Holder Voids Case Against Ted Stevens. But Why?
James Joyner at OTB, this morning brings news abot the latest action of Eric Holder’s Justice Dept:
Attorney General Eric Holder has dropped the case against Ted Stevens, NPR’s Nina Totenberg reports.A jury convicted Stevens last fall of seven counts of lying on his Senate disclosure form in order to conceal $250,000 in gifts from an oil industry executive and other friends. Stevens was the longest-serving Republican in the Senate, however, he lost his bid for an eighth full term in office just days after he was convicted. Since then, charges of prosecutorial misconduct have delayed his sentencing and prompted defense motions for a new trial. According to Justice Department officials, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has decided to drop the case against Stevens rather than continue to defend the conviction in the face of persistent problems stemming from the actions of prosecutors. The judge in the Stevens case has repeatedly delayed sentencing and criticized trial prosecutors for what he’s called prosecutorial misconduct. At one point, prosecutors were held in contempt. Things got so bad [...]
The House In Action! DTV Switch Stays On Schedule
Thank goodness there must have been SOME voice of reason in the US House today regarding the switch to digital television transmission and the shutting down of analog transmissions. Although the special rules required a 2/3 vote to approve, at least the House did not roll over and give in like the idiots in the Senate on Monday night (who voted for this travesty unanimously).
Why is this bill a problem?
Well, we understand and accept the fact that, ahem, 4% of households have not yet switched to the digital format (most simply needing a $50 converter box that the government has been providing a $40 coupon for now for over a year now. Evidently, part of the issue is the sudden delay in sending out coupons. According to the Wall Street Journal:
Republicans say the extra money isn't necessary because
TCR Endorsements: US Senator From Iowa
This year, the US Senate seat currently held by Tom Harkin is up for grabs. I say "up for grabs" in an attempt to relieve us of the idea that the incumbent has no chance to be unseated.
Harkin has been in the US Senate now for 6 terms (24 years). Without a doubt, he has done some good things while in Congress. Probably the most positive, and the one he speaks of the most, is his authoring of the Americans with Disabilities Act. He has also been a big supporter of farmers and Iowa's universities.
Harkin is also known in the state, like Neil Smith[...]
Stevens Guilty
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[...]
Stay in Touch
