Voters to decide fate of indicted Alaska Sen. Stevens
Originally published Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 9:29 a.m.
Updated Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 5:37 p.m.
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Stumble It!ANCHORAGE — Ted Stevens is about to learn just how Alaskans feel about his federal indictment.
Stevens, the longest serving Republican senator, faced six opponents in Tuesday’s primary election.
He also faces seven federal felony charges in an upcoming trial next month, and political analysts say these primary results could set the tone for the November vote.
Federal prosecutors allege Stevens lied on Senate disclosure reports to conceal more than $250,000 in home renovations and gifts from VECO Corp. executives. He was caught up in a federal investigation of corruption in Alaska politics that has seen three state lawmakers sent to federal prison and two more awaiting trial. All five are Republicans.
Thor Evenson of Anchorage said he voted for Begich simply because he’s a Democrat.
“Right now I don’t trust the Republicans, especially at the local level,” Evenson said. “It’s not an intuitive thing. There are people who have been convicted in federal court.”
But Noel Janda of Anchorage said he trusts Stevens, calling him a man who is “strictly business” and good for Alaska.
“I don’t see anybody out there who is better,” Janda said. “We need him in Washington. I don’t think we can afford to lose him there.”
Once the charges against him were levied last month, Stevens attorneys asked for a speedy trial, and got it.
It’s scheduled to start Sept. 22 with the jury selection, but for now Stevens has been focusing on his campaign.
He’s not expected to lose, and supporters have been making lots of noise since last month’s indictment.
In one of his final fundraisers, Stevens flew to Juneau and received a welcome from 200 supporters who responded to his lunchtime speech with several standing ovations.
But a last-minute onslaught of television and newspaper ads from Republican challengers Vic Vickers and Dave Cuddy may cut into Stevens’ numbers.
Begich, the Democratic front-runner, is expected to win his primary, setting up the long-anticipated showdown between him and Stevens.
Begich has so far avoided playing the corruption card, saying he prefers to stick with issues such as energy development, health care and education.
He also touted his work as Anchorage mayor, for both the city’s fiscal discipline and economic development successes.
Brian Stibitz, of Anchorage, voted for Begich on Tuesday because he likes the way he has “run a tight ship” as mayor.
But he said choosing between Stevens and Begich in November would still be a tough call because he sees the value of Stevens’ 40 years of service.
“I’m not a big fan of the prosecution’s charges, but I think he’s got some ethical issues that put a cloud over him,” Stibitz said. “So, I’d probably go with Begich.”
Community Discussion
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His pride is going to cost us all dearly. If he wins the primary but does not resign, I believe he will be handing his seat to Mark Begich on a silver platter.
I voted for Ted Stevens in the primary, not because I want him to win in the general but because I to believe him winning the primary will handing the senate seat to Begich.
Go Stevens! At your age you are allowed to be absent minded and trusting.
They took advantage of your Christian trust in others, so a Democrat can
get into office. This is all part of their 'spook' operation, to discredit
Republicans.
If he had wanted to steal, he had numerous opportunities
to do so in the past and I'm sure he would discredit himself over a
stupid SUV and cheap remodeling of his house, when he has access
to billions of dollars.
He has served this State well and hopefully will continue to do so.
He has my vote and he should have YOUR's. He is a war hero and
a veteran, not like a guy who comes up only during the summer
for over 30 years, but headed South to warmer pastures, when
the going got tough and others, who love Alaska, stayed behind.
We don't need a quitter to represent Alaska in the Senate, but a
man with a proven track record and our trust. He was duped.
Go Stevens...!!
"not like a guy who comes up only during the summer
for over 30 years, but headed South to warmer pastures"
You got that right, from what I can see, he doesn't come up at all unless it's to campaign. Time to go home Ted...You have a fancy remodeled house just waiting for you...
Go Stevens! At your age you are allowed to be absent minded and trusting.
They took advantage of your Christian trust in others, so a Democrat can get into office. This is all part of their 'spook' operation, to discredit
Republicans.
If he had wanted to steal, he had numerous opportunities to do so in the past and I'm sure he would discredit himself over a stupid SUV and cheap remodeling of his house, when he has access to billions of dollars.
He has served this State well and hopefully will continue to do so.
He has my vote and he should have YOUR's. He is a war hero and a veteran, not like a guy who comes up only during the summer for over 30 years, but heads South to warmer pastures, when
the going got tough and others, who love Alaska, stayed behind.
We don't need a quitter to represent Alaska in the Senate, but a man with a proven track record and our trust. He was duped.
Go Stevens...!!
The Feds should be going after the people who took advantage of his public service and trusting nature. They are conspirators against a State Senator, a for more serious crime than, absent mindedness.
Let's decide Young's fate while we're at it. Tired of Don? Vote for Sean.
I thought Republicans did a fine job of discrediting themselves...
Well, if Stevens doesn't come up at all, then why would he be
remodeling his house; instead of his place he in
Washington D.C? And he is in Washington to Represent
Alaska as our Senator or do you expect him to spend
a mandatory period in Alaska, like a sabbatical from
his responsibility as our Senator? I want to see him
in Washington, that is why we elected him and what
we are paying him for, not to stay home like other
people or only visit Alaska in the summer time.
Stevens, I'll vote for you.
He'll win the primary. There are so many names on the ballot that the unknowns will split the "opposed to Ted" vote and he'll survive. The real test will come in the general election. It's a shame that it works out that way, as the best alternatives are on the Republican primary ballot, but they won't be his opponents in November. It's going to come down to Ted or Begich. What a choice.
I don't care where he lives as long as he is not representing the state any more. Why would he remodel his house? Why don't you ask the VECO folks that? They seem to know more about this whole thing than anyone else. Ted claims he paid every bill he saw...nice loophole, spoken like a true lawyer.
Over all, he has served Alaskans well!!
Register as an Independent, and make your X on a closed ballot.
The Turtle Club was open for voting with 3 options:
Ballot measures only
Non-republican candidates
A combination of both
I took option #3
I expected to see Vic Vickers on the checklist, he must be republican.
Either way Ted rides off into the sunset.
He served us well for years. And if he had had the character to quit while he was ahead he might have been remembered fondly.
Don't go away mad Ted, just go away and be glad we don't take your retirement, your medical, and your name off the airport. You should have walked away with your pride and integrity intact. I actually felt a little sorry for you as I watched you get into Ralph Seekins truck yesterday at the airport.
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