Breaking: GOP Sen. Ted Stevens indicted by federal grand jury; Update: Failed to disclose “gifts”
posted at 1:18 pm on July 29, 2008 by Allahpundit
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On seven charges, although we won’t know the specifics until 1:20 ET. Anyone want to try guessing? There’s no shortage of possibilities: This is, after all, the pork king of the United States Senate, dogged for years by allegations of corruption. Longtime HA readers will remember that the feds raided his home last summer allegedly as part of an investigation into bribes. Does the indictment stem from that, or is there some new and even more depressing graft charge forthcoming? Stay tuned!
He’s not the only Alaskan in Congress under suspicion, either. Three cheers for our fearless Republican leadership, which was either too stupid or too weak to push Stevens into retirement before he decided to run for re-election this year. (He’s 85.) A Rasmussen poll eight days ago put him eight points behind Democrat Mark Begich. What’ll it be tomorrow? Fifteen?
If only there was some young, popular Alaskan politician with a reputation for ethics reform that could step up. Any suggestions?
Update: McClatchy notes that this is part of a four-year probe into corruption among Alaska’s political class, so it’s not like the GOP was taken by surprise. Still waiting to hear about the charges, but USA Today suspects it’s related to the fact that Stevens’s home mysteriously doubled in size thanks to an oilfield services company called VECO, two former execs of which donated to Stevens and have since pled guilty to bribery and extortion charges.
Update: Yep, it’s VECO. How is this distinguishable from bribery?
The seven-count indictment, charges Stevens with making false statements by failing to disclose things of value he received from the Veco Corp., an Alaska-based oil services compmany, and from its CEO, Bill Allen, over an eight-year period.
The indictment charges that among the undeclared items were substantial improvements to Stevens’s home in Girdwood, Alaska; automobile exchanges in which he received new vehicles that were worth far more than the old ones he exchganged; and household goods, including a Viking gas grill.
At the same time, according to the indictment, Stevens received solicitations for official actions from Allen and and other Veco employees, and used his office on behalf of Veco.
Update: Good advice from Lowry, which I expect will be heeded.
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Absolutely no excuse for this, other than this looks like an arrogant crooked man who is going to die an arrogant crooked AND convicted man, regardless of which political party he is disgracing!
pilamaye on July 29, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Corruption is bad and needs to be stamped out, whether on the left or right. Now, how about that guy in LA that was found with a freezer full of cash?
gmoonster on July 29, 2008 at 1:22 PM
If JMac doesn’t pick her (and I wish he would), I’d be fine with the Repubs pulling a Torricelli and sticking her in Stevens place.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 29, 2008 at 1:22 PM
Kick the bums out.
VolMagic on July 29, 2008 at 1:23 PM
What do you have to say now Newt? Still think conservatives that try to oust people like Stevens are cannibals?
Theworldisnotenough on July 29, 2008 at 1:23 PM
How’s “Dollar Bill” Jefferson been doing lately?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 29, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Its a series of tubes.
triple on July 29, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Apparently the indictment is seven counts of false statements in relations to the investigation of Bill Allen of the Veco Corporation, who, I believe, was the one who owned the house raided by the FBI almost a year ago.
MB007 on July 29, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Sarah.
L
letget on July 29, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Take em down, my only sadness is that he wasn’t taken down sooner. We got to police ourselves.
spacekicker on July 29, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Isn’t there an Alaskan primary coming up?
Wethal on July 29, 2008 at 1:24 PM
It’s about time,Ted Stevens must be tried and found guilty if the evidence is there. Now, let’s get William Jefferson on the same fast track, shall we?
MNDavenotPC on July 29, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Ahhhh! So THAT’S where the bridge to nowhere leads: to the slammer!
Dave Rywall on July 29, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Surely not this one.
Big S on July 29, 2008 at 1:26 PM
Oops, Dr Cwac… sorry didn’t see your post…. ahh well, redundancy in this case isn’t so bad…. keep saying what about Jefferson….lol
MNDavenotPC on July 29, 2008 at 1:26 PM
Man you’ll need.. some sort of big truck to deliver all those indictments..
triple on July 29, 2008 at 1:27 PM
The RNC strikes again! Obama as POTUS unfettered by Republicans in congress! Good grief!
sabbott on July 29, 2008 at 1:28 PM
Guilty. Next.
Dash on July 29, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Rot in hell, like Cunningham.
