I will not vote for Begich. Please note that if Ted is re-elected, it will not be the first time that the people have re-elected a known, convicted felon to office.
If Ted is sentenced to prison (anything more than a fine and community service), I think it's up to the Governor to appoint a replacement for him. With Sean (or Sara - depending on the outcome of the Election on the 4th), want to bet who they will appoint to take his place?
Doug_in_Salcha sez: I think it's up to the Governor to appoint a replacement for him. With Sean (or Sara - depending on the outcome of the Election on the 4th), want to bet who they will appoint to take his place?
Todd Palin?
Ted-I am disappointed in you. For my twenty years here I have greatly appreciated what you have done for the betterment of the state that I love and, when I had a problem with a government agency, for your attempt to help me personally. I kept the letter that you sent me. I have voted for you each time you have come up for reelection and would have this time again even though you are getting a bit long in the tooth because Alaska is at a turning point and we need someone with your experience and pull to continue to make things happen for us. But Ted, I can't excuse this. You have made a great living all these years and could have easily afforded to properly contract your renovations and pay for it with the money you have taken out of my paychecks all these years. Why Ted did you do this? I know that you are smarter than this but you chose to get in bed with thieves and slept with them long enough to become one instead of following the rules. Well Ted, if I can't get away with it, then neither can you. I hope that when you sit on your wraparound porch and cook Mooseburgers on your grill that you will reflect on how you have let us down. I hope it was worth it.
FreeDarfur says:
"For all you people who have never lived in Fairbanks before Uncle Ted's earmarks, welcome to the real Alaska. Goodbye Eilson Air Force Base, goodbye non profit's fedreal grants, goodbye school district federal grants. goodbye UAF federal research grants, goodbye federal money for Whitakers day dreams, etc.. It will be a welcome to have Fairbanks return to the way it was, but I don't think most people will be ready for it. How many think Bush will pardon him on the way out of office."
I lived in Fairbanks since 55 and I can tell you that you are wrong on most of what you say, probably all of it. If McCain were elected he would veto most of what you list anyway as "wasteful" including the UAF research grants regardless of Ted being there in the senate as a member of the minority. His days were through as a power broker before today's verdict. As for the military, I hope to see it restructured so as to have less of an offensive posture around the world and more of a defensive one here. This means closing some bases in other countries and instead of closing bases here in the states, put them to good use having a smaller military but a well funded military for the defense of our land and not used by a overzealous president to engage in "preemptive strikes" around the world. I think having someone new who is in the majority in the senate will serve Alaska better then a corrupt old one, tainted with bridges to nowhere. If we ever got any serious good out of Stevens is for another argument, but now is now and he is through, done, period! RIP.
Alaska, where ethics are optional.
"Congratulations on your election win Mr. Begich. I just hope that the rest of the republicans can win their races and prevent us from facing a veto proof congress with the most liberal president of our time."
Fairbanksgas. Right now it is predicted by the polls that there could be a 59 or 60% majority for the Dems in the Senate. It will take another 5 GOP's to drop before the Dems get a veto proof majority.. 65% Filibuster proof is 60% That is provided everything goes well for the Dem's on the 4th. Veto proofing the Senate isn't that valuable anyway with a Dem at the presidential helm. Filibuster proofing is however.
Earth to citizens: after the Murkowski fiasco, it was changed so that the GOVERNOR NO LONGER CAN APPOINT A SENATE REPLACEMENT. Hello? Remember ballot measure 4?
Does this mean they're going to rename the Anchorage airport? The ultimate humiliation to Stevens would be to rename the airport in honor of Mark Begich's father.
Being found guilty with his past and his standings he will most likely receive a slap on the hand.
Once a felon is off probation they can vote and depending on the crime even join the military.
Why did it take the FBI to clean this up? Where was the state Attorney General & the State Troopers?
Stevens was hiding in Washington, remember?
OK The ConvicTED STEVENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Fred,
Simple. Jurisdiction. Alaska has no jurisdiction over a federal crime (lying on Senate disclosure forms). Why are you complaining when things were done appropriately?
I believe they changed the law after Murkowski appointed his daughter to the Senate.
Now they have to hold a special election, instead of the Gov'r appointing whomever she sees fit.
BigDan....I'm so very sorry (well, actually, I'm not) that your idol, Unca Teddy, has finally been proven to be what we Alaskans have long known him to be....a liitle runt of a crook. He thought because he had a lot of time in and had spent a lot of taxpayer's money up here that somehow he was above the law. Well, he got his comeuppance, finally, and a more humiliating way to end his career I cannot think of, I must admit.
Question is, now, do Alaskans reward his felonious ways essentially saying, "As long as you bring the money home you can do whatever you want, Teddy" as you would seem to suggest, or do we actually act in a mature and halfway sensible fashion and say, "Thanks for all you did, but you broke the law, you are an attorney and a Congressman and have a double duty to uphold it therefore, and you deserve the severest condemnation."? Sadly, there are going to be a few people out there who, like yourself, see only dollar signs, and would vote for him despite his convictions. Hopefully, there will be more who will see it is time for a change.
(BTW, I'm sad to say that fred is probably correct. As I understand the process, the governor can appoint whomever she wants to fill a Congressional vacancy between elections. If she gets to do so I am betting it will be some AIP'er, Palin being closet AIP.)
pragmatist, you're correct, he was charged with a federal crime so the feds do the prosecution. But you don't think any state laws were broken here?
Well, after a stellar career, it has come to this. My sympathies Uncle Ted, thank you for what you did, but dang, you got caught in something stupid. You have lost your power before today, and would have just been another figurehead after the 4th. I feel bad that you will spend your last years as a disgraced Senator, but enjoy your house that Bill fixed for ya.
This is a prime reason why naming public facilities after sitting public officials is totally inappropriate. The Anchorage airport is not the only public facility named after Ted. The NOAA lab in Juneau is also named after him. Naming airports after officials gives them a clear advantage over their opponents in elections from name recognition alone, plus give them a swelled up head and a feeling that they can do no wrong. Lets name our airports after dead people next time, okay?
The Governor can only appoint a replacement temporarily, until a special election is held. The rules have changed since the Murkowski incident.
You wanna' know the really sad news?? I now owe Ray Metcalfe yet -another- decent quality pizza!! And they're not getting any cheaper, boys and girls! :^(
Fred,
Might be able to stretch an ethics conviction, as a representative of Alaska. Much harder to prove than falsifying government documents though.
So does this mean we'll be flying into the Jay Hammond International Airport soon? Jay was a bush pilot, so there's an aviation connection.
Pragmatist, the governor cannot appoint anyone to the seat, temporarily or otherwise. The seat would remain VACANT until a special election. .This assuming (a long shot) that he beats Begich.
