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I am not surprised at the guilty verdict handed down against US Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) on seven counts of making false statements.  And nor should anyone else.  I stated earlier in the year that Alaskan Republicans needed to find another candidate, but they failed.  It amazes me that people like Ted can imagine that they are not only above the law, but that in the midst of failure they should continue on with their struggle for power when they should be focusing on dealing with the issue at hand… planning a appeal.   From The Hill:

The senator vowed to “fight this unjust verdict with every ounce of energy I have” and said he would return home to defend his seat.

“I am innocent. This verdict is the result of the unconscionable manner in which the Justice Department lawyers conducted this trial,” Stevens added. “I ask that Alaskans and my Senate colleagues stand with me as I pursue my rights. I remain a candidate for the United States Senate. I will come home on Wednesday and ask for your vote.”

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.

The halls of Washington have a powerful pull on people’s souls, ripping apart their integrity if they let it.  I am glad I’m not there… I don’t know how well I could handle it.  Stevens drank it in for over 40 years, and apparently got accustomed to the life enough that making this huge mistake was too easy.

His continued claims of prosecutorial misconduct just don’t wash.  As I said before, he’s either guilty are very stupid.  Either way, Alaskan’s should move on.

And this is the best time for Sarah Palin and John McCain to demonstrate their self-ascribed “maverick” title.  Repudiate Stevens and publicly call for him to resign from office and the campaign.

Other bloggers: Anchorage Daily NewsCNN, McClatchy Washington Bureau, Jonathan Martin’s Blogs, Washington Monthly, The Swamp, Crooks and Liars, Think Progress, The Moderate Voice, Hot Air, Firedoglake, The Gun Toting Liberal, The Reaction, MyDD, DownWithTyranny!, American Street, unbossed.com, The Next Right, Emptywheel, About.com US Politics, Sunlight Foundation and Daily Kos.

Hat TIp: Memeorandum.

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