Community | November 09, 2008 | 53 comments

Dems. will kick Stevens out of Senate

source: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/09/the-senate-majority-leader-on-stevens/

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"He’s not going to be in the Senate." That's what Senate Majority leader Harry Reid (D) said to CNN Reporter John King about the fate of Ted Stevens a convicted felon likely to return to the Senate. It would be the first time in U.S. history that a convict was elected to the U.S. Senate

Reid also talked about Joe Lieberman "Joe Lieberman has done something that I think was improper, wrong, and I’d like — if we weren’t on television, I’d use a stronger word of describing what he did."

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Everyone’s been watching the returns in Alaska, where the 84-year-old Senator Ted Stevens seems to have pulled out a re-election win despite his recent felony convictions in a corruption case exposing his acceptance of gifts from developers for renovations of his home in Alaska.

Senator Stevens has been adamant that his conviction is an aberration; that he will surmount this obstacle, and will survive. He, in essence, refuses to give up his longtime seat in the Senate, in contradiction to calls for his resignation from leading Republicans, like the Minority leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell, or the Republican presidential nominee, John McCain, and even his governor, Sarah Palin.

Full article at The New York Times Online

So what do you think about Stevens and Lieberman? Inject you reasoned opinion here.
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53 comments // Dems. will kick Stevens out of Senate

  • arcticspirit
    • 0
      arcticspirit  

    • I believe that the people of Alaska should decide who they want to represent them in congress. By what ever method they decide is fair. After all the man is stripped of his right to vote isn't he?

      If Sen. Lieberman will be stripped of his chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security Committee due to his hanging out with McCain instead of Obama during the 2008 election I will have lost all respect for the democratic congress. That is just wrong.

    • 3 years ago
  • kozeki
    • 0
      kozeki  

    • New rule, no one should have the audacity to whine about Ted Stevens if they've never heard of Mark Begich, supported Mark Begich, or even saw Mark Begich debate Ted Stevens the week before the election (I mean c'mon it was on CSPAN for Palin's sake).
      Where the jebus were all these whiners before election?
      Stumping for Begich, donating to the Begich for Senate campaign with the same enthusiasm they gave Obama, calling Alaskans to convince them to vote for Mark Begich?
      Yeah, where was everyone on that close, close election?
      Ted Stevens is in the appeals process fighting against what he calls an unfairly conducted procedure against him (whether he is guilty or not) and has the full support of Democratic Congressman Daniel Inouye (HI) who will be in charge of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
      (So Ted Stevens is guilty for trying to add drapes and his house off the books in 7 unlawful ways... does that really make him worse then Bob Packwood, Gary Conduit, Mark Foley, and Larry Craig?)
      Granted he's older than Father Time, and cannot relate with the current generation of the American public, but the simple truth is, everyone should lay off his case unless they honestly fought to have Mark Begich who was a noble fresh face in the campaign and could have used this half-assed "retrospect is 20-20" support now.

    • 3 years ago
  • kozeki
    • 0
      kozeki  
    • kozeki:

      great, the national party spent on his behalf... here's the thing, they're supposed to, Congressional races cost a crapload of moeny... but did all the people who are moaning and whining and probably from the 49 other states who really didn't care enough about the Alaskan senatorial race to spend any time or attention on Begich's behalf, or even made it a point to learn a few things to the man Stevens was running against (like who he was at least what his positions were besides the fact he's not a 90 year old man with Alaskan oil interests at heart) before they desided to get rightously outraged at Alaskans for voting Stevens? No, they didn't... they'll read some guy get angry on the Huffington Post or a joke cracked by a late night comedian and then jump on the outrage bandwagon despite not being interested enough to actually pay attention to what was going to be a really close race BEFORE election night. The Party officials have every right to whine and complain, everyone else who is whining and complaing from the 49 other states, unless they invested any care to actually support Begich should live with what their indifference to that campaign brought them.

    • 3 years ago
  • Moopak
  • DASLIFE
    • 0
      DASLIFE  

    • This is the same crap as Marion Barry getting re-elcted in Wash, D.C. A FEW years back. who ran against him? What, were they "on" herion? Now who ran against this man? What were they a murderer, rapist, molester? Dam!! who was so bad that American's can vote in a crack head and an old geezer who takes undo gifts. He should've known better or has senility set in and he "forgot" that he was wrong. kick him the hell out!!! We give waaaaay to many 2nd chances for public officials in this country as it is.. ENOUGH ALREADY!!!