The spectrum of politicians is arrogant and corrupt. I wish we could throw them all out, just to teach them a lesson, and to remind them who’s to be in charge, not who is any more.
The founding fathers are stirring in their graves, being apalled.
The media w/b redeemed a bit if they’d cover both sides’ corruption equitably. Alas, don’t hold your breath.
Entelechy on July 29, 2008 at 1:31 PM
http://www.wtop.com/?sid=1450076&nid=116
WTOP says the charges are concerning statements regarding the gifts/renovations to his home.
Considering how old this scandal is, it’s infuriating that he’s even involved in a re-election campaign
Medicated on July 29, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Need to get rid of the corrupt ones regardless of party. Course then there would be trouble getting a quorum.
TooTall on July 29, 2008 at 1:31 PM
I’ll lay odds that the Dems won’t feel like they owe reciprocity for Dennis Hastert sticking up for William “The Fridge” Jefferson.
steveegg on July 29, 2008 at 1:32 PM
My thoughts exactly!
HawaiiLwyr on July 29, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Out with the trash.
KelliD on July 29, 2008 at 1:32 PM
And that would be bad how?
steveegg on July 29, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Good, another crooked SOB done in by his own greed…
Its idiots like him, Craig, Foley, Lott, Delay, that handed the Senate and the Congress to the enemies of the people, the freaking “Dhimmicrats”!
Dale in Atlanta on July 29, 2008 at 1:33 PM
Still winning elections and being seated. Of course, since he caucuses on the ‘Rat end of the bipartisan Party-In-Government, that’s entirely fine with both halves of the P-I-G.
steveegg on July 29, 2008 at 1:34 PM
Excellent. Now I feel even better about throwing away the RNC’s requests for money. A party incapable of getting rid of dirtbags like Stevens doesn’t deserve our financial support.
Slublog on July 29, 2008 at 1:34 PM
One of these days, I’m going to learn not to be surprised by the Czarist Prince Mentality of the Washington Elite. Just not today it seems.
Snake307 on July 29, 2008 at 1:38 PM
We have got to clean house, at least our side. They know exactly who is doing what. I hate the feigned expression of shock when they find out someone is doing something corrupt…as if.
They could have gotten rid of the useless baggage years ago.
right2bright on July 29, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Meanwhile, Chuck Schumer, Jon Corzine, Chris Dodd, Robert Wexler, Kent Conrad & a whole lot of dems can do ANYTHING and nobody cares. Shame.
Anita on July 29, 2008 at 1:41 PM
Ha ha. Feckin’ sweet.
You’re never too old to pick up the soap, Ted.
LimeyGeek on July 29, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Mostly true statement of the Washington Elite when news like this breaks.
“I’m shocked, absolutely shocked, that my dear old friend and fellow crook Ted Stevens has been indicted. I’m even more surprised that the people found out about it. I honestly thought those mouth breathing morons were too busy watching NASCAR to pay attention to the news. I want you to know I repudiate the Stevens indictment and I hope you know I’m at least as honest as he is.”
Tell you what Washington Elites. Pass a law that eliminates all the exemptions that you currently have, and people might start to think you’re more or less honest and honorable.
Snake307 on July 29, 2008 at 1:43 PM
You forgot to mention, who is also under investigation.
lowandslow on July 29, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Oops. It appears that the sun burned out while waiting for this to happen.
LimeyGeek on July 29, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Two hundred and fifty THOUSAND dollars worth of gifts?
Stick a fork in him. He’s done.
MB007 on July 29, 2008 at 1:48 PM
Not to mention that he helped VECO get contacts in Pakistan and Russia in exchange for the gifts.
MB007 on July 29, 2008 at 1:48 PM
So when are the indictments of Dodd, Reid and Feinstein coming, all of whom were documented to do far, far worse.
(Crickets).
Oh right, they’re Democrats. Rules do not apply to them.
NoDonkey on July 29, 2008 at 1:49 PM
If he’s done wrong, he’ll have to pay the price. I don’t give anyone a pass on the basis of party affiliation–or any other reason, for that matter.
backwoods conservative on July 29, 2008 at 1:49 PM
The man is 85 and this is how he ends his career. Pathetic.
Is there any way Palin can run for his seat and keep it in Republican hands? She has a high approval rating in Alaska, I am sure she could win. She also took on some corrupt people in that state herself and has a good rep for being honest.
