Monday, October 27, 2008

Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, GUILTY AS CHARGED

What does this mean?

It means this seat can go democrat, that is what it means. But will it? Stevens has a history of bringing home the "bacon" for his state, i.e., earmarks. Don't think people won't think about that.

In the end, he is a convicted felon. Don't forget it was Stevens who wanted this trial before the election, he pushed for this. Well, now his nightmare has come true, convicted.

Ted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican senator in history and patriarch of Alaska politics, was convicted Monday of all seven felony charges for making false statements.

The verdict could spell an ignominious end to the political career of a man who rose to be one of the most dominant figures in the Senate and helped transform Alaska in its 50 years of statehood.

Jurors deliberated from scratch Monday morning with the addition of an alternate juror, and in little more than five hours delivered a unanimous verdict on all counts. The verdict comes just eight days before Stevens faces the toughest reelection bid of his four-decade career.

Shortly before 4 p.m., the jury convicted the 84-year-old senator for making false statements by failing to report more than $250,000 in gifts from Bill Allen, the former head of Veco Corp., and other friends.

In a packed courtroom, Stevens appeared expressionless, holding his stomach while the verdict was read. The courtroom was silent as the powerful Republican's fate was read to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The senator left the courtroom without taking questions and was shuttled into a white van waiting for him and his team of attorneys.

Stevens has yet to indicate if he will appeal the charges. continue

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