VOTE FOR MARK BEGICH NEXT TUESDAY!!!
ballot measure 4 from 2004 approved by 55% of voters sez: This measure would repeal state law that allows the Governor to appoint a person to temporarily fill a vacant seat in the United States Senate until an election can be held and certified. Under this measure a vacated seat would remain vacant for three to five months, leaving Alaska without full representation in the Senate. Other provisions are identical to existing law and those parts of the law remain unchanged. Current law requires that a senate vacancy be filled by special election, or regular election if the vacancy occurs less than 60 days before the primary election for that seat
so it look like just an election, no appointment. sorry, guess I was trying to scheme a way for republicans to win
Stevens should resign his seat; and Parnell should be allowed to be the write-in Republican candidate on November 4th! I'm glad they found this old coot guilty, its a good day for Alaska:)
Ironical enough, Ted Stevens was appointed to the Senate by Republican Gov Hickel to replaced deceased Democrat senator Bob Bartlett until a special election where he won the right to finish Bartlett's term. The law should have been changed then as I don't see it as being any Republican governors business to replace a deceased Democrat Senator with a Republican one. What an insult to the voters who put Bartlett into office. It took a while, but after 40 years the chickens have come home to roost and Ted is going to jail.
i've got an idea, how about ted continues to serve after being convicted, ,, same as bill clinton continued to serve after being IMPEACHED !!
Bill wasn't convicted, he was just impeached which is the same as indictment except in political terms. Stevens however was convicted.
"Stevens should resign his seat; and Parnell should be allowed to be the write-in Republican candidate on November 4th!"
So then following this scenario, Palin McCain wins, Parnell wins the senate, Parnell nominates Todd to finish Sarah's term as Gov. God it gets so confusing this Alaskan style democracy stuff. I for one want want Palin to be back in Wasilla and not parading around the country acting like a fool. Things are embarrassing enough these days for Alaska!
yaaaaaaaaaaaa begich!
Vote Begich? While there's at least two on-going investigations into his ties to, and favors for, Ted's former business partner, Jon Rubini?
Yeah, 'cause we want 'change,' right??
Nope; no Begich, and no Stevens on my ballot this year.
I want folks who don't use their positions to guarantee their friends (or even appear to guarantee their friends) a free ride on the public's dime, whether they be R's -or- D's.
No more 'gray candidates.' No more 'lesser of two weasels.'
My favorite author and humorist, Mark Twain, said something I think as very appropriate to the moment (I was reminded of this recently): "Suppose you are an idiot, and suppose you are a member of Congress, but I repeat myself....".
Ted Stevens....R.I.P. (Residing In Prison)....
Vote Bob Bird - STILL the most conservative in the race. Not in any one's pocket, either.
On the 5th of November we will all be a lot smarter, and the way things are shaping up well on the road to being a lot more socialist with the taxes as high as they are today we can barely afford the entitlements of the mid 60's Johnson regime that was nothing more than an expansion of the Roosevelt plan. It is truly unfortunate we can’t keep the idiots out of office long enough to clear up their mess. I fear that my children won’t be able live a life without putting their children to work just to pay the mortgage. Note: the same argument that my grandfather used about his son and having to put his wife to work. please vote republican across the board for the sake of our children we can’t afford to be any more socialist than we already are especially with inflation doing what it has and no opportunity to make more than 250K per year with out having the ^%#$! taxed out of you as per the Obamanible plan!!!!!!!
GO TED ALASKA STILL NEEDS YOU!!!
What does happen to Angry,Old, Corrupt Senators when they go to jail with young,angry crimials? Just wondering!
Do you honestly think Stevens will spend one day of jail time? He has way too many high-profile buddies.
Seems pretty clear that Bob Bird is the choice for conservatives this time around.
This is a sad day for Senator Stevens, and a sad day for Alaska. I wish that Senator Stevens could have retired, and that this could have happened in a much more respectful way - but pride and arrogance prevented that. Hopefully, Senator Stevens resigns immediately, and stops pushing this any further.
In my opinion, the only thing that would be more sad would be for Alaska to re-elect him - and, indeed, to re-elect Don Young. At least with Frank Murkowski, we were able to send a message that such behavior and attitudes aren't acceptable (at least not any more, if they ever were). The shot across the bow that was Governor Murkowski's third place primary showing apparently didn't register with some of his Washington colleagues (with the notable exception of Lisa Murkowski!) But instead of grooming someone to move into their shoes, they seemed to consider that their positions were their's by right.
An era is over. This election is not about the past, esp. not now - it is about the future. Consider that when you choose who you will cast your vote for.
opsamk.. same difference, IMPEACHED or convicted.. both guilty.. i do think ted will have the decency to resign after being convicted, rather than the total disrespect bill clinton showed this country , after being IMPEACHED , and continuing to ( serve.. ? )
My prediction - Prisoner 20081027 (aka Ted Stevens) will still run and hope to win. Then the Senate will kick him out and the Governor will appoint the new Alaska Senator. And guess who she will appoint - herself.
The road to the White House (2012) begins on November 5. God help us all.
No convicted Senator has been pardoned. Now, Bush might commute his sentence so he does not have to serve time in jail.
Nope, doesn't look like Stevens is going to go quietly away. Looks like he really wants to get rid of any sort of remaining dignity he has. He's currently on CNN saying he's not resigning and he's still up for re-election.
I really don't get it. He has to know that *even* if he gets re-elected which as much of a longshot as that is, is still possible here... He has to know that the rest of the Senate is going to vote to expell him.
Do you honestly think that the rest of the Senate is as insane as a lot of the posters on here? You couldn't get a job as a convicted felon at the local Wal-Mart, let alone the US Senate.
His career in the Senate is over, no matter what happens on Nov. 4th.
"i do think ted will have the decency to resign after being convicted"
Nope
Not one Republican in Alaska deserves to be elected until they clean their State Party of the Corruption.
It is time for Lisa Murkowski and Don Young to go too. She for accepting nepotism and Don -well $1M can't be spent to protect an honest man.
Who is next? Ben Stevens? Sarah Palin? and why would anyone who is a new, fresh faced Republican candidate choose to run with Randy Ruderich as their leader. They are tarred and tainted with the same brush of corruption! Clean House. Clean Senate, and Clean Government!
Does this mean he has to give the grill back?,Damn, that seems a little rough!
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Let's keep this in perspective. Ted is guilty of not reporting gifts. I haven't heard of any legislation that he was persuaded to cast a vote in favor of VECO because Bill Allen renovated his home.
...and these charges sound ridiculous! honestly, read count 4!!! he gets up to 5 years for receiving a sled dog puppy? are you kidding me??!!
