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PrintSen. Stevens guilty on all counts, career in peril
Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:01 PM EDT
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Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens was convicted of seven corruption charges Monday in a trial that threatened to end the 40-year career of Alaska's political patriarch in disgrace. The verdict, coming barely a week before Election Day, increased Stevens' difficulty in winning what already was a difficult race against Democratic challenger Mark Begich. Democrats hope to seize the once reliably Republican seat as part of their bid for a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.
Stevens, 84, was convicted of all the felony charges he faced of lying about free home renovations and other gifts from a wealthy oil contractor. Jurors began deliberating last week.
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, Stevens got a quick kiss on the cheek from his wife, Catherine, who testified on his behalf during the trial. He declined to talk to reporters waiting outside.
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 prison time, if any. The judge originally scheduled sentencing for Jan. 26 but then changed his mind and did not immediately set a date.
The monthlong trial revealed that employees for VECO Corp., an oil services company, transformed Stevens' modest mountain cabin into a modern, two-story home with wraparound porches, a sauna and a wine cellar.
The Senate's longest-serving Republican, Stevens said he had no idea he was getting freebies. He said he paid $160,000 for the project and believed that covered everything.
He had asked for an unusually speedy trial, hoping he'd be exonerated in time to return to Alaska and win re-election. He kept his campaign going and gave no indication that he had a contingency plan in case of conviction.
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."
Democrats have invested heavily in the race, running television advertisements starring fictional FBI agents and featuring excerpts from wiretaps.
Stevens' conviction hinged on the testimony of Bill Allen, the senator's longtime drinking and fishing buddy. Allen, the founder of VECO, testified that he never billed his friend for the work on the house and that Stevens knew he was getting a special deal.
Stevens spent three days on the witness stand, vehemently denying that allegation. He said his wife, Catherine, 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 and consternation from budget hawks.
There was no immediate word on Stevens' campaign plans. His spokesman, Aaron Saunders, did not immediately return a message seeking comment on whether Stevens would stay in the race.
In Alaska, the Democratic Party issued a statement calling for Stevens to resign immediately. "He knew what he was doing was wrong," the party said. "But he did it anyway and lied to Alaskans about it."
Stevens is the sixth 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 jurors 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."
The jurors had been shuttled to and from the proceedings each day by court officials.
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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 | Ted Stevens found guilty in corruption case | Associated Press - Google | Mon Oct 27 | 4 |
| Alaska's Ted Stevens found guilty on all seven counts | mcclatchydc.com | Mon Oct 27 | 2 |
 | The charges and verdicts in the Ted Stevens trial | Associated Press | Mon Oct 27 | 0 |
| Does Stevens Still Get Paid? CQ's Q-and-A on Senator's Corruption Conviction | CQ Politics | Tue Oct 28 | 2 |
| Jury finds U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska guilty on all seven counts of corruption | CNN | Mon Oct 27 | 24 |
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3.9
{"commentId":3722102,"authorDomain":"wynbro1"}
Should we now say "Palin, guilty by association"????
{"commentId":3722102,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"wynbro1"}
- 23 votes
#1 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:20 PM EDT{"commentId":3723037,"authorDomain":"rdonaldsnyder"}
Stevens is scum and one of the most corrupt politicians in Washington and yes, Palin is guilty be association because she was one of the the directors of the "Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc.," a 527 group that could raise unlimited funds from corporate donors. She's tied to him.
{"commentId":3723037,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"rdonaldsnyder"}
- 19 votes
{"commentId":3723262,"authorDomain":"estela"}
Palin, youre next! Youre days are numbered! hehehe
{"commentId":3723262,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"estela"}
- 11 votes
{"commentId":3723301,"authorDomain":"mightyblogger"}
Should we now say "Palin, guilty by association"????
