Breaking: Ted Stevens found guilty on all charges
posted at 4:38 pm on October 27, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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The Hill reports that the jury has returned guilty verdicts on all seven felony counts for Ted Stevens of making false statements on financial-disclosure forms about his relationship with Veco, an Alaskan oil company. Each count carries a potential five-year sentence, although the Republican Senator will have to wait four months to hear how much prison time he’ll have to serve:
The verdict was reached after the jury deliberated since Wednesday and found the 84-year-old senator guilty of failing to report more than $250,000 in gifts from Bill Allen, the former head of Veco Corp., and other friends. …
The jury did not seem to buy the explanation from Stevens that Allen showered him with gifts he didn’t want and was unaware of, and that he believed the $160,000 he gave to another contractor covered all costs for the home renovations.
How much time will that mean? The judge could stack the sentences consecutively for a 35-year term, but that seems unlikely. He will probably get as much prison time as Scooter Libby got for his convictions of perjury and obstruction of justice, although Stevens’ seven counts may force the judge to up the ante. Given Stevens’ age and his status as a non-offender prior to this conviction, I’d guess somewhere between 24 and 36 months.
Where does that leave the Republicans? Up a creek in terms of their Senate race in Alaska. The GOP did not do much to deter Stevens from running for re-election, and the primary gave him a relatively easy win. It’s far too late to find a replacement, so the Democrats get an easy pick-up for that seat. And, quite frankly, the Republicans deserve to lose it for not doing a better job of defeating Stevens in the primary.
When we talk about the corrosively corrupting nature of pork, this is exactly what we mean. (via The Corner)
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Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Please, please, please don’t let his be the 60th dem seat.
BadgerHawk on October 27, 2008 at 4:40 PM
QUICK someone fire up the “Steam” classic … nah nah nah nah … hey hey hey …. Goodbye.
Monkei on October 27, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Good riddance!
johnsteele on October 27, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Hey, you agree with the conservatives for once. Now if we could kick out some of the corrupt pols on your side of the aisle.
BadgerHawk on October 27, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Creep. Get out of my party.
By the way, Dollar Bill Jefferson was caught years ago with his frozen money. Why had he not had such speedy justice?
Elizabetty on October 27, 2008 at 4:42 PM
A year ago would have been nice.
Count to 10 on October 27, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Colin Powell (very soon): “This is not the Ted Stevens that I knew.”
Wethal on October 27, 2008 at 4:43 PM
I hope he rots.
He shares the responsibility for the Democratic-led congress we have and likely will have come November.
MadisonConservative on October 27, 2008 at 4:43 PM
The Republican Party needs to be rebuilt. Will it be in the mold of Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin, and the conservative base? Or will it be in the mold of David Brooks, Christopher Buckley, David Frum, and the “conservative” elite?
D0WNT0WN on October 27, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Can people vote for him knowing that Palin would be able to appoint a replacement since he can’t serve?
Dirthead on October 27, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Thanks for screwing us over soon-to-be former Sen. Stevens and Alaska GOP. Real helpful there.
CP on October 27, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Good question.
Count to 10 on October 27, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Next. Murtha.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 27, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Good riddance..
on another note maybe Alaskans should use the infamous “Torricelli” approach and petition the courts they’ll be disinfranchised..
theblacksheepwasright on October 27, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Once again, the Republicans have taken their eyes off the ball. This goes right up there with some of the races this year where Republicans failed to get some of their better candidates for Senate and House seats on the primary ballots in time in battleground states.
We need to clean house at the NRSC and NRCC this year. This is absolutely embarrassing. And we better just pray that this isn’t Seat #60, or even Seat #58.
AGAIN — we must immediately focus 100% of our energy and resources on the remaining Senate candidates. We CANNOT AFFORD to give Obama anything even CLOSE to a filibuster proof Senate, or he could easily turn into a Chavez or Mugabe (w/o the violence, however) and start nationalizing half the freaking economy. If the GOP wants to remain a national party in the future, we must act NOW to save the Senate!!!
Outlander on October 27, 2008 at 4:44 PM
If McCain does lose the elctions which would be better for Palin the governership of Alaska or a Senate seat ?
William Amos on October 27, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Yep. Or he could drop and they could run Sean Parnell (Lt. Gov) instead.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 27, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Can the voters still vote Republican for the seat and win and if so, could Gov. Palin then appoint a replacement?
CP on October 27, 2008 at 4:45 PM
And, dem rep Mahoney was pimping his girlfriends for campaign funds, and Wexler doesn’t live in his district. Oh, I forgot to note the letter after their names – nevermind.
Vashta.Nerada on October 27, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Hey I am all for kicking any corrupt politician out of a job, regardless of any party, I have always been up front about that. I think they should all go, Jefferson included … but what I will disagree with here is some GOP right wing wacko talking head telling me that the GOP and GOP voters take care of their corrupt politicians. Ted Stevens is a perfect example of how wrong that is. It took a court trial to basically throw him out indirectly.
