Ted "A Series of Tubes" Stevens Found Guilty 565
techmuse writes "According to a series of tubes sites, Senator Ted Stevens has been found guilty of lying about free home renovations that he received from an oil contractor. He faces up to 5 years in jail, and the outcome of his current reelection bid is now in doubt. 'The conviction came after a tumultuous week in the jury room. First there were complaints about an unruly juror, then another had to be replaced when she left Washington following the death of her father. Finally, jurors on Monday discovered a discrepancy in the indictment that had been overlooked by prosecutors. Jury deliberations in this historic trial have at times been as contentious as some of the proceedings The Justice Department indicted Stevens on July 29, and the Alaska Republican took a huge legal gamble and asked for a speedy trial in order to resolve the charges before Election Day. Judge Emmet Sullivan complied with Stevens' request, and in less than three months from the time of his indictment, Stevens was found guilty.'"
Here is hoping (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:But Colin Powell! (Score:2, Interesting)
When did embracing a war criminal's endorsement become a good thing? People must have short memories. Don't they realize that he sold his credibility down the river so we could go to war with Iraq?
Its also worth mentioning that this endorsement came 2 days after the movie W. released, which painted Colin Powell as a genius. Not surprisingly the movie didn't do very well. Who wants to watch a movie about a recurring nightmare they've had for the past 8 years? Not me.
Re:But Colin Powell! (Score:1, Interesting)
Just askin.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Re:Meet the new Senator, same as the old Senator.. (Score:5, Interesting)
Many Alaskans would vote for a Sled dog if it had a R next its name on the ballot. It wouldn't suprise me if they reelect Stevens - then Sarah Palin would appoint his successor. Sarah may be going to Washington after all. Somehow I just don't see her appointing Cathy Murkowski ...
Another reason to support term limits (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:But Colin Powell! (Score:2, Interesting)
Just because you disagree with the parent doesn't mean the post deserves 'troll'. It wasn't a flamebait, either.
Re:But Colin Powell! (Score:1, Interesting)
Any chance for +5 Troll?
Re:Jail: "Just A Series of Bars" (Score:4, Interesting)
of course they can just make him broke and have to live out his final days in a state-funded nursing home... that's much WORSE than prison!
Re:Hey Ted, maybe you can understand this (Score:4, Interesting)
Republicans don't let Republicans go to jail. For example see Scooter Libby whose sentence commuted by Bush. Libby's commutation will be upgraded to a pardon before January 20.
Removing Sevens from office is the important effect.
Re:Nothing to worry about (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Jail: "Just A Series of Bars" (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Could this hurt McCain/Palin? (Score:3, Interesting)
This pretty much ruined Ted's shot of being reelected
Don't be so sure, in the Senate seniority is everything, it determines who chairs the powerful committees and who controls the agendas that come before those committees and ultimately how much money goes back to the home state. Now, Alaska is not a very big state population wise and would not get even HALF of the federal money that they currently get if they replaced Stevens and started all over again with a very junior Senator. It would take decades for Alaska to rebuild the influence that they currently have built up in Stevens who, along with the oil companies, has but tens of thousands of dollars (cold hard cash) directly into the pockets of average Alaskans over the years. Alaska under Stevens gets roughly $1.80+ of every tax dollar they spend back for a profit of 0.80+ cents for every tax dollar they send to the Federal Government. Meanwhile, States like California, which do not have Senators anywhere near as senior as Stevens, get much less than $1 back for every $1 in taxes paid to the Federal Government. Alaskans have too much invested in Stevens to cut him loose for failing to declare gifts from oil companies and as difficult as it may be for west coast Liberals to understand, most Alaskans like the oil companies and want even more drilling because royalties go directly into the pockets of average Alaskans (thousands of dollars per family per year).
Re:Hey Ted, maybe you can understand this (Score:3, Interesting)
Of course that does not stop the IRS from now pursuing him and charging him with failing to declare income, legal or otherwise. Apparently the US IRS does not pursue politicians when they are running for election but waits until the election is over and then target them whether they have won or not.
Brings to mind another Alaskan Politician and their custom zoned home that the sports centre built, once their run at running mate is over, it's likely they'll be the one pursued next. Why is it that the proteges of criminal politicians tend to commit much the same crimes.