Sen. Ted Stevens found guilty in corruption case

[Kefka]

WASHINGTON – 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.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/stevens_trial

[ClydeR]

I bet some smart people in Alaska are busy right now figuring out if they can replace Stevens on the ballot for next week's election, if Stevens drops out.

[Mabus]

I bet some smart people in Alaska are busy right now figuring out if they can replace Stevens on the ballot for next week's election, if Stevens drops out.
Not likely. There are registration date restrictions in most states that would preclude adding anyone to a ballot this late in a race.

Sentencing has been put off till February, and he will be out on bail pending appeal. He will continue to run (and likely lose).

If he is reelected I expect the Senate will open an ethics inquiry. I doubt it will be needed.

[Gan]

One less corrupt fat cat in Washington.

See ya.

[radamanthys]

This is the best news I've heard in a while.

[Renian]

One less corrupt fat cat in Washington.

See ya.

Agreed.

Of course, this wouldn't have happened if he had received the internet his secretary sent him on Friday instead of Sunday.

[ClydeR]

Stevens is asking Alaskans to stand with him (http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/28/stevens.verdict/?iref=mpstoryview) despite his conviction on all charges. Sad to see absolutely no remorse. Even McCain/Palin are calling for him (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/28/politics/politico/thecrypt/main4552054.shtml) to get out of the senate.

There were a lot of problems with that trial. I'd say Stevens stands a better than average chance of winning an appeal. The judge hasn't even sentenced him yet. The judge might order a new trial without sentencing him, which Stevens has requested, and he might be found not guilty in the new trial. It's too early to say he should resign.

[radamanthys]

Yea... but he's still a douchebag.

[Parkbandit]

Good riddance imo.