FROM NEW YORK TIMES -
The Senate patriarch can be a nasty and arrogant human being who seems to get his jollies treating people with disdain.
Which may help explain why the District of Columbia jury reached the conclusion that the man deserved to be punished.
Whether he knew it -- or was too obtuse to get it -- the courtroom's optics worked against him. It's one thing to kick around Senate witnesses and staff. (I was a Senate staffer in the 1970s and saw Stevens snarl and go off on people with little reason.) But talking down to a federal prosecutor during his cross examination as if she were a dummy -- as Stevens reportedly did -- was virtually a gold-plated invitation for jurors to decide to put him in his place, provided the evidence also supported such a decision.
Stevens, despite his years of service to the nation, failed to realize that he wasn't up on a Senate dais looking down at browbeaten witnesses or back home surrounded by Alaskan cronies and sycophants; that, instead, he was in a city that has long experience with politicians who become high and mighty, who start to think they're above the law, and who begin to regard gifts and tangible expressions of affection as entitlements.
The pol who has the unmitigated gall to become ill-tempered and overbearing when confronted with his misdeeds gets his comeuppance, and more. Stevens should have had enough sense to stay off the docket. But then again, what can you tell a know-it-all.
((TOO BAD SOMEONE DID NOT TELL TED TO COOL IT - BUT WHO CAN TELL TED WHAT TO DO?))
"I wonder if they took him straight from the courtroom to jail like they do with the under class of felons found guilty? Suppose he will get to hang in Girdwood while his appeal is going through?"
**THOSE GUYS IN DARK SUITS WERE U.S. MARSHALS ESCORTING TED TO POST HIS BAIL - THE AP STORY SAID HE GAVE HIS WIFE A KISS AS HE LEFT THE COURTROOM.**
Valkyrie, The difference between the U.S. Senate and Walmart is that Walmart, while not offering decent health (or other) benefits, and treating their employees more or less like garbage, at least has -some- standards. In re. to the U.S. Senate, that remains to be seen.. Though the Senate admittedly has better health benefits and retirements... And theft, graft, and corruption in general are more tolerated in the Senate. ;^>)
Another thought... since Colin Powell was Steven's character witness should we assume he is a bad judge of character???
Sounds like time finally caught up with Ted.
Now there's only 199 more corrupt Senators on the hill to try and sentence.
A perfect example of why we need term limits for senators and congressmen.
dalejrbudride- Stevens already made his statement saying he would not drop out of the race or do the right thing for Alaska by resigning.
I doubt if today's verdict put Don Young into a serene state of mind.
Dog
use_your_head, there are only 100 Senators. 2 per state. Use your head.
Based on the evidenct at trial, especially Bill Allens own testimony, and the several prosecutorial reprimands issued by the judge, I can't believe any free thinking jury reached the conclusion of guilty. I won't be surprised if the judge throws out the verdict, or at the very least just sentences him to probation.
If Ted had any respect for his constituents he'd resign instead of continuing to drag the state through the mud...
What a sad, sad situation. Time to pack it in, Ted.
The only thing we want him to do is: GO TO PRISON
Roby said: There is no justice in this world.
----------------------
You'll get over it.
"Now there's only 199 more corrupt Senators on the hill to try and sentence."
Actually, each state has two, so there are 99 left. But who is counting?
I like all these ideas for the new airport. Maybe a contest is in order? I have always felt that, like postage stamps, it's best to wait til someone passes on before naming something like an airport in a person's honor. Wait to the end to see if they are a total screw up or not. Still, though I am contradicting what I just said, here's my submission: Barack Hussein Obama International Airport. Has a nice ring to it, dontcha think?
"vote for Ted & let Sarah appoint his replacement" sounds a lot better than putting Baggage in & letting Pelosi run him.
Vote for Ted & let Sara appoint his replacement before she moves to D.C. That's the ticket!
How about 'Disco International'?
That way, if Ray takes a bad turn, we could still claim that it's a shrine to the 80s and Johnny Travolta.. ;^>)
Or not..
This conviction leaves Alaskan with not much choice in the election. My new proposal is that we elect Stevens, with the understanding he will then resign. We can then re-run this election to choose his replacement & each party gets to put forward a viable candidate. Hard to see the Dems liking that, but for the rest of Alaskans it would be the fair thing.
"Vote for Ted & let Sara appoint his replacement before she moves to D.C. That's the ticket!"
Could Sarah do that? I think in keeping with traditional Alaskan politics and nepotism I would think our governor would appoint a family member. In Murky's case it was his daughter. Maybe Sarah will appoint Bristol or Piper to replace "Terrible Ted".
Maybe the Justice Department can go after Ben Stevens next, and he and his Dad can share a cell.
I get a real charge out of you guys who are defending Ted because he didn't do all that much wrong (in your eyes). 7 Counts, a quarter million dollars in gifts! You guys don't find that excessive? Just remember this, it costs big bucks to bring down a big fish like Ted and they go with the case that they can bring on him and can make stick with the least time and associated costs. It is ignorant to think that there wasn't more, or this was all the FED could get on him. This was all that was needed. What else was out there we can only speculate but rest assured, Ted didn't get the shaft on this. He just got too powerful for his own good. I hope the chow is good at Club Fed.. After all he did bring home a super tanker full of bacon.
I wonder if he wore his Green Hulk tie in the courtroom?
yep, 99 more senators. wrong button pushed. looked it up, thanks.
Tis a sad day for Alaska to be sure. It's a good lesson to everyone, watch who you call your friend. Bill Allen was a wheeling dealing hustler with the oil companies and conned his way right into Ted's golden pie. Ted never should have associated with him. Bill set Ted up well for prosecution. Nice guy.
The Good Ole Boy political party is nearly gone.
EVERYBODY: (Well, a lot of you, anyway) Get it through your heads. We passed a resolution after Frank anointed Lisa that bars governors from appointing senators. That is state law. Neither Sarah nor Sean can appoint a replacement if Ted wins. If the senate expels him at that point, we have to hold an election. Note that Fred, who initially brought this topic up, posted his own correction to this question at 2:08. He cited the ballot measure.
(Thank you, Fred, for clarifying this.)
***********************************
jp offroader writes: "A person cannot vote as a convicted felon, and cannot be in the military as a convicted felon, but he can hold a Senate seat and make decisions as a convicted felon!?!?"
Hey, if felons couldn't vote in Congress, there'd be no Congress.
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draconianslayer writes:
"This state is an embarrassment.
Stevens-convicted
Young- Under a few investigations
Palin- found to have abused power, and under other investigations
Papa Murkowski- ousted by the people 2 years ago
Sen. Murkowski- I hope she keeps it clean..."
