Stevens Disputes Conviction, Claims ''No Black Mark'' on Name
Posted by Matt Ortega on October 31, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Stunning news out of Alaska last night as Ted Stevens disputed the fact that he was convicted on all seven felony charges relating to gifts he received while serving as the state's senior senator.
Stevens, a lawyer who once served in the Justice Department, argued an interesting legal theory: it is not a conviction until the appeals process is over.
"I've not been convicted yet," Stevens said Thursday in a meeting with the editorial board of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. "There's not a black mark by my name yet, until the appeal is over and I am finally convicted, if that happens. If that happens, of course I'll do what's right for Alaska and for the Senate. ... I don't anticipate it happening, and until it happens I do not have a black mark."
Call it the "Black Mark Theory" -- one he reiterated in his debate last night with Democratic candidate for Senate, Mark Begich:
Stevens reiterated that position during a televised debate late Thursday night, declaring early in the give-and-take with Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, "I have not been convicted of anything."
To top it off, Stevens essentially called John McCain and Sarah Palin political opportunists who were insincere in their calls for him to resign.
The senator said Gov. Sarah Palin and the other Republicans who have called on him to resign are only doing so for political gain, not because they are sincere. "I wouldn't hold it against them, I understand what they're doing, trying to get elected."
Comments (4) «
It's a real soap opera over there in Republican camp right now.
Convicted felons call themselves innocent Senators. Governors who were found to have abused their power say they were exoneraged with a wave of their pom poms.
You have to wonder what charges both of them will be brought up on next?
And why is Tom Delay on the airways instead of in jail with his buddy Abramoff and Duke Cunningham?
The wonder of it all is that Senator Stevens has a chance of being re-elected. The great welfare state of Alaska likes the perks he brings in from the federal government, even though there's a segment of the population that wants to secede from the United States, something we'ver heard a little about during this campaign. There's a defense bill in Congress that Stevens has earmarked to the tune of $200 Million for Alaksa. It's nice to have a senior senator on the appropriations committee. Stevens didn't get the title of "king of pork" for nothing.
"I understand what they're doing, trying to get elected."
stevens got that right. besides, that's why palin dodges troopergate and mccain found a "joe the plumber."
why would mccain chose palin? she's pretty for the camera and could steal away hillary women. except, it's wearing thin.
obama-biden nov 4th!
How ignorant is Ted Stevens? Language is powerful. He ought to be indicated for labeling the mark against him as "black." Come on, it's 2008 and Barack Obama is our President-elect. Stevens has put a mark against himself, he stained himself, he's soiled and he soiled himself. I wish that people were more aware of thier words and not use language that diminsihes or denegrades others. Sure, some folks will still be ignorant but as a Senator he is using his power and adding insult to injury when he uses such language on a national forum.
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