She doesn't need to be associated
she was already found guilty of unlawfully abusing her power
{"commentId":3723301,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"mightyblogger"}
- 18 votes
{"commentId":3723811,"authorDomain":"Grammiescookies"}
Just another Republican criminal...he'll end up with a book deal and a permanent "Expert" role on FOX News shows. Can you say J Gordon Liddy, Oliver North, .... Rove, Ney, Frist, Libby, etc etc etc.
{"commentId":3723811,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"Grammiescookies"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":3723981,"authorDomain":"JoeBpsplk"}
What, another Republican with a crime or ethics violation?!!! Why am I not surprised?
He's obviously too old to be effective in office anyway. Why don't the people of Alaska elect someone who will HELP America, someone competent and qualified?
Grammie, does Fox News require that their Republican contributors commit crimes and ethics violations? I bet they have a policy in the studio of search their Republican contributors after each show for goodies thay might mave snatched from the studio!
{"commentId":3723981,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"JoeBpsplk"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":3725198,"authorDomain":"wynbro1"}
Palin released a statement and still backs the convicted criminal senate seat run.
he should be fired...not allowed to seek office. .I hope the senate kicks him out or that the people of alaska will send him a message.
{"commentId":3725198,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"wynbro1"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":3725492,"authorDomain":"wynbro1"}
"As Governor of the State of Alaska, I will carefully now monitor the situation and I'll take any appropriate action as needed. In the meantime, I ask the people of Alaska to join me in respecting the workings of our judicial system and I'm confident that Senator Stevens from this point on will do the right thing for the people of Alaska," she also said.
So I guess to her it just a slap on the wrist and now he will do the right thing for the Alaskan People...."What about your record Sarah"? He now has a record of achievement that we all know about, plus his Criminal Record. So since you talk so much about his record Sarah, is this fair game....based on your statement...NO. Business as usual he can now go out and "do the right thing for the people of Alaska"....
Talk about double standards........We really all cant be surprised.
{"commentId":3725492,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"wynbro1"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":3725858,"authorDomain":"miasma"}
So you can vote for the Democrat or the SEVEN TIME CONVICTED FELON for the AK Senate. The irony of talking about this on the 'series of tubes' is so sharp I might cut myself.
{"commentId":3725858,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"miasma"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":3726299,"authorDomain":"pttkou"}
Palin thinks: hmmn this lipstick does look right on me tonight I'll put on a different hue.
{"commentId":3726299,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"pttkou"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3726463,"authorDomain":"lalaland2013"}
Baaahahahahaha, every one of these comments was priceless... well done guys!
{"commentId":3726463,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"lalaland2013"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3731785,"authorDomain":"sperrys"}
I think in the lower 48, we should train a more careful,considering eye on this state...me thinks the people there would rather appreciate our undivided attention!
{"commentId":3731785,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"sperrys"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3722179,"authorDomain":"Blavier"}
We learn as children the saying
Money is the root of all evil
I however do not agree with it, mainly because there is evil that is obviously and provably not tied to money. So, I thought, what could the meaning of the saying had been. I think that there is a word / concept which could be understandably 'translated' as "evil" but which gives an entirely different meaning to the saying:
Money is the root of all CORRUPTION
The reason I think that "evil" was substituted for "corruption" is that it allows people to justify what they do that is tired to money because they can tell themselves that neither they nor their actions are evil and are therefore ok. In the end, NO system is going to work or last until we figure out how to deal with the money issue.
P.S. -- Please read my articles on government and politics. I would appreaciate comments and votes. Thank you.
{"commentId":3722179,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"Blavier"}
- 3 votes
#2 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:23 PM EDT{"commentId":3722834,"authorDomain":"willyson00"}
your leaving out a couple of words and its not just a folk lure its in the Bible...."The Love Of Money Is The Root Of All Evil"..........Money is nothing but paper or metal..... its all the corupt things we can do with it (or not) that gets us in trouble.
{"commentId":3722834,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"willyson00"}
{"commentId":3722853,"authorDomain":"grh90"}
Actually it's the love of money that's the root of all evil. The problem is that it seems that Republicans seem to love money more than anything else. They either love money or young boys then claim it's the Democrats that are greedy and immoral.