Terrye on July 29, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Are we past the filing deadline for a new candidate?
Medicated on July 29, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Not even hot women with loose morals? I’m flexible on that one.
LimeyGeek on July 29, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Patrick Ruffini (webmaster for Bush-Cheney ‘04) writes:
amerpundit on July 29, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Palin’s facing her own accusations, albeit I think they’re BS….
http://www.adn.com/front/story/471366.html
Medicated on July 29, 2008 at 1:54 PM
Isn’t being a Governor (50) more prestigious than being in the Senate (100)? Pallin will probably stay put.
gmoonster on July 29, 2008 at 1:54 PM
She wouldn’t be the first to go from Governor to Senator.
amerpundit on July 29, 2008 at 1:55 PM
More important point……Don’t think that Barry and the rest of Dhimmicrats won’t harp on this for the next 3+ months.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 29, 2008 at 1:56 PM
So it turns out that the “Bridge to Nowhere” went to Alcatraz? Who knew?
starfleet_dude on July 29, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Yeah. They are. Check out this video response to those allegations. The guy is the one that is running the “Draft Sarah Palin for Vice President” website.
http://palinforvp.blogspot.com/2008/07/video-response-th-andrew-halcros.html
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 29, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Good. Serves the republicans right to get another black eye right about now. This was a long time coming. Instead of the party having any sense of ideological direction or meaning, they accept any type of scoundrel or liberal that happens to call themselves republicans. This guy was the king of pork and largess and it was only a matter of time. And by the way, anyone want to to tell me which “career” justice department employee made this decision while overlooking all the democrat corruption?
peacenprosperity on July 29, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Has no one mentioned term limits yet?
Well… TERM LIMITS!
VolMagic on July 29, 2008 at 2:02 PM
This isn’t the Ted Stevens I thought I knew.
lorien1973 on July 29, 2008 at 2:02 PM
Ooooh. With this “evidence” from a prominent online supporter, why even have an investigation? Surely he’s more credible than the officer Palin fired…
Big S on July 29, 2008 at 2:02 PM
Case(s) in point: Lamar Alexandar, Evan Bayh, late John Chafee, etc.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 29, 2008 at 2:03 PM
If McCain follows the advice in the update, McCain can point out that Democrats have been stalling ethical reforms in the house and senate. That earmarks have all increased (4 or 8 fold, I believe) since the democrat majority came into office.
McCain has lots of openings here, if they want to hit him on this.
lorien1973 on July 29, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Then again, isn’t McCain part of the Keating 5?
lorien1973 on July 29, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Palin Responds to Latest Falsehoods
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 29, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Oh man…we’re gon’ to Alcatraz on Saturday, but we’re takin’ the ferry. If I’d'a known there was a ferry I coulda saved me some cash and just drove there.
Rats.
And ON topic, the only way to keep this sort of thing from happening is to nail those who do it. I don’t care which letter they have after their name.
Bob's Kid on July 29, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Governor Sarah Palin needs to have a long talk with Stevens, in which she convinces him to resign NOW and replace him with some untainted Republican, who will run for election in his/her own right in November.
Although probably the best advice will come from “upinak”. By the way, she hasn’t posted on this thread yet…
Steve Z on July 29, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Of course she’s going to deny it. She may even be telling the truth. However, the issue is not going away.
Big S on July 29, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Seems like the word “lobbyists” kept coming up. IMO, many good, and bad politicians have bit the dust, because of having associations with lobbyists. Until lobbyists are totally outlawed, situations like Stevens and Jefferson will continue.
Remember, after elected, your politician doesn’t know you, nor want to hear from you, however, their doors and phones are wide open to lobbyists.
byteshredder on July 29, 2008 at 2:12 PM
This idiot has been on thin ice for awhile.
It’s corrupt self absorbed politicians like Stevens that have
got the GOP in the uphill battle that we are in right now,not
Bush.
Send his a$$ down the pipeline and get some real leadership in his place.
Baxter Greene on July 29, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Does anybody know where to get Viking gas? I’m guessing Minnesota.
ReubenJCogburn on July 29, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Looking over the comments here, something stikes me:
A Republican gets nailed for corruption, and the conservatives applaud.
A Democrat gets nailed for corruption, and the liberals ask why we’re picking on them. Then they propose making him a major player in Congress.