Let's not forget that a significant portion of our legislature is behind bars as well.
***********************************
akbearable writes: "If things go well in 11/4 the Dem's will have a filibuster proof Senate. "
Sorry, ak, but I would never want either party to have this advantage.
***********************************
dalejrbudride writes: "same difference, IMPEACHED or convicted.. both guilty"
Sorry, dude, but the House impeaches and the Senate convicts. From a legal standpoint, there's a big difference. He may have been guilty (this, of course, depends on your definition of "may have been"), but Clinton was never convicted.
***********************************
use_your_head writes: "Now there's only 199 more corrupt Senators on the hill to try and sentence."
Hm, fifty states times two senators each makes...199? Sounds like congressional budget math: "Really, the numbers are there!"
**********************************
As for Ted Stevens International Airport, let's just change the first name to Ben. Then we'll get to see the name changed again in a couple of years.
CNN Lou Dobbs about 5:10pm Monday 10/27/2008 on CNN announced the Democrats are counting on replacing Stevens!
If they do, they will have full control of the Senate with veto and/ or filibuster proof majorities. They all ready control the House.
With absolute control of Congress and the Presidency their socialist coupe d'etat is guaranteed.
The terrorists can't win on the battle field.
However, with a Federal coupe d'etat (full control of Congress and the White House) the Democrats will deliver the help they have been promising the terrorists for years -- in one word SURRENDER!
It looks like Alaska's choice for Senator may alter a 200 year course of American History.
Voting for Senator Stevens can derail their plan.
After the election he can resign, and Sarah can appoint Parnell -- who did very good in the Republican primary election.
what will happen to the airport now? as far as the verdict i suspected as much. it is a sad ending to such a long political career
"Bill Allen was a wheeling dealing hustler with the oil companies and conned his way right into Ted's golden pie. Ted never should have associated with him."
Dove you have a flare for understatement. Bill Allen was and is SCUM of the earth! There isn't a jail cell around nasty enough for him as far as I am concerned. But being head of Veco, and the Anchorage Times I suppose Republicans were drawn to him like flies on crap. He sure took a lot of his good buddies with him! What total SLIME!
These have got to be heavy heavy times for the Republican faithful who for decades voted these corrupt sons of bitches back again and again, always voting their pocketbook first and foremost.
I think Sen.Mike Gravel advocates TERM LIMITS too..
http://ni4d.us/en/node/326
I used to watch C-span a lot, but it was like watching a failed paint-job dry knowing you'll have to sandblast it all off again then try repainting for the 100th time.
With the advent of the internet we all have the opportunity to push past the old ways, the cult of personality that strangles good leadership, we must seek the advantage of the NEW ELECTRONIC DEMOCRACY where we all can telecommute to Congress and as intelligent citizens play an interactive online real-time role in governance... this is something the founding fathers could only dream of... reading the Constitution with this temporal view shows this Logical-Future expression of technology to be very appropriate for applying the original Constitutional Intent.
Many consider Ben Franklin to be a futurist visionary, and if we asked him he would point to many of his contemporaries as having the touch of insight too.
"If they do, they will have full control of the Senate with veto and/ or filibuster proof majorities. They all ready control the House."
It is highly unlikely they will have a veto proof senate. The Dems will be lucky to have a filibuster proof senate, but the veto proof thing don't matter if Obama gets in there anyway.
Didn't read too many of the comments, but I talked a fair amount on here during the trial. I thought Stevens was innocent of these charges, but must admit I was wrong, and wanted everyone to know that the crow tastes pretty bad right now.
This is a dark, dark day for the state of Alaska. I am saddened.
The Democrats will not have a veto-proof Senate. That would require winning seats that are simply unattainable. The most I can possibly see them getting is 61 or 62, which is filibuster-proof; however, 57 or 58 is much more likely. Personally, I am a strong Begich supporter, and I'm hoping some Republicans win in other states to keep things balanced.
I can't believe this! How could they find him guilty? This is all because Mark Begich (his opponent) artificially raised the property value as mayor of Anchorage.
Begich should know this and he could clear Stevens if he wanted to, but apparently, he doesn't think he has it in himself to win the election honestly.
Stevens will probably do all he can to delay the inevitable, i.e. paying for his crime. He feels he is above the law or he would not have commited these crimes (yes, north_pole 79, they are crimes) had he not thought he could elude detection and/or conviction. Now, he feels because he has been Senator all these years he is too worthy of doing his penalty whatever that may come to be.
Fact is...he's guilty. Found guilty by 12 people, unbiased and acceptable to Stevens' defense team as well as fulfilling the requirements of being viable jury members.
As to the various "ostriches" who continue to bury their heads in the sand and say they will vote for Ted anyway, I guess you know what your vote is worth that you would waste it on a convicted criminal, a felon, who lied to you ("I'm innocent!"), who lied to the nation, and who took bribes (they cannot be logically conceived of as anything other than bribes) to vote for legislation favoring VECO and its affiliated interests over the interests of the nation he swore to serve. For all the apparent deity you folks ascribe to him he was never anything more than a public employee of Alaskans. We don't owe him anything for him doing his job, but he always owed us integrity and honesty and in that regard he failed us miserably. I just hope at some point before he goes to his final judgment he has the insight to realize how much he let us down. However, given he has such an inflated view of his own worth I suspect I wish for the stars.
I was going to vote for Ted Stevens provided he received a not guilty verdict. I cannot, in good conscious, vote for him now. I don't care what he did for Alaska before, illegal is illegal.
If I were convicted of a felony, I would be courts-martialed, my rights to buy or own a gun would be revoked, I would not be able to vote in any elections, and my money making would suffer greatly as well s major embarassment.
I will do 1 of 2 things; research Bob Bird/Mark Begich and see which one suits my impressions of what we need to keep our state on the right track, or I will obstain from voting this election.
I do not feel that Mark Begich has the cajones' to handle business, but with Ted out of the picture, it seems inevitable that Begich will get a shot. If he gets elected in, I will speak no ill-will of party affiliation and will hope he makes good decisions even though he isn't the best choice in my opinion. After all, no matter which side of the fence you sit, I believe that we all want someone who puts Alaska's needs first.
I feel the same way about the presidential campaign. I do not think Obama will do well, but it seems inevitable that he will win, so I hope that he makes wise choices.
Maybe by 2012, parties will be abolished and we will vote someone in based on their merit and ability instead of the hometown rivalry stance politics have taken over the past 50 years.
goldstreamer01 - Love that airport name convicTED.