{"commentId":3722853,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"grh90"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":3722975,"authorDomain":"arad"}
Actually, the root of all evil is girls.
It's been mathematically proven. *sagenod*
{"commentId":3722975,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"arad"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3723465,"authorDomain":"Blavier"}
Psimon, my point is that neither money nor 'the love of money' is the root of all evil because there is much evil in the world and in history that has nothing to do with money. It is a red herring which allows 'non-evil' people to justify their corrupt actions in their own minds by being able to say to themselves that their actions are not evil.
{"commentId":3723465,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"Blavier"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3726656,"authorDomain":"lalaland2013"}
Gimme the democrats and their extra-marital affairs any day! I don't care who they're screwing so long as they quit stealing my money! What they do behind closed-doors is up to their wives/husbands to settle, it's not my concern. If I recall correctly, Clinton did a damn fine job despite the "nooners" in the Oval Office.
Repubs, start sleeping around more and stop taking our cash!!
{"commentId":3726656,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"lalaland2013"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":3722237,"authorDomain":"williambuddusky"}
"Stevens faces up to five years in prison on each count but, under federal sentencing guidelines, will likely receive much less prison time, if any."
Why are the guidelines so lax for criminal politicians? This senator abused his power for personal gain. He took bribes. He cheated on his taxes for not reporting these "gifts". A message needs to be sent to corrupt politicians everywhere. Throw this crook in jail.
Check out Palins house next.
{"commentId":3722237,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"williambuddusky"}
- 12 votes
#3 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:25 PM EDT{"commentId":3722267,"authorDomain":"acidreflux"}
Why are the guidelines so lax for criminal politicians?
Who do you think writes the guidelines?
{"commentId":3722267,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"acidreflux"}
- 15 votes
{"commentId":3722392,"authorDomain":"deatienza"}
Why are the guidelines so lax for criminal politicians?
Seriously. If anything, their penalties should be worse.
Also, I'm pretty sure if I was caught stealing large sums of money from my job, I wouldn't have it the next day.
{"commentId":3722392,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"deatienza"}
- 11 votes
{"commentId":3723414,"authorDomain":"douglasq"}
The crazy thing to me is that, despite his conviction, Stevens can continue to run for re-election and, if he wins, retain his seat.
{"commentId":3723414,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"douglasq"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":3723652,"authorDomain":"kedwards1948"}
if he wins, retain his seat.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that's up to the Senate. I think they could kick him out due to felony convictions.
{"commentId":3723652,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"kedwards1948"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3724274,"authorDomain":"wynbro1"}
Fully Agree!!!!!
{"commentId":3724274,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"wynbro1"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3724391,"authorDomain":"damiankd"}
So convicted felons can't vote, but we can vote for convicted felons?
{"commentId":3724391,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"damiankd"}
- 10 votes
{"commentId":3725837,"authorDomain":"mpjohnson"}
I jst heard on CNN that, while he can retain his seat, the Senate can kick him out. Does the Govenor or President then get to pick a replacement or a new election or how exactly does that work? I would appreciate a response if any of the wildly intelligent and informed authors on this wonderful site knows the answer.
{"commentId":3725837,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"mpjohnson"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3726417,"authorDomain":"Blavier"}
IF Stevens is reelected next week AND the Senate then votes to expel him, the governor of his state (Alaska) will choose a replacement for him. From what I saw with Lisa Murkowsi, it doesn't look like Alaska requires a new election at any point to elect a replacement or allow the citizens to keep the appointed Senator. I do not know what requirements are in Alaska for approval of an appointed Senator by any part of the Alaska legislature.
As for the unspoken question of WHO the governor can pick, she could pick anyone she wanted to, including her husband or even herself. Lisa Murkowski was chosen as the replacement for her father as Senator BY her father when he was elected governor of Alaska and vacated his senate seat to move into the governor's mansion.