No, there’s no difference between us and them, is there?
psrch on July 29, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Look at all the moonbats out! I guess their States are so much better then Alaska.
LOL, if you guys want to know this is the “tip” of the ice burg. Just wait and see.
upinak on July 29, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Some hairy dude is going to be playing “just the tip” with Ted real soon.
Just for a second.
Just to see how it feels.
LimeyGeek on July 29, 2008 at 2:31 PM
[peacenprosperity on July 29, 2008 at 2:00 PM]
I know what you are saying and not to disagree with it, I’ll say good for the BUSH ADMINISTRATION. The best way to make the Republicans look better is to clean the scum out of our closet. Everyone’s heard about Stevens and his corruption. It’s been discounted, if you will, in the vote market. What hadn’t been included in the stock price for Republicans is getting rid of him and making sure justice is done. Now it will be and with a Republican president in the White House.
Let the Dems continue to display their scum on the shelf for all to see. They don’t even criticize them in the political marketplace, much less beat the drums for JD investigations. They are happy to keep them in Washington. Let them eat their complacency cake in November because of it.
Dusty on July 29, 2008 at 2:32 PM
I expect this from Dems, but Republicans never get a pass on these things. When are Republicans going to learn that this type of press really hurts the cause.
This senator seemed like a good guy, but what an idiot he turned out to be.
Hening on July 29, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Big S, Halcro is a PITA. He is a complete jerk and hates the fact he was never in the running for Governor because 1. being a jerk to the people you want to elect you doesn’t get you anywhere and 2. He has a huge freaking ego.
Please stop and ask for the whole truth, before saying one is better then the other.
upinak on July 29, 2008 at 2:33 PM
Well Limey, it isn’t just Ted. A few other “senators and congressmen” have been named in some of this.
There is WAY more going on then just Ted’s part. And I am not talking about just Alaskan politicians, even though I hate Ben Stevens, ted wasn’t a total lose for Alaska. Ted had done some good things.
upinak on July 29, 2008 at 2:35 PM
This isn’t just about Halcro. In case you haven’t noticed, the governor is stonewalling and there’s going to be an independent investigator appointed. Some on this thread have criticized Democrats for ignoring the scandals of their own party’s members; dismissing the allegations of abuse of power on the part of Palin are no better when coming from Republicans.
Big S on July 29, 2008 at 2:35 PM
For sure. It’s just so cathartic seeing these slugs get nailed to the wall. I cherish every moment.
LimeyGeek on July 29, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Any chance charges will be brought up against William “Cold Cash” Jefferson, any time soon”
Wait a minute….. he’s a Democrat. Forget it.
ToddonCapeCod on July 29, 2008 at 2:40 PM
Sarah also stone walled when it came to the other legislature’s who were caught with their hands in the cookie jar.
You don’t think I haven’t been paying attention in my own State? Please Big S, you don’t know the whole story and what you are reading isn’t everything disclosed. It is just what ADN (a californai news paper comapny) and KTUU (nbc affiliate from CO of all freaking places) are saying and giving information about. The news here is all run by MSM… which is interesting in a Repulican and Conservative State.
upinak on July 29, 2008 at 2:40 PM
I just wish other States would get the crap kicked out of them for things their Senators, Legistalure and Congress-people have done as well.
upinak on July 29, 2008 at 2:42 PM
I’m not sure what the geographic affiliations of the local media outlets have to do with this. Unless there really is no investigation and ADN and KTUU are just making it up, the fact that they are affiliated with California and Colorado companies is pretty much inconsequential.
Big S on July 29, 2008 at 2:45 PM
As you have never lived on an “island off the coast of Canada” I am going to assume you haven’t been much of anywhere other then maybe the lower 48. With that said I am done …. you don’t know shit about my State and you obviously have no clue about what is going on concerning up here. Assume away and have a nice day!
upinak on July 29, 2008 at 2:48 PM
Does Canada count?
Big S on July 29, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Great, this election just goes deeper and deeper into sh!t…
Tim Burton on July 29, 2008 at 2:54 PM
Let Palin alone. In order to develop a credible resume, Gov. Palin is in the perfect spot to accrue important executive experience right where she is. I want to see her character disclose itself in her actions as governor.
