Feds Suspect Sen. Stevens (R-Alaska) Took Bribe (up for re-election in 2008)

[draft_mario_cuomo]

Can we pick up a senate seat in Alaska?

Feds Suspect Stevens Took Bribe

==Though the FBI won't say what it was looking for, the Anchorage Daily News reports agents were at the home of Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) for more than 10 hours yesterday. They carted off "undisclosed items from inside" the house and took "extensive pictures and video."

Stevens "has long been the most powerful political figure in Alaska and a major force in Congress. A swarm of federal agents serving a search warrant at his home is unprecedented in Alaska politics and is part of what appears to be a widening corruption investigation that first burst into view last August."

"Federal investigators and grand juries in Anchorage and Washington, D.C., have been seeking information about a remodeling project" at Stevens' home that occurred in 2000. "The project, which more than doubled the size of the house, was overseen by" an oil services company CEO who pleaded guilty two months ago "to bribing state lawmakers and agreed to cooperate with authorities."

Late last year, Stevens indicated he intended to run for re-election in 2008.==

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2007/07/31/feds_suspect_stevens_took_bribe.html

[BOSSHOG]

1. I wonder how long it will be before fox "news" identifies him as a democrat

Surely to god ole ted has got enough money salted away (from god knows what sources) that he can retire comfortably now. On the other hand, It would be fun to have him on the campaign stump. Maybe bush can go to Alaska to campaign for him.

[Blue_In_AK]

2. I believe the very telling part about Stevens' response

is "I paid all bills that were sent to me." That seems like a huge loophole -- how about the ones that weren't sent to him?

ed. And we do have some good Dems considering a run against him. A recent "unscientific" poll here disclosed that 65% of the people said they would vote against Ted and Don Young if the investigations are still ongoing next year. The majority of voters here are independent and unaffiliated, and Ted and Don's troubles are getting a lot of press up here.

[draft_mario_cuomo]

6. That is good to hear. It would be awesome to have a Democrat take a senate seat in Alaska

What about Tony Knowles? If he considering a run?

[Blue_In_AK]

7. We haven't heard much from Tony

since he lost the governor's race last year. I'm thinking that he's pretty well done with politics. The most likely contender would be former state house minority leader (and my own state representative) Ethan Berkowitz who ran with Tony last year for Lt. Governor. He hasn't declared yet but has expressed interest and has been courted by the national party. His state bio is here. http://www.aklegislature.com/guide/2006/profiles/listings/leg_berkowitz.shtml

He's very smart and very ethical. He was blowing the whistle on the VECO influence in our state legislature long before these indictments came up, and is a well-known figure around the state. I would be extremely happy if he ends up being the man.

[draft_mario_cuomo]

8. Thanks for the info! nt

[jefferson_dem]

12. Singer at MyDD is promoting Anchorage mayor Mark Begich.

He looks like a potentially strong candidate.

--> http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/7/31/15841/4128

[Blue_In_AK]

13. You are correct.

Mark Begich would be a very strong candidate. It's been a while since Alaska has had so many good Democratic candidates who are willing to run for these seats. Last year my favorite House candidate, Diane Benson, won 40% of the votes against Don Young, before all these scandals were widely known, and without any help from the DCCC or even much from the Alaska Democratic Party, who's still holding a bit of a grudge against her, I think, because she ran for governor as a Green. Since Diane's running again this year for Don's seat, having softened him up so much last year, I personally would rather see Mark run for Ted's position, although I am more inclined toward Berkowitz since he was my representative and I've talked to him several times.

Too many candidates, too few positions. I would never have believed it possible even four years ago.

[SoFlaJet]

3. Wow

just wow-any questions as to why he was so in favor of drilling in Alaska now kids?

[frogcycle]

4. how long until those feds are sent packing?

[Renew Deal]

5. It's time to send Ted Stevens to the Conrad Burns Senatorial Retirement Community

:hi:

[The Ghost]

9. if ...

he is found guilty, will they have to change the name of Anchorage airport?

[Hart2008]

10. Let them rename the airport for Gravel.

Gravel ended the draft and the Vietnam War. That is something to be proud of instead of a corrupt pork barrel politician.

[The Ghost]

11. Jewel International Airport. eom.

[Blue_In_AK]

14. This is always the danger inherent

in naming any facility after someone who's not dead.