{"commentId":3726417,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"Blavier"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":3726426,"authorDomain":"davidjewell"}
The senate can kick him out with a 2/3 majority vote. After that happens it is up to the state governor to appoint a replacement to serve out the balance of the original term.
If the senate does NOT remove him, a convicted felon CAN serve in the senate.
{"commentId":3726426,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"davidjewell"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3726566,"authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
When a vacancy occurs in the office of United States senator or United States representative, the governor shall, by proclamation, call a special election to be held on a date not less than 60, nor more than 90, days after the date the vacancy occurs. However, if the vacancy occurs on a date that is less than 60 days before or is on or after the date of the primary election in the general election year during which a candidate to fill the office is regularly elected, the governor may not call a special election
it's differnt per state but that is alaska's law... she must call for an election.. if he ges relected and kicked out.
so no she does not appear to be able to appoint
{"commentId":3726566,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
{"commentId":3726683,"authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
not sure if a ballot measure passed in 04 but apparently if i did not .. she can appoint someone for a max of 90 days. and then he will be replaced by one choosen by the people.
and there is the federal amendment to the constitution (17th) that gives her the ability to appoint but state law trumps federal constitutions in this regard.
{"commentId":3726683,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
{"commentId":3722411,"authorDomain":"sonnetizer"}
I wonder if Gov. Palin will endorse him now...? She declined when the trial started.
And now that he is convicted, isn't it fair to ask abour Sarah hanging around with known criminals?
{"commentId":3722411,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"sonnetizer"}
- 9 votes
#4 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:32 PM EDT{"commentId":3723699,"authorDomain":"agio"}
I think you mean palling around don't you?
{"commentId":3723699,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"agio"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3735957,"authorDomain":"sonnetizer"}
You're right-- "pallin' around with known criminals." And what DO we know about Gov. Palin?
I'm still betting she's gonna cry on the stump in the next week in another transparent play for votes. (If she doesn't, John will.)
{"commentId":3735957,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"sonnetizer"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3722499,"authorDomain":"conaking"}
Gov. Palin is next to be found guilty of the same type of charges.
The GoP farce is over. The facade is over. We don't believe the lies anyomore.
We are voting and voting STRONG for Obama/Biden. We want our country BACK!
I am a proud member of the AFSCME and SEIU Worker Union's, a Florida local Obama organizer.
God bless and protect Obama/Biden 2008-2012!
{"commentId":3722499,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"conaking"}
- 14 votes
#5 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:35 PM EDT{"commentId":3722630,"authorDomain":"sedna"}
I wonder if Bush is going to pardon him... and if Obama can reinstate the conviction?
{"commentId":3722630,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"sedna"}
- 5 votes
#6 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:40 PM EDT{"commentId":3722722,"authorDomain":"Blavier"}
Legally (constitutionally) Bush COULD pardon him and NO, neither Obama nor any other person or body in AMerica could reinstate the conviction or reverse the pardon. A president's pardon power is considered to be absolute and unreviewable.
{"commentId":3722722,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"Blavier"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":3722895,"authorDomain":"snotrag-dave"}
A president's pardon power is considered to be absolute and unreviewable.
Correct. If one could reverse a presidential pardon, Nixon's would have been overturned in January 1977.
{"commentId":3722895,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"snotrag-dave"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":3724035,"authorDomain":"aine"}
Ford's pardon of Nixon was actually unConstitutional... since Tricky Dick had not yet been convicted of a crime. Ollie North was guilty but gained immunity for being a snitch... which does not change the fact that he is a criminal.
{"commentId":3724035,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"aine"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":3722636,"authorDomain":"phillips-brian"}
Another open seat. :)
{"commentId":3722636,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"phillips-brian"}
- 11 votes
#7 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:40 PM EDT{"commentId":3722736,"authorDomain":"antoniowillia20"}
Something tells me this guy is gonna run as a felon. If he stays in office by some miracle he'll get a pardon from the Governor just before she goes to jail. Wonder who is gonna pardon her before his last day in office?