Teddy fell into the trap that lots of other long-time politicians fall into, unless they stay vigilantly ethical. They begin to believe their doo-doo doesn't stink and that they can get away with stuff because of their position. Ted was so out of touch with reality, he thought $160,000 would buy a dream house in Girdwood.
How long has it been since the man has been in a grocery store? How long has it been since he put gas into his own vehicle? It's important for politicians to stay in touch with how the average American lives so they can realize when they're getting gifts. Here's a clue. When stuff shows up in your house and you or your wife haven't bought it, it's probably a gift. I'd notice if I had a new massage chair in my living room, wouldn't most of the people here?
I wonder if McCain has EVER been to a grocery store? Or put gas in his own vehicle. Bet not.
I'm not now and have never been a Stevens fan, but I do think it's sad that his career has ended like this. I wish George Bush and Cheney's would end with convictions for murder, but I wouldn't consider that sad. I'd consider that justice, especially if they served the rest of their lives at Guantanamo not being tortured like they're not torturing others.
One crooked politician down, hundreds to go on BOTH sides of the isle. It is really bizarre that freshly convicted felons can serve in the Senate. That's just WRONG!!! I can see serving their time then being rehabilitated and serving, but right as you're being convicted and sentenced? How sick is that?!
alaskawildrose: "This is all because Mark Begich (his opponent) artificially raised the property value as mayor of Anchorage."
That's right up there with saying Obama's a Muslim, George W. Bush blew up the World Trade Center, and Paul McCartney is dead (he's not, but his career is).
Ted chose his friends. He didn't choose them wisely. I have questions about the fairness of his trial, as I've mentioned on several postings in recent days. But blaming Begich? Get real.
Well, I see the "kick 'em when they're down" crowd is out in force today.....
We didn't elect Ted to be nice to people. We elected him to represent the interests of Alaskans. And he has done a first class job of that for many, may years.
I believe he was set-up and wrongly convicted.
He's still getting my vote.
akwildrose,
what in the world are you talking about?
He made some mistakes, but all in all, his friends looking after him brought this.
We'll have to forgive Senator Stevens and do what is best for our State at this time.
Vote Stevens!
I am just curious is there a list somewhere that shows convicted politicians (on the national level) by their party, or even those who have resigned because of ethical improprieties.
"We didn't elect Ted to be nice to people. We elected him to represent the interests of Alaskans. "
Alaskaflower, We also didn't elect him to be taking gifts and kickbacks on the side. People like you totally underestimate the damage that politicians like Stevens (and son) and Kott and the rest of the CBC did to this state. They let the oil companies get away with ripping off this state of billions of dollars in uncollected royalties and taxes. If you want proof compare Norway with Alaska and see how big their permanent fund is compared with ours.
This isn't just about some god damn BBQ grill and a crappy couch, or a puppy, or a couple hundred grand in home renovations. These people did serious harm to anyone and everyone who uses anything in this state that gets funded from our share of the oil wealth. Be it airports, harbors, roads, you name it. The amount of money Stevens brought in is chump change compared with what the oil companies got away with over the past 30 years. Now it is too late, the reservoirs are running dry. The people we elected to be the watchdogs over the states wealth were corrupted, and just because they sold themselves out on the cheap doesn't change a thing.
Sorry if you think we are kicking them when they are down, but they got it coming!
So when do I get my free stuff?
SEVEN51---WASSSSUP!
"........another one bites the dust.........."
"Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, said, "The verdict shines a light on the corrupting influence of the big oil service company that was allowed to control too much of our state. It was part of the culture of corruption I was elected to fight. And that fight must always move forward regardless of party or seniority or even past service."
Well that just about says it all, huh? Sarah Palin in ALL likelihood had 2 statements prepared depending on the outcome of the trial. If Ted Stevens can't produce any more lift for her road to the white house then she throws him under the bus! Gee I wonder what the other statement would have read if he had been declared innocent. She and McCain are classic opportunist who will say and do about anything to get elected and their supporters are too gullible to realize it.
I have no way to predict how dice will roll nor do I have any more than one vote to cast -- since ACORN did not sign me up.
However, I do play the odds: at this juncture in our history -- One less Democrat in the Senate is a good thing!
Making radical changes in a Nation's historical course is like making a 90 degree turn in your car on water covered ice while doing 65!
Or sticking your hand in a spinning meat grinder just because some entertainer on TV said it is "turned off".
About that grill! Maybe it should donated to charity along with the Empresses (Sarah's) clothes.
"Making radical changes in a Nation's historical course is like making a 90 degree turn in your car on water covered ice while doing 65!"
Yeah, we don't want to make any radical changes, "stay the course" is what Bush would always say. We could end up back in the Clinton years when the economy had produced more jobs in one year then all 8 of the Bush years combined and the jobs were good ones so we could afford to pay some taxes and keep the budget in a surplus. We didn't need to bail out Wall Street for 750B and we were not thinking much about the coming depression. Oh yeah I forgot, I am sorry, this whole meltdown in the nation and the world economy was caused solely by some poor black folks in Chicago somewhere who bought homes with nothing but welfare checks for income and that alone brought the whole damn thing down. I saw it on Fox so it MUST be true! All the Dems fault! Yep, better not make any sudden changes, things could be worse if we actually had to pay for our wars out of pocket instead of mortgaging out children's future.
Give me a freaking break!
I wasn't going to vote. I'll be out of town. But now I am going to vote early, before I leave, for Ted. He may be a crazy old coot, but he pisses off liberals so that's good enough for me.
fred wrote: "We can then re-run this election to choose his replacement & each party gets to put forward a viable candidate. Hard to see the Dems liking that, but for the rest of Alaskans it would be the fair thing"
Why is a new election what is fair? Didn't Republican voters have a choice which candidate to put forth in the primary just a couple of months ago? Ted was already in trouble then, you had the choice to get rid of him then, but you kept him. You wanted him to be your candidate then even with the risk. Now you will just have to live with that choice. He is your candidate fair and square. Why do you think it is only fair if you get another candidate against the democrat???
Seems to me that his and Don's bridge to nowhere, their combined boat-loads of pork, and various aspects of the USA PATRIOT ACT, Homeland Security Act, and other quasi-fascist legislation, pissed off quite a number of TRADITIONAL conservatives, too. Bob Barr, Gun Owners of America, and on, and on, and on.
Spoiled stew usually tastes bad, no matter what the packaging consists of.
Perhaps it was, more aptly, automaton, lock-step partisans you were thinking of?
I think the real crime here, is that a lot of you feel this is an oddity. Look at the billions of dollars spent each year by lobbyist, were does all the money go? Granted, Mr. Stevens was found guilty, but he is just the tip of the iceberg. $250,000? I wonder what the FBI and the federal government spent on this conviction? Please keep things in prospective, we have all lost by this outcome.