Pork is a great equalizer.
Monkei on October 27, 2008 at 4:46 PM
That might get tricky if she elected VP–I don’t know if she can actually appoint someone to the term until it starts.
Count to 10 on October 27, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Well now. The Dems don’t have to be concerned about Stuart Smalley being the 60th vote anymore. Coleman can win now.
Thanks Ted, you JERK, for costing us a seat and potentially giving HARRY REID a Super Majority….dumbass
originalpechanga on October 27, 2008 at 4:47 PM
An odd way of putting it, but I think I agree.
Count to 10 on October 27, 2008 at 4:47 PM
Good riddance.
Can we move to rename the “Ted Stevens International Airport” to something cooler, like “Barracuda International”?
pt on October 27, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Because he was challenging the search of his office, and boneheaded GOP Leader Hastert joined in the argument for Congressional privilege extending to offices.
Wethal on October 27, 2008 at 4:48 PM
I’m just simply ignorant of the facts, here:
did Palin initiate this scrutiny (seems plausible)?? ..
or was it just the predictable dems on the hill, hoping to vacate his seat ?
Dang SOB !!
pambi on October 27, 2008 at 4:48 PM
This would be so unfair if he wasn’t so damn guilty.
How much did the Bridge to the Federal Corrections Institute in Sheridan cost Senator?
Kasper Hauser on October 27, 2008 at 4:49 PM
A-Freakin’-Men, this crook should have been booted from the campaign months ago. The Senate needs to get their tails in gear and force him to resign post haste. (also should have been done months/years ago)
Rogue on October 27, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Well, The lt. Gov could appoint if Palin is elected… either way, it works
Dirthead on October 27, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Huh? Stevens is running against a Democrat this year. Why would there be an appointment?
amerpundit on October 27, 2008 at 4:50 PM
Stevens final ads should be “Vote for me, to keep Dems from having 60 seats, then we will appoint Parnell or someone”
jp on October 27, 2008 at 4:50 PM
What’s the word on the Lt. then?
Count to 10 on October 27, 2008 at 4:51 PM
What I meant by that is the voters who receive all the pork are not very likely to vote the pork enabling politician out.
Remember it was not the citizens of Alaska who found him guilty. In fact the GOP was all willing to send him back for another 6 years. And he was close to pulling it off.
Same thing with the crook from New Orleans.
Monkei on October 27, 2008 at 4:51 PM
No, that would work out OK, because the Senate convenes on January 3 and the VP is not sworn in until January 20.
factoid on October 27, 2008 at 4:51 PM
Good statement…
right2bright on October 27, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Presumably, he could still win.
Count to 10 on October 27, 2008 at 4:52 PM
I think some here think two things will happen.
1. Stevens will somehow get elected, resigned and then replaced by the Gov.
2. Palin will be VP.
I would think that both are long odds. #1 is almost a certainty not to happen.
Monkei on October 27, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Ah, pardon my ignorance.
Count to 10 on October 27, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Because he is ahead in the polls, and he will probably win the election.
right2bright on October 27, 2008 at 4:53 PM
The feel-good story of the day.
thegreatbeast on October 27, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Who couldn’t see this coming, and why didn’t the party do something about it? Oh I get it, for the love of pork.
tarpon on October 27, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Ha ha ha go to jail you arrogant a*s!
If he wins re-election, he can STILL hold his seat from jail! AWESOME!
Dave Rywall on October 27, 2008 at 4:54 PM
You don’t think that Bush would be stupid enough to pardon him in January, do you?
thegreatbeast on October 27, 2008 at 4:55 PM
It’s all over the Series of Tubes that he’s guilty on all counts. There goes the Senate seat.
sanjeevn on October 27, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Congress is usually sworn in around Jan. 3rd, I think. So, if by chance Palin was going to be VP, she would be taking office, of course, until Jan. 20.
CP on October 27, 2008 at 4:55 PM
I think that if he wins re-election that just about cement my beliefs about the voters “smartness” in the great state of Alaska.
Monkei on October 27, 2008 at 4:56 PM
That should work too, after all there was a Supreme Court resolution in the Torricelli case, so there is now a precedent stating that Alaskans should be able to have a Republican on the ballot. Question is, can day find a suitably charismatic person on such short notice. In a poll taken 8 days ago Begich was ahead by one point.
factoid on October 27, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Come to think of it, that might be right. Nothing strips him of his seat until he gives it up or is impeached.
Count to 10 on October 27, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Stevens should resign immediately. Gov. Palin should call upon him to resign. Corrupt politicians need to go.