{"commentId":3722736,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"antoniowillia20"}
- 4 votes
#8 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:43 PM EDT{"commentId":3722835,"authorDomain":"Blavier"}
A governor cannot pardon anyone for federal crimes, only for state crimes within their state.
{"commentId":3722835,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"Blavier"}
- 8 votes
{"commentId":3723198,"authorDomain":"antoniowillia20"}
But this is Palin where talking about. A soccer Mom would never let a little thing like that stop her. After all if she can arrange to fire someone she has no control of surely she kind find some other loophole for a small pardon?
{"commentId":3723198,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"antoniowillia20"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":3723677,"authorDomain":"kedwards1948"}
Even if he is pardoned, he still stands convicted and can be thrown out of the Senate.
{"commentId":3723677,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"kedwards1948"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3723855,"authorDomain":"antoniowillia20"}
True but I'm betting the people of Alaska have more sense then to re-elect him. If not then maybe that group that Palins husband is a part of is right and Alaska should become it's own Country. We could ship all the nut cases there and pray they don't reproduce.
{"commentId":3723855,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"antoniowillia20"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3722771,"authorDomain":"drif69"}
I have a question. Is it not true that a convicted felon is denied a right to vote? If so how can a convicted felon be a Senator?
{"commentId":3722771,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"drif69"}
- 3 votes
#9 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:44 PM EDT{"commentId":3722953,"authorDomain":"Blavier"}
Many people in US history have run for office from behind bars. The most notable one who comes to my mind is perennial presidential candidate, Lyndon La Rouche. That doesn't mean that, if elected, they would be allowed out to serve, nor that the body they were elected to wouldn't vote to remove them. All it means is that anyone who meets the constitutional and statutory requirements can run for any appropriate office.
{"commentId":3722953,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"Blavier"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":3722837,"authorDomain":"ajzzz"}
Not the series of tubes and bridge to no where guy! Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!
{"commentId":3722837,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"ajzzz"}
- 8 votes
#10 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:46 PM EDT{"commentId":3722876,"authorDomain":"philc3"}
Another Republican goes to the "greybar hotel" Remember folks, this is the "law and order" party, just like a certain village idiot who promised to restore "honor and integrity" to the White House."
Better get some 'Soap on a Rope', Uncle Ted.
{"commentId":3722876,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"philc3"}
- 5 votes
#11 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:48 PM EDT{"commentId":3726573,"authorDomain":"AnnForObama"}
Bush can't spell "honor" and he can't pronounce "integrity"!! And Sarah can't define either!!! Vote people!!! Obama/Biden '08!!!
{"commentId":3726573,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"AnnForObama"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3722879,"authorDomain":"ericksontom33"}
Great news more republicans being charged with taking from the tax payers of this fine country ! WOW and we want more in office ? Not me ! Thing is this guy should do HARD time ! I bet he gets off with out having to do time though ! This sucks big time !
{"commentId":3722879,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"ericksontom33"}
- 2 votes
#12 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:48 PM EDT{"commentId":3722965,"authorDomain":"fprewitt"}
For background on the Stevens conviction and the Alaska political corruption scandal check out my new boo at www.lastbridgetonowhere.com
{"commentId":3722965,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"fprewitt"}
- 1 vote
#13 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:51 PM EDT{"commentId":3722994,"authorDomain":"onebusgreg"}
Yet when all is said, the republican slime machine will steal this election like they did in 2000 in Florida and 2004 in Ohio. The criminal Ted Stevens can join his compadres like Randy "Duke" Cunningham in jail, but the repugs will continue to run this once great nation into the abyss. Caribou Barbie was in Asheville last night and the turnout once again proves that the only thing the religious "wrong" cares about is fertilized eggs and their homophobia. The simple fact that a fellon can serve in the Senate, but a fellon can not vote in most States ought to give one time to think. Anyone who thinks that we will all be done with the election on November 5th better get ready for a drawn out court battle. After all the "Village Idiot from Crawford" needs the repugs in power to avoid prosecution or at least Grandpa Munster in the White House to act as Bush's Gerald Ford! Ted "the crook" Stevens is but a small fish in this sorry mess.