Vote for Bob Bird.
What happend to the old American tradition of a "trial by ones peers"? Ted couldn't have been convicted if he had been tried by a jury of his peers. I think the election next week will be a trial by a jury of his peers. I am one juror who won't be suckered by trumped up charges and back-stabbing by a scumbag.
Just out from the Stevens Campaign...
"First, the Senator is committed to stay in this fight. He will be home soon and he will be campaigning hard around the state.
Second, Alaskans should decide who our senator is. It should not be up to 12 people who have never been to Alaska to decide who represents us in Washington, D.C.
Third, because of overzealous prosecutors, Senator Stevens was deprived of his rights. The prosecutors, operating independent of the normal Justice Department process, spent millions of dollars to try to get Ted Stevens. They could only come up with charges that claimed he failed to file accurate paperwork. They presented an indictment that was false. They insisted on trying this case thousands of miles from Alaska. They, apparently intentionally, failed to follow the law and failed to turn over to Stevens' defense team evidence that tended to show he was not guilty. They sent a witness back to Alaska without telling the Judge or the defense, knowing he had been subpoenaed by the defense. They presented evidence to the jury that they knew to be untrue. The judge said, according to The Hill newspaper on October 8, 2008, “It is very troubling that the government would utilize the records the government knows were false.” There are numerous examples of their misconduct.
Remember that the Alaska Public Offices Commission just last month determined that our opponent had failed to file accurate disclosure statements. He has admitted this was not the first time. He failed to report a gift he received in 2002. When he ran for Mayor in 2003 voters did not know of that gift.
So this race is not about who accurately reported gifts. This race remains about who can best represent Alaska in Washington—who has the proven record of fighting every day to do what is best for Alaska. We all know that Ted has that record. And we need to re-elect him so he will continue to stand up for all Alaskans."
The new Airport name will be, Felon Field.
come on people quit your sarcascted remarks and jokes towards an senior..i vote for rev, al sharpten for state senate...david kaveolook
I long ago quit believing that Senator Ted Stevens was a good choice for Alaska. Without a doubt his influence brought billions of dollars into our state. But at what eventual price? It serves us no good as a community to relish in this tragedy and embarresment to the Senator or the state of Alaska.
Those of you dancing an Irish jig over the conviction are showing your a$$es. Some of you making the posts above decry Senator Stevens conduct, yet in other posts you speak in glowing, flowery compliments of others in Congress of your political persuausion.
I do concur with one comment ...for the good of Alaska, Senator Stevens should resign and let the political chips fall where they may.
What Senator Stevens did is wrong on many fronts, but I have one question for all of you gleefully dancing at his demise. Where is your outrage for all of the other known crooks in Congress?
The reason is simple ...it's a word I learned in the fourth grade from Sister Edith and Father Patrick HYPOCRISY. Year after year, election after election voters forgive the trangressions of their PARTY favorites and place them right back into office. Hmmmmm ...so what does that make the voters; an accomplice, an enabler, unethical, A HYPOCRITE??
Do I need to list the littany of offenses and criminal transgressions that numerous sitting Congressmen are guilty of? Why shouldn't they ALL be singled out, investigated, charged, tried and convicted? Just a small token of the transgressions by the Congressional HYPOCRITES:
*Spousal abuse
*Arrest for fraud
*23 have been accused of writing bad checks
*Directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses
*Assault
*Can't get a credit card due to bad credit
*Arrested on drug-related charges
*Arrested for shoplifting
*Currently defendants in lawsuits
*Arrested for drunk driving
*DUI caused the death of a passenger
*Writing bad checks
Tomorrow the leading HYPOCRITES like; Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Franks and most of Congress will put on their veiled but gloating stage faces. And not unlike what happened to Julius Ceaser they will plunge those knives deep, and often. I am most certain that a few may even dare mention how this is a step forward in ridding Congress of such unsavory and unethical members. More Hypocrisy and pure theater ...nothing more and nothing less.
When November fifth comes and the days, months and years pass by, I want to see the same fervor to; seek out, charge, prosecute and jail all those responsible IN CONGRESS for the mortgage and finacial debacles bestting us today. That would make Senator Stevens look like an Alter Boy by comparison.
""The prosecutors, operating independent of the normal Justice Department process,""
Huh??!!
The feds have been operating with conjured evidence, game-playing where discovery is concerned, and questionable witnesses in a stacked court room since I can remember. Geronimo Pratt?? Leonard Peltier? Randy Weaver?? The list of folks who've been treated to this 'set of rules' is pretty long, indeed!!
Ted simply got treated to the same circumstances that commoners have faced with the federales for decades!! (*With the exception of the fact that before raiding a commoner's home, they don't typically call and inform them that they're about to enter in a rude fashion; they just do it..)...
It's a -real- shame when those who usually inhabit ivory towers get the same treatment that others have endured for decades, if not centuries, often as a result of legilsation introduced by many of those inhabiting those ivory towers (yes, that was sarcasm..). The oligarchs almost always perceive themselves as immune to the habits of the beasts they've unleashed.
Soak it up, Ted. Call it karma, or what ever you like. Now you're a real 'Man of the People'! The commoners have dealt with this imbalance in federal legal process for a LONG time now. You simply got treated to the same sort of slime that you've helped to perpetuate for years by empowering them from your lofty and insulated senate seat.. Karma, baby!!
Ted Stevens is now legally labeled with the words(by a jury):
"Convicted Felon"
Do you still want to vote for him?
I believe that Reginald is spot on with his point.
+1 Reginald
certain peeps here has their brains lact-tating or something,,politics has a way of messing up.people vote for them to be in office then later regret it later..david kaveolook
I agree, JP. Partisans are often blind to the crimes of their chosen/golden oligarchs, while screaming for the heads of their opponents for similar or lesser crimes.
In the current case, the bulk of the wrong-doers (Ak legislators and federal reps) are R's, but that's in great part a matter of who is in power at the time; bribes are rarely delivered to the minority members unless they sit in pivotal positions. Bribing or showing favor toward a minority member would typically be a wasted investment.
Each mainstream party has had their own pet special interests with whom they've often/sometimes disregarded the best interests of the People, in return for what ever advantage they were offered behind closed doors.
Lobbying, itself, is a sport that ought to be outlawed (as far as corporations are concerned), or at least be required to include team jerseys. Then the observers of C-SPAN would, at a minimum, have some idea as to who just stole/purchased their representation out from under them. Less guessing and all.