BTW, with the convictions for felonies, isn’t Stevens’ pension now gone?
rbj on October 27, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Maybe they can contact Quest or Frontier or Verizon to set up some sort of telecommunications package for Stevens and the Dukester to work their legislative magic from prison?
Monkei on October 27, 2008 at 4:59 PM
The problem is that the only person running against him will be caucusing as a democrat, so they stick with him. You know, the same reason Mass. doesn’t get rid of Kennedy.
Count to 10 on October 27, 2008 at 4:59 PM
The price of a super majority for democrats is the price to pay for buying into the Pork laden old boy and RINO network. But, that being said, I see far less integrity in the other side of the aisle with the Pelosi/Reid led protection of scum sucking Democrats like Murtha, Jefferson and Maloney to name a few.
MNDavenotPC on October 27, 2008 at 4:59 PM
So, with Dems in comfortable majorities in both houses, how long do you think it would take for a convicted Republican felon to be impeached? It would be so embarrassing that even his fellow Republicans would vote against him.
factoid on October 27, 2008 at 5:00 PM
This gets weird. I’m pretty sure he has to be there in person, and no law enforcement is allowed to prevent him from going to vote.
Count to 10 on October 27, 2008 at 5:01 PM
well I thought a primary was held in Alaska for the GOP primary?
Monkei on October 27, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Can we put a replacement on the ticket at the last minute? In MN the Democrats put Mondale on at the last minute to replace Wellstone. In NJ they put Lautenberg on the ballot at the last minute in place of….what’s his name. I can’t think of it at the moment but you all know who I’m talking about?
Can we get Sean Parnell on the ticket instead? At least we’d have a fighting chance. Parnell has name recognition statewide since he’s Lt. Gov. and just barely lost his primary challange of Don Young.
t.ferg on October 27, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Too late for Palin to run?
Jaibones on October 27, 2008 at 5:03 PM
I believe WorldComm is the provider of choice in these cases :-)
factoid on October 27, 2008 at 5:04 PM
so let me get this right. As a convicted felon he loses his right to vote in elections, but he can still vote in the senate as a inmate?
Monkei on October 27, 2008 at 5:04 PM
How about Joe the Plumber?
factoid on October 27, 2008 at 5:06 PM
From Headlines:
FYI, for those who don’t remember as well. Parnell (whom I keep seeing people say) ran for Congress and got knocked out of the race by around 250 votes. Parnell can’t take the Senate seat unless McCain does not get elected.
And the Trolls can go away…. you have enough convicted Dems (a porn ring on tax payers dollars comes to mind) in Congress and the Senate to choke a horse.
upinak on October 27, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Good question. If Palin wants to come to Washington that would be the only way for her to get there. The question is who do you throw under the bus to take her place with McCain.
Monkei on October 27, 2008 at 5:07 PM
2/3 vote in the senate could expel him.
Dave Rywall on October 27, 2008 at 5:08 PM
DO IT!
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 27, 2008 at 5:09 PM
It’s kind of impressive that you know that. Most Americans don’t know that.
BadgerHawk on October 27, 2008 at 5:16 PM
Losing the seat is a very bad thing. Losing Stevens is a very good thing.
O-Dub on October 27, 2008 at 5:17 PM
two words: Term Limits
Maxx on October 27, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Palin for Senate!
Seixon on October 27, 2008 at 5:22 PM
McCain should make a point about earmarks.
lodge on October 27, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Good. GTFO.
Static on October 27, 2008 at 5:24 PM
This is the very kind of Rep. that Palin not McCain ran against.She and other are the future of The Consev. movement.I truly think that the next Rep. leader will not come from D.C. and will not think you have to make friends with the Dems. & Libs just to get along.He or she will be out to defeat them not to get along with the NY times or the post and be part of the D.C. party elite.We may be watching the death of the old GOP and the birth of the new Consv. movement.GOD help us these are dark days!!!
thmcbb on October 27, 2008 at 5:25 PM
In related news: Noo!!!
Seixon on October 27, 2008 at 5:25 PM
What’s the difference between Republicans & Democrats?
When a Republican goes bad, they’re correctly vilified, prosecuted, and punished.
When a Democrat goes bad; they’re deified, praised, not prosecuted, and become icons of the Party, and get re-elected until they die of old age…..
And the most corrupt person in American Political History….Barack HUSSEIN Obama (PBUH)(SWT)(SAW) is a prime example, he’s become the new Messiah of the Anti-American/Anti-Semitic/Anit-White Racist Marxist Left, and will soon be in the Oval Office….
God help us!
Dale in Atlanta on October 27, 2008 at 5:28 PM
It’s kind of impressive that you know that. Most Americans don’t know that.
BadgerHawk on October 27, 2008 at 5:16 PM
——–
I must admit I didn’t but was curious about what couls happen now, so I looked it up. I don’t know sh*t about your two house craziness.