{"commentId":3722994,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"onebusgreg"}
- 2 votes
#14 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:52 PM EDT{"commentId":3723597,"authorDomain":"waynef415"}
Ted "the crook" Stevens is but a small fish in this sorry mess.
I don't know about that. He is the longest serving Republican in the Senate. He has long been known for his ability to gain valuable earmark spending for his state. The fact that even an 84 year old Senator is able to be exposed for the crook that he is, convicted, and sent upstate, ought to send chills up the spine of any legislator (those who are so equipped, anyway). No, Stevens is definitely not the worst of the worst, but I wouldn't dismiss the significance of this.
{"commentId":3723597,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"waynef415"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":3723139,"authorDomain":"MRZK"}
Alaska leads the nation once again. I could see Ted Stevens house from Wasilla...
Another thought, I guess the jail time he was concerned about on the tape will come to be. Nice to see justice returning.
{"commentId":3723139,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"MRZK"}
- 3 votes
#15 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:57 PM EDT{"commentId":3723141,"authorDomain":"tlsgwm-1"}
Great news!! It's about time this corrupt politician got exposed for who he really is.
If by some miracle he were to retain his seat in next week's election, then the Senate should begin proceedings in their next session to have him expelled.
{"commentId":3723141,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"tlsgwm-1"}
- 2 votes
#16 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:57 PM EDT{"commentId":3723154,"authorDomain":"sacheson"}
I wonder if prison is a series of tubes?
{"commentId":3723154,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"sacheson"}
- 3 votes
#17 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 4:58 PM EDT{"commentId":3730327,"authorDomain":"onebusgreg"}
It could be if he bends over in the shower!
{"commentId":3730327,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"onebusgreg"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3723587,"authorDomain":"wood-s"}
Ah, the good wholesome small-town frontier values of Alaska. The only wholesome family tableau that's missing from the picture so far is a good old fashioned shotgun wedding.
{"commentId":3723587,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"wood-s"}
- 3 votes
#18 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:13 PM EDT{"commentId":3727043,"authorDomain":"F-3"}
It's not missing! Remember the prenant teen? If daddy hasn't started swimming for Russia yet...
{"commentId":3727043,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"F-3"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3727993,"authorDomain":"wood-s"}
Well, yeah, I heard that the wedding was going to occur before the election. So when are we going to see the pix of the happy bride in her white gown?
{"commentId":3727993,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"wood-s"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3723792,"authorDomain":"leighjohn"}
Poor Ted,
He is analogous to the student who wasted his days in school and learned nothing and so had no skill, ability or even intellect to be a worth while citizen or even to be employed for anything else other than his brute strength which failed him as he grew old, (miss by mile? maybe)
Poor Ted,
Is like the criminal who never considered that he could ever be caught because he thought he was so smart
Poor Ted ( closer!)
He is like the whore who thinks that she will always be beautiful and men will pay anything she asked to taste her wares until she got pregnant ,until she got a terrible dose of venereal disease or even aids.
Poor Ted (closer)
Is like so many other stupid politician who whored out his office and thought that a roll in the hay was just one of the perks of his position... (Point)
There is nothing new about Ted that has not been done by many before him, however the problem is not with Ted but with us as a nation to put up with such treachery. It almost borders on treason as in every event like this new episode our nation is compromised. Here we have Ted getting his just desert which is a mere slap on the wrist as in other situations like this with different players they would feel the full weight of the law. But what about the "john" the person who was in bed with Ted why isn't this person being made to feel the full weight of the scorn of this nation for using not just his corporative office but the very currency of our nation which has on it the noble quote. " In God we trust" to undermine everything that this nation stands for. (did this john think that he was having intimacy with a god? that could be one interprtation)
This will not be the last that such a situation will arise as we have yet to deal with say..... Iraq and why we went there and to what end, and who will be held culpable for this travesty as now we are threatened by terrorist who already have the psychological advantage over us as they can fail many times but each of their successes is tumultuous. We already are lacking in spirit in this whole Iraq situation as we have no clear objective and because we now have the bad karma of the loss of innocent lives.