The Alaskan Republican Party has just reaffirmed their endorsement of, and told you to vote for A CONVICTED FELON! You show ‘em Alaska Republicans! Hold your head high, walk in to the voting booth with the blessing of your political party, fill in that little oval, and vote with impunity for A CONVICTED FELON! Drive home with a satisfied smile, kiss your spouse, and say, “What did you do today, Honey? I voted for A CONVICTED FELON!“ Proudly call your friends and relatives out of state, and tell them how you, and all your buddies in the Republican party, puffed out your chests, and proudly hitched your wagon to the star of an 84-year old CONVICTED FELON! Maybe you should call your local party headquarters and suggest a fundraiser…you could do t-shirts, and hats that say, “I VOTED FOR A CONVICTED FELON!”
Then, put your feet up, and watch the national news, and watch a couple political talk shows, and wonder to yourself, “How did Alaska become a laughing stock?”
http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/10/27...
Any of you Palin supporters embarrassed by the Fact Caribou Barbie STILL hasn't condemned Ted Stevens? I hear a lot of talk about the evil Commies but if you don't take a stand against Stevens and the corruption he represents you are a TRAITOR.
personally i wouldn't vote for any candidate, republican, democrat or other who was a convicted felon.
kind of makes alaskans look stupid to re-elect a convicted felon. we can do better, team
DA.. joined today huh? Just in time for... what? No bloggers here can be swayed/bought... not one! Palin wants him to "do what's best" in other words, QUIT. Try to keep up.
Wrong.
In other words she won't be pinned down. She is a SNAKE! She NEVER commits till she sees the advantage to HER in doing so.
And here I was the whole time thinking they would never have the guts to convict him. I stand humbly corrected. Finally, Ted got what he deserved. I think its a shame he had to end his career this way. The man did have a choice to end it with respect, he chose to take the low road. I can't say I feel sorry for him.
If Stevens was wise he would have resigned many moons ago!
Stevens doesn't resign because he fights FOR corruption.
On top of having to deal with the embarassment that is Sarah Palin, we've got convicted Uncle Ted as the cherry on top of the GOP parfait.
With Alaska under national scrutiny thanks to our politicians, I can't believe some of you would even think about re-electing Stevens to office. Do you all REALLY want to send a covicted felon to Congress? That would just be another blight on Alaska's national record.
Many Alaskans believe Stevens is being unjustly attacked, and that the charges against him don’t amount to real corruption, Shepro said..........Well yeah, and they give Palin a pass on all she has done too. Don't forget she said she is so happy to be vindicated.....I don't know if she is that dumb or if she thinks saying it makes it so. Amazing you can be an elected official and a felon. Some one needs to change that fast. You can't even apply for many jobs if you have a felony but you can run for Senator. Alaska is the laughingstock of America and it's because of people that support Palin, Stevens and others no matter what they do. I dont' understand where peoples' concsciences have gone that they condone and support such ignorance and corruption.
Ignorance is the key word. I have yet to meet up front a republican that is not ignorant and does not support such corrupt actions. Keep in mind that political parties in Alaska are completely different than national political parties when it comes to ethics and views. Palin and McCain's advisors are always disagreeing with each other because of that and its effectively clogging the arteries of the McCain Presidential Campaign. Lets keep Palin since she is pretty good business for Alaska, but lets kick out the greedy crook we like to call Ted Stevens.
No one is more stupifyingly ignorant than he (or she) who doesn't know what they don't know, who doesn't know their own limitations, and who isn't willing, time and again, to admit them. There is nothing worse in my book than someone who is cocky and arrogant, and yet is in truth ignorant and dimwitted. Clever people don't have to advertise it, and are confident enough to admit their own failures. I don't know what I don't know, but I do know that there is more that I don't know than what I DO know. Convoluted, but I hope you get my meaning. Is someone like Sen. Stevens willing to admit this? I doubt it. The one and only time I saw him, he came across as someone who thought who knew it all, and that the rest of us were idiots. That's a sure sign that's he's not too swift -- or at the very least, that it was only a matter of time before his arrogance would be his downfall.
Does anyone question where all the money has come from for the democratic candidate for President of the US? Maybe Ted is quilty of not reporting some gifts, like a sled dog and a few other things but $200 grand on a house that is only valued at $269K including the property! Talk about politically motivated! $800,000 to ACORN to corrupt our voting system, and since he was their lawyer he knew exactly what they do, very close associations with a man who say's G-- D--- America, close associations with a man who bombed the Pentagon, steps on the American Flag, removes it from his airplane. We know very little about who this guy really is and what his real plans are for America or who his real money backers really are? Do you think he has really revealed his money sources? $150 million in Sept. makes $250K look rather small. I think if 90% of the US Congressmen and Senators were investigated to this level they would all be convicted. We do indeed have a lot more to worry about in this election than ever before. I feel very sorry for my home state but I am truly afraid, for the first time, of what changes our country is facing.
CPW
"I am going to vote early, before I leave, for Ted. He may be a crazy old coot, but he pisses off liberals so that's good enough for me."
This is part of the reason WHY dubya got elected and also part of the reason the economy is in the toilet, BUBBA VOTERS LIKE ROADTRIP.
Voting with their emotions because it must hurt them to use their brain.
I can't believe the Alaskans think so highly of Ted and Sarah. What are you people thinking? You must love thieves and liars. I don't know Begich, but when are Americans going to vote out the morons and idiots. Foreigners must think we are a stupid nation. That's why they want to live here or send thier criminals to live here. No one cares anymore. Vote for change!!!
It was probably his use of the word "loan" that got him in the end. But there are enough mistakes that he will be able to appeal this and it will go on for another years or so. Wonder why Lisa Murkowski is keeping such a low profile these days.
Why I will vote for Stevens is a political decision; don't a fuzzy feel good decision, nor an boo-who decision.
It is purely politics: a chance to deny the Democrats possibly full control of the Federal Government.
One less Democrat in congress is a good thing!
-----The Trial
Stevens was charged with 7 counts of failure to report gifts.
The question for the jury was: a Yes or No question!
For those who think Stevens was done wrong by the justice system --- If I were on the jury, I would have voted guilty on all counts! Too!
In two "Parry Mason" MOMENTS he confessed!
Also, his defense was "character testimonials" from his friends who had NO knowledge of his felonies! As waste of time.
---------Re Sarah --
All the attacks on Sarah.. are a preemptive strike! To undermine her public support this year and in future years!
She is A natural BORN political leader. And inspires just like JFK!
McCain was serving his country while Obama was filling his dipper! And a doper (per his book).
AMERICA FIRST!
In the words of Keith Olbermann -- BYE!
All Alaskans should be looking forward to the socialist takeover. Then the rest of the US will be just like us.
I demand a retrial!!!
Bring the trial to Alaska where it can have a jury of reasonable people.