Dave Rywall on October 27, 2008 at 5:28 PM
Please…don’t give Bonnie Fwank any ideas.
ManlyRash on October 27, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Much crowing in Liberal Latte land about this. I have to keep reminding these folks that at least the Republican’s aren’t shelling out money to pay off the accusers on this…
hburns on October 27, 2008 at 5:40 PM
More incorrect information, getting to expect that from you.
You can easily google convicted democrats and get a list a mile long … I just did. Why don’t you try it?
Monkei on October 27, 2008 at 5:41 PM
As an Alaskan voter I just want to let you that may be worried that I am going to vote for anyone, even Ted Stevens in order to keep Begich from winning the Senate seat hear in Alaska. You might also be suprised to know that there are many voters who feel the same way as I do. I just hope it will be enough voters to keep the seat in Alaska Republican.
I say this not knowing what the election laws are, but the MAIN sentiment is to keep begich from winning the senat seat
lwssdd on October 27, 2008 at 5:45 PM
I think they are going to be doing a rally in Anchorage and Fairbanks concerning this and to keep Begich out. KTUU surprisingly may actually broadcast something about it.
Keep the faith Begich doesn’t get it.
upinak on October 27, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Ted Stevens is to 2008 as Mark Foley was 2006: an icon of our party’s corruption. Let’s hope this doesn’t give the Democrats the 60 seats they’re looking for.
paul006 on October 27, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Exhibit 1A in the case for replacing the leadership at the RNC.
Angry Dumbo on October 27, 2008 at 5:59 PM
“And, quite frankly, the Republicans deserve to lose it for not doing a better job of defeating Stevens in the primary.”
Indeed. However, alot of innocent citizens (our kids who can’t vote) and informed and involved conservatives who don’t deserve one party rule. We can pin it to the wussy Repubs almost as much as the kings and queens of pork, the Demos.
A conservative revolution is in order.
Christine on October 27, 2008 at 6:01 PM
Ted Stevens’ reputation for honesty and integrity is sterling in the quarter-century we’ve known each other. As we say in the infantry, this is a guy you take on a long patrol. Well damn it all, at least he didn’t choose Sarah Palin as his running mate!!!
- Colin Powell
MB4 on October 27, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Speaking about whateverhappenedto …. What ever happened to Tom Delay. Is he in jail yet for his many crimes against humanity and the democrats? He lost his position and seat for the alleged crimes. And William Jefferson got re-elected. So, whats up with that?
wise_man on October 27, 2008 at 6:09 PM
Yuk.
wise_man on October 27, 2008 at 6:10 PM
You can easily google convicted democrats and get a list a mile long … I just did. Why don’t you try it?
Monkei on October 27, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Ah, the return of the Anti-American/Pro-Jihadi Delusional Democratic Leftist Traitor Nutbag Troll known as “Monkei”; I’m saddened, but not shocked.
Ah…er…my statement stands as 100% correct by the way, but I’m not shocked that you’d lie, as usual!
Dale in Atlanta on October 27, 2008 at 6:18 PM
Yep. So please consider voting for the one candidate who will do something about it – John McCain.
RightOFLeft on October 27, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Two words: Sandy Berger
silenced majority on October 27, 2008 at 6:24 PM
And this, after the MSM couldn’t wait to sweep Tim Mahoney under the rug?
Ryan Gandy on October 27, 2008 at 6:29 PM
Please help me, folks.. you’re all so much more in touch than I am… I’m just simply ignorant of the facts, here:
did Palin initiate this scrutiny (since it seems plausible)?? ..
or was it just the predictable dems on the hill, hoping to vacate his seat ?
pambi on October 27, 2008 at 6:41 PM
Republicans need to learn to extend prosecutions until after election…Palin and Stevens
While william jefferson is December 2nd and Fannie May is November 23rd
go figure.
tomas on October 27, 2008 at 6:57 PM
Wasn’t there a time when Republican politicians had the ability to do whats best for the party? This idiot is just as bad as Mark Foley.
Speedwagon82 on October 27, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Thank you! That was my first thought. A very glowing character witness of Ted Stevens within days of his endorsement of BO. Surely there’s a 527 out there who can turn that into a TV ad…
Captain Scarlet on October 27, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Why can’t Republicans just vote for Ted Stevens, knowing that of course the Governor will appoint a clean conservative after the election?
Speedwagon82 on October 27, 2008 at 7:05 PM
Good riddance to this bozo. You want to stop this crap? Who can do more damage, an FBI agent or a congressman? Right… members of congress should at least have rules as harsh as the FBI… they should be subject to unannounced lie detector tests regarding potential criminal activity. Pass that law tomorrow and watch the number of resignations.
CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”
CapedConservative on October 27, 2008 at 7:17 PM
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