Has anyone noted how the new government of Iraq has now found its voice and it is not thanking us for our so called liberation of there country but demanding justice for the willful murders of their own. What will we do as a nation if this is brought to the world court. will the next president be considered a coward for handing over those responsible for justice be done? A justice that we have seen to for others and even denied others including who we liberated Iraq from?
For those who would think that there was no other way to deal with this matter I can say display an ignorance and stupidity as great as this presidency and as the now nonexistent Neanderthal but all of that is another story which I could tell at a another time.
But be that as it may Ted is not an aberration, he is just another blip on the radar screen of the storm to come.
{"commentId":3723792,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"leighjohn"}
- 1 vote
#19 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:22 PM EDT{"commentId":3724268,"authorDomain":"michaelgammons"}
If convicted felons are allowed to run for Congress it should only be fair that felons be allowed to vote for the criminals that make our laws.
The irony is enough to make someone barf.
{"commentId":3724268,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"michaelgammons"}
- 2 votes
#20 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:41 PM EDT{"commentId":3724418,"authorDomain":"ericksontom33"}
Chalk another one up for the republicans ! They just keep shooting themselves in the foot ! So I just wounder how great McCain / Palin will be ? Republicans and corruption and there right wing Christan coalition makes one wonder just how sweet they are . We have corrupt laws and corrupt politicians coming out from the republican party no end ! Yeah McShame will solve this !
{"commentId":3724418,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"ericksontom33"}
- 2 votes
#21 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:47 PM EDT{"commentId":3724683,"authorDomain":"kedwards1948"}
I don't know about Alaskan law, but in many states, the governor can appoint a Senator in the event the Senator is unable to serve.
Consider this: Steven's wins his election, (beat the Democrat), but gets kicked out of the Senate. Palin appoints the new Senator... herself? Todd dude?
Anyone know what the procedure is under Alaskan law?
{"commentId":3724683,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"kedwards1948"}
#22 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:59 PM EDT{"commentId":3724722,"authorDomain":"ericksontom33"}
No But I am sure the republincans (if they get in ) will find a way to make US PAY !
{"commentId":3724722,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"ericksontom33"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3724843,"authorDomain":"Blavier"}
The OTHER Alaskan Senator, Lisa Murkowski, was appointed to the seat by her father when he vacated that seat upon his election as governor of Alaska in 2002. The governor can appoint anyone, including themselves, to a vacant Senate seat for their state, but I do not know if that appointment has to be approved by the Alaska state legislature.
However, I do not think that this will be an issue as Stevens is up for election this year and I expect his opponent to be elected to fill the seat.
{"commentId":3724843,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"Blavier"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":3725122,"authorDomain":"BLOG23"}
EMAIL you senator bring a bill to the floor revoking his pension and throw him out of the senate. NOW
{"commentId":3725122,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"BLOG23"}
- 2 votes
#23 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:19 PM EDT{"commentId":3725151,"authorDomain":"BLOG23"}
ORANGE JUMPSUITS FOR Bush/cheney etal/
{"commentId":3725151,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"BLOG23"}
- 1 vote
#24 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:20 PM EDT{"commentId":3725183,"authorDomain":"BLOG23"}
Isn't TODD an AMERICA HATER?
{"commentId":3725183,"threadId":"400703","contentId":"2044818","authorDomain":"BLOG23"}
- 1 vote
#25 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:21 PM EDT{"canLink":false,"threadId":"400703","isPrivate":false}
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