Still rather have a convicted felon republican in office then a liberal democrat. Save us all from the left wing liberals!!!
This includes NOBAMA! We cannot afford the Left wing politics - PEOPLE WAKE UP, UP UNTIL LAST YEAR, THE US ECONOMY WAS BOOMING - BLAME IT ON BUSH POLITICS, BUT REMEMBER, WE HAVE A DUMOCRATIC CONTROLLED CONGRESS THAT IS MORE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR SITUATION THAN OUR White House occupant.
In any case, a vote for Obama is a vote for "CHANGE" we cannot afford.
Obama is a puppet for entities behind the scenes - who these puppet masters are will tell the tale at some point in the future- I hope. Get smart Alaska, and America.
Ted will still get my vote. If you people think that Begich is above corruption taking gifts you had better check and see who is donating to his campaign.
I just don't think Begich has the power to do anything for our state & as corrupt as Stevens & Young may be their seniority is the only thing going for us...
Begich if elected has zero seniority.
However Stevens and Young.. have years of seniority.
If Stevens appeals.. it will take years to work through the court system. Mean while he has seniority and the stroke that comes with seniority.
Also, I bet he has a "black book" on the rest of them and the gonads to us it!
By the way, President Bush can pardon him! Now or later.
Begich has no "black book", no seniority, zero stroke, from the bottom of the pecking order and the food chain.
This is a political decision to be made... not an emotional decision based on the advice of the entertainment industry.
Besides that, I will vote for him just to extend an up right finger to the Obimaites.
Has the entertainment industry taken a stance on Theodore posturing to legitimize the selling out of his constituents re. VECO, and the resulting conviction??
If so, I haven't heard of it yet. But then, I don't watch the idiot box much anyway..
BTW, the only really audible, high-profile, organized calls that I've heard for Ted to resign came from the Democratic Party (go figger'), and from Johny McCain; it seems he also has an issue with Teddy's pork projects..
"UP UNTIL LAST YEAR, THE US ECONOMY WAS BOOMING "
You might be able to convince yourself but nobody else is buying it.
At least people that have been paying bills since Y2K (remember THAT scare tactic?, also BS) know that the economy has been DECLINING as rapidly as every company dubya has ever ran....straight into the ground.
So if the economy is bad with a repub president- it's the fault of congress? BUT, if the president is democratic- THEN it's the presidents fault eh? thats a pretty convenient tactic of logic, not true at all but I guess it sounds good, tho I'm afraid nobody buys it.
Look on the bright side. Ted's conviction has more or less kept Sarah Palin articles off the ten "Most Popular Stories" list on this website for almost twenty-four hours now. So some good has come of it.
Amen!
"Ted will still get my vote. If you people think that Begich is above corruption taking gifts you had better check and see who is donating to his campaign.
I just don't think Begich has the power to do anything for our state & as corrupt as Stevens & Young may be their seniority is the only thing going for us..."
Guess I'll repeat what I said earlier. Stevens is done in the Senate. He most likely will not elected, because he and Bird will split the vote and Begich will win.
Even if he does get elected, the Senate will expell him.
He's done. Get used to it.
All I can say is if we (as a nation-God forbid) elect obama, well, we get what we deserve. With Fancy Pelosi as senate dictator and Obama as puppet for who knows? we will rest in the bed we made for ourselves.
The Democrat policies of tax and spend and give to the lazy poor have to stop somewhere. I have no problem with those that are really, truly disabled receiving assistance. My issue is with those that THINK they are disabled and feel the government owes them a warm house, heat, food, alcohol and tobacco. I think the government should give them a one way ticket to europe and see how they do there.
they are not contributing to society - boot them outta here.
As for Ted, I suspect the prosecutors had a LOT of pressure from
Democrats to get the result they had. I wonder, How did the jury spend three days deliberating, get rid of one member and all of a sudden we have a verdict. I understand the member that left had a family member die - wonder how that happened. the democrats will stop at nothing. (remember Clinton's scortched earth policy- and how many of their "friends" ended up dead).
No, I would rather put my trust in a 'convicted' felon republican than risk my lifes savings on the democratic party to save me.
I have a job - I would really like to keep it.
I thought the fact that they couldn't decide a verdict until someone went missing was very interesting.
Cry me a river-
You have a very appropriate screen name. Are you really suggesting that the democratic party conspired to murder a juror's family member? Do you know how CRAZY you sound??
Your life savings is at risk with a Republican president - haven't you heard? Or do you keep all your money under your mattress?
Don't be ignorant. The Democratic party isn't the bane of American democracy. But letting politicians off the hook simply because they are in your political party, or because they did good things before they became crooks - that probably isn't that good for the democratic process.
"With Fancy Pelosi as senate dictator and Obama as puppet for who knows?"
Just so you know, Nancy Pelosi is in the House, not the Senate. That doesn't add much to your credibility.
Can we try to keep things in perspective here, folks? Ted Stevens was convicted of lying on financial disclosure forms, which he did. He got up to his neck with Bill Allen and VECO and didn't want people to know about it, because he thought (rightly) that it would make him look bad. That doesn't make him a terrible person; it just means he made some bad decisions and lacks the ethical credibility to continue to serve as our senator. Stevens obviously really believes he is innocent, and I don't believe he was really trying to commit a crime. The problem is, he committed one anyway.
AK Fox I can see your a real class act!
AVERAGE_JOE---- Haven'T heard you on here for awhile. I've been trying to think of something to say on this article. The only thing I can think of is, YAYYYYYY, the jury system finally worked.
Please excuse my typing - I should have more correctly stated Fancy Pelosi, Dictator of the house. Witch of the West, whatever you want to call her. please pardon me for not being perfect like you liberals out there. Fortunately, I have a job and have other things to do than sit and pick apart 200+ blogs.
take a look at this and see which side of the platform you line yourself up on. http://www.grassfire.org/scorebook/text....
Have a wonderful day! and be sure to vote - question, should welfare recipients have a vote? They clearly vote liberal to enhance their stay-at-home benefits.
Even if Stevens wins this election and then resigns before the U.S. Senate votes to expell him because of this conviction, Alaskans should realize that any successor of Stevens, whether he/she is selected by the governor or through a special election, the newly selected Alaskan senator will be at the rock bottom of the U.S. Senate based on seniority. That means all the other freshmen Senators elected this round on Nov. 4 will have seniority over a replacement of Senator Stevens, simply because Stevens chose to "stay and fight" due to his ego. He may indeed win the election, but if he then resigns or is removed later, your next Senator will have no seniority at all in this new freshman class. Better to start with a fresh face at election time than wait around for later. Thanks Uncle Ted.
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