Anybody who thinks that McCain will use this opportunity to blow the trumpet of ethics at the expense of his colleague Stevens is delusional. McCain, ever the gentleman, will let this opportunity pass unused. And Obama will hammer him with it.
thegreatbeast on July 29, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Good riddance Ted you worthless loser. Should have been kicked out a long time ago.
WisCon on July 29, 2008 at 3:08 PM
Don’t let the jail door hit you on the way in, Ted.
What a disgrace for a Senator.
Clark1 on July 29, 2008 at 3:35 PM
And what other state derives such a high percentage of their income from the oil industry? Not to knock Alaska or the oil companies, but it’s almost inevitable that the situation is going to tempt some pocket-stuffing.
I’m glad something is being done about Stevens, and hope a better Republican gets elected to take his place.
Hollowpoint on July 29, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Oh Boy! With the fact you are or have live/ing in Canada at this moment in time. I would say BC area, or Alberta. Still isn’t Alaska and Canada is still trying to push for the LNG TransAlaska Pipeline from the North Slope thru Canda and their LNG pipelines (that Alaskan do not want) to IL. Yet, not even all the Canadians are for it. Being the fact you are in Canada doesn’t change the fact you aren’t here sweetie. Come on up here, Heck I will let you stay at my house and I will take you on around. And you can even meet the people who run Alaska. But don’t assume… Alaska is not Canada in any aspect.
upinak on July 29, 2008 at 3:36 PM
I don’t disagree, but it is odd how only Alaska seems to be getting reemed and they are the only ones going to Jail. You got new orleans, what ever happened to Jefferson. Oh yeah, he is still in and serving the public.
upinak on July 29, 2008 at 3:39 PM
.
The mainstream media covered for corrupt democrats in the Keating scandal by adding a republican to the group.
.
At worst, McCain should have been more aware of the appearance of impropriety in his actions. (Which is as close to being cleared as it gets.)
Right_of_Attila on July 29, 2008 at 3:41 PM
I’m not in Canada now; lived there for a number of years, mostly out east and in the middle, but I’m not at all confined in my experience to the lower 48 states. I understand that Canada is not Alaska (duh), and don’t assume I’m ignorant of all of the issues.
***
My comments on this thread regarding your state and its governor have been fairly qualified (I always said she might not have actually done anything wrong), but from a political perspective, I’m just noting that she’s pretty much frozen in her current position until this is resolved either favorably or nor favorably. For some reason, conservative activists have latched onto her as the “next great hope” of the GOP, recommending her for any other office (VP or Senator) that might open up. Like it or not, the term “abuse of power” is sufficiently strong to remove her from contention for national office, and accusations of political vendettas or MSM bias will not do much to help until (if) she is cleared.
Big S on July 29, 2008 at 3:52 PM
Jefferson was already indicted; hopefully he’ll get what’s coming to him as well.
You’re clearly more familiar with the situation in Alaska, but from what I understand Stevens isn’t exactly the only Alaskan politician suspected of corruption.
I don’t understand why you’re being defensive about this- no one is judging the entire state of Alaska based on the actions of a couple politicians.
Hollowpoint on July 29, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Don’t they always throw some conservative in the mix, even if they happen to be friends? Yet not the other way around.
upinak on July 29, 2008 at 4:03 PM
I am going to apologize. This is a very hard issue concerning this and watching this unravel before my eyes. As I have also voted and other items with many og these people.
I am quite defensive on some things. Ted HAS done quite a bit of good for Alaska. But I do not agree with what he or anyone else has done concerning breaking of any laws. But it really ticks me off when if becomes an Alaska only things right at this moment. Other States (from what I have read and seen) are just as corrupt in more aspects.
Veco and the “Owners/CEO’s” also screwed everyone over and I wish the CEO’s would have gotten more time then what they are getting. But then again, Alaska is such a small community based area, it is hard not to know someone in government, oil, sub companies, native corps and not be friends with some of these people. It is frustrating to no end. I can’t even go out to lunch or dinner with my friends depending on what is going on, without the threat of possibly losing my job, due to ethics.
As for Young and his implication.. he is going to be next. I am pretty sure of it.
upinak on July 29, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Yeah but Young and Stevens have been around for-freaking-ever. (They were in office a long time when I was a kid XD)
Honestly, I think it’s the length of time in office more than being around oil companies that’s lead to this.
I’m more than confident the ol’ homestead can produce some awesome conservatives to replace both Young and Stevens.
apollyonbob on July 29, 2008 at 4:20 PM
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