Ted Stevens Convicted, Republicans Lose Another Senate Seat
By Doug Mataconis | Related entries in 2008 Election, News, RepublicansAlaska Senator Ted Stevens asked for a speedy trial on the theory that he needed an acquittal before Election Day.
Boy, was that a bad idea:
WASHINGTON (AP) — Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens was convicted of seven corruption charges Monday in a trial that tainted the 40-year Senate career of Alaska’s political patriarch.
The verdict, coming just days before Election Day, adds further uncertainty to a closely watched Senate race. 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 seven charges he faced of lying about free home renovations and other gifts he received from a wealthy oil contractor. Jurors began deliberating Wednesday at noon.
Stevens faces up to five years in prison on each count when he is sentenced Jan. 26, but under federal sentencing guidelines, he is likely to receive much less prison time, if any.
The monthlong trial revealed that employees for oil services company VECO Corp. transformed the senator’s modest mountain cabin into a modern, two-story home with wraparound porches, a sauna and a wine cellar. Stevens never paid for VECO’s work.
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 said he believed that covered everything.
Stevens was already trailing his Democratic opponent, so it seems rather assured that this conviction pretty much guarantees his defeat, which just adds to the woes that the Republicans are likely to face on Election Day.
But that may just be the beginning.
This conviction couldn’t possibly come at a worse time for the Republicans and John McCain. Ted Stevens wasn’t just another Senator, he was the longest-serving Republican in the Senate. When the GOP controlled the Senate prior to 2006, he was third in line to succeed to the Presidency. This is the kind of event that could turn around and hurt not just Ted Stevens, but a whole host of people.
That said, it seems fairly clear that Stevens has only one option at this point. He must resign. Today. Election or no election, he doesn’t belong in the Senate anymore.
This entry was posted on Monday, October 27th, 2008 and is filed under 2008 Election, News, Republicans. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
October 27th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Of course Stevens could still get reelected, but I hope the people of Alaska are that dumb. Sounds like Stevens is still going to try. I did find timing of the ATF announcement about breaking up the skinhead plot against Obama to be interesting coming so soon after Stevens was found guilty.
October 27th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
And that may be the only reason Stevens will stay in the race.
If, by some miracle, he wins then we can expect him to resign shortly thereafter. At that point, Governor Palin would be able to choose a successor to fill his seat until a special election could be held.
October 27th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Anyone else see her picking the first “dude” if she gets a chance?
October 27th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I’m with Doug on this one. Should resign? Yes. Will resign? No.
If he would resign or withdraw now it would guarantee a Dem. pickup. Instead I think that he will loudly proclaim his innocence and his intent to appeal the verdict, and press on towards next week.
Given the bungling of the prosecution’s case, he probably has a decent shot at get this thing overturned. And if not, then he’ll resign.
October 27th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
@gerryf:
I’ll do you one better: How about Palin picking…herself?
National stage, potential for a lot more media exposure, bolstering her policy experience credentials…it’s actually not that crazy an idea.
October 27th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
The damage done to the GOP by Stevens may be a bit overstated, or at least softened by the fact that it was mostly already done. Remember, he was already reviled by Democrats and Republicans alike for the “Bridge to Nowhere” and other antics long before these charges ever came up. An acquittal would not have changed any of that, and it would have allowed him to remain in the Senate. At least now Stevens won’t be darkening Capitol Hill with his presence for very much longer, and that’s a good thing for Republicans. These days, Republicans need all the good things they can get.
October 27th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Unfortunately, the tone in Alaska on Pork is that its only bad if it’s not being roasted for Alaska. It sad, but greed is more prevalant in this State than doing what’s right. Don’t rule out a Stevens win.
October 27th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Believe me, Alaskan, I don’t rule Stevens still winning out.
October 27th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
And just to check my feeling I went and checked what was happening on the web site of the Anchorage Daily News. Guess what? Stevens still has his supporters. I think he could be charged with murder and have a video of him doing it and some of those folks would rationalize a way of still voting for him.
October 28th, 2008 at 10:15 am
The phrase I keep hearing up here is “Better the crook I know than the one I don’t.” It’s hard being and intelligent, rational thinker in this State.