    • 3 years ago
  • DASLIFE
    • 0
      DASLIFE  
    • DASLIFE:

      No the comparison is the 2nd chances. No materr how bad someone does especially in politics we americans seem at the ready to give the trust in the very people who violate that trust. Marion Barry, this idiot, and a whole host of others. Watch for Ellio0t Spitzer to get his shot at redemption in the near future. (and he was only guilty of cheating on his wife with hookers) It never fails that Americans fall for this bs from our politicians and our political system in general. Look at the bigger picture it's all around us, not just on a federal scale. It's the entire political system..federal, state, and local. besides these proof's that i've talked about here are some more to refresh ya memory in case you've forgotten---Clinton, his twat chasing days followed him into the white where he did the dame thing right that was his 3rd chance!! James Mcgreevey should've just stayed in the closet and kept his mouth "closed" and he'd be enjoying a 2nd term as gov of nj. There's a guy down in arkansas still trying to clear his name from a smear even after evidence comes out to the contrary. But he's outta there. And regardless Barry was given a 2nd chance. leaving office or not DC HAD A CRACKHEAD AS IT'S MAYOR. I'D SURMISE IF SHARPE JAMES GETS OUTTA PRISON FOR HIS CRAP NEWARK WOULD VOTE HIM BACK IN TOO!! THE POINT MY FRIEND IS TOO MANY 2ND CHANCES PERIOD!!

    • 3 years ago
  • darkhorsejim
    • 0
      darkhorsejim  

    • Yes, all politicians are dirty to some degree, but innocent until they're caught & convicted for any crimes committed. Elected officials need to be held to the highest standard of integrity, beginning with the first paycheck drawn from taxpayer funds.

      The Republican's longest sitting senator, Stevens, is a convicted felon x 7 after all the plea bargaining, so one can surmise he's been dirty all along & deserves to be flushed out of the Senate like the piece of shit he is.

      Some of these comments seem to imply that it's a given our elected officials will lie, cheat, steal, do prostitutes 2 or 3 at a time, & accept bribes from special interest groups when they've been elected to represent everybody equally & fairly.

      When did the standards of excellence for our once great country become so low that people are actually debating whether or not human garbage can still serve their constituents instead of jail time when convicted felons lose their voting rights?

    • 3 years ago
  • dlmontgomery
    • 0
      dlmontgomery  

    • I think with this decision, we can look forward to Gov. Palin getting to the the Senate through the back door. Get ready for Palin 2 the sequel!

    • 3 years ago
  • matea
  • malgui01
    • 0
      malgui01  

    • Stevens must resign his seat. Congress has lost enough respect in the eyes of the electorate, due to the behavior of certain members of both parties.

      If he refuses then they must remove him by force.

    • 3 years ago
  • alicynx
    • 0
      alicynx  
    • malgui01:

      The Senate, and the House, are meant to be comprised of representatives of the people of their respective states. This man was elected, legally and all of that, by the people of Alaska and they deserve to have the person they voted represent them in Congress. It think what they've done is absolutely and fundamentally inane, but that does not give me the right to take away their right to be represented by their choice of congressman.
      The same ought to be said for Lieberman, because no matter what we think of him, he does not represent us - we didn't vote him into Congress, and the people who did have a choice coming up in 2010 to keep or toss him. Until then he is their voice and who are we to take away their voice over a difference of opinion? He has made his bed, and the only people who have a right to make him lie in it are his constituents.
      Once Congress gives itself the authority to unseat representatives for any reason, much less dissenting opinions, Congress will cease its function as the voice of the People. You have no more right to remove Sen. Stevens than you do Pelosi or Reid, unless they represent your state. Otherwise you're robbing an entire state of their right to a voice, and that is fundamentally wrong.

    • 3 years ago
  • current89
  • ninepounds6
    • 0
      ninepounds6  

    • He will retire and he will never suffer any damages of his actions. We, the people, will see to that., in our infinite wisdom and short-sightedness.

      We love our corrupt politicians, and only hate those not in our state or district.

    • 3 years ago
  • phoenixtoo
    • 0
      phoenixtoo  

    • The majority party historically parcells out the chairmanships and who gets to be on what committee. This is not a new thing. Lieberman knew this which is why during the last part of the campaign, he started keeping a low profile, in fact he almost became invisible.Joe will be coming up for re-election in 2010, and unless he can make a REAL impressive show of backing the candidate the VAST amount of his consistuents supported and support the ideals that they believe in, they will replace him. So Joe will be doing his dead level best to placate his people during this little trial period. I don't think he will present to great of a roadblock to the democrats no matter what they do.The entire New England region has voted out all republicans in congress, if he sides with them, he's political toast.

    • 3 years ago
  • phoenixtoo
  • whitew
  • bamboodizzard
    • 0
      bamboodizzard  

    • Can somebody explain to me (I am afraid that I already know the answer), how in the world the Dems won't strip Lieberman of his tenure?

      They are worried that he will become a republican? Is that right? They are worried that he is going to switch parties and vote with the Republicans? That is the problem?

      Why won't they just do that? He would lose ALL credibility with his supporters and get voted out. Fuck Lieberman! What a rat!

    • 3 years ago
  • HolyCity2012
  • sosjoyce
    • 0
      sosjoyce  

    • Stevens has been a crook for years, he just finally got caught. But instead of steamrolling that road straight through the wildlife refuge, why don't they just put a bridge back up to Siberia, like that old land bridge - then they can just migrate back without even getting wet.

      Lieberman is the enemy - and I'd keep him really close and stay behind him.

    • 3 years ago
  • Robroy1
    • 0
      Robroy1  

    • Throw him out of the Senate and into Prison where these thieves belong, Throw Lieberman out of the party and be done with this snake in the grass.

    • 3 years ago
  • chelsy
    • 0
      chelsy  

    • how long have these fools been flocking to Alaska? Neither of them should be on the senate (I think we all know lieberman's a douchebag) but lets be honest: most of the people in our government are corrupt in one way or another, I mean our congress are bought out by corporations...

    • 3 years ago
  • nessie00
    • 0
      nessie00  

    • HOPEFULLY HEINOUS HARRY REID WILL KICK HIM OUT SO THAT SARAH PALIN GETS ON BOARD AND REALLY RUFFLES SOME FEATHERS IN WASHINGTON. AS FAR AS LIEBERMAN, THE GOP WILL BE GLAD TO HAVE HIM VOTE WITH US. SEND HIM ON OVER.

    • 3 years ago
  • HolyCity2012
  • coyotesees
    • 0
      coyotesees  

    • Stevens has been and always will be the root of evil in Alaska. He SHOULD BE kicked out of the Senate on his tired ole ass. Palin is to Stevens as McCain is to Bush. Peas in a pod and that pod is rotting. Lieberman is nothing but a turncoat that can not be trusted, a wolf in sheep's clothing.

    • 3 years ago
  • messiahpal
  • justright
  • justright
    • 0
      justright  

    • That he was reelected shows you just how much power the oil companies have there, the population is willing to turn a blind eye in exchange for an oil check.

    • 3 years ago
  • waseem_nu
    • 0
      waseem_nu  

    • WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWaWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWaWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWaWWWW

    • 3 years ago
  • current89
  • aliasone
  • Kepano
    • 0
      Kepano  

    • Only in America, the brilliant people of Alaska just relects a convicted Felon. Amazing, What's Next A Sarah Palin Corruption Investigation? What will happen to all the jobs that Ted Stevens created with government funding? Maybe that's why they re-elected him?

    • 3 years ago
  • Reddi
  • alicynx
    • 0
      alicynx  
    • Kepano:

      Oh the joys of living in a welfare state...
      The man fucked his constituency, and they still vote for him - that's not loyalty, that's stupidity. Fool me once...

    • 3 years ago
  • Bovey
    • 0
      Bovey  
    • Kepano:

      @Reddi

      The appeals process doesn't allow a US Citizen to vote after having been convicted of a felony, so it sure as hell should not allow a corrupt politician to continue to screw....errrrr....serve the public following a felony conviction.

    • 3 years ago
  • Reddi
    • 0
      Reddi  

    • It is rumored that Lieberman will be stripped of his chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security Committee due to his disloyalty during the 2008 election. So much for democratic free speech and free thought.

      What's the line ... "You can think anyway you want as long as it's how I think" ...

    • 3 years ago
  • HolyCity2012
    • 0
      HolyCity2012  
    • Reddi:

      Lieberman was ready and willing to take McCains VP offer.

      He saw how things work and who really runs the show back when he was the running mate of Al Gore. He is an opportunist and only concerned with his own self interest, not the best interest of the people who he has been elected to represent.

      Your comment is flawed on so many levels.

      the end

    • 3 years ago
  • eldamon
  • jh64487
    • 0
      jh64487  
    • Reddi:

      i think the thing your missing here is loyalty. presumably both parties believe in the rights granted by our constitution but no one can or should trust a traitor.

      perhaps you enjoy being stabbed in the back

    • 3 years ago
  • Skittmier
  • Reddi
  • shelchak
    • 0
      shelchak  

    • As Chuck Todd said, when asked if he thought the Democrats might win Ted Stevens' seat next election, [paraphrase] They just voted for a convicted felon over the Democratic candidate! Forget it; the Democrats are going nowhere in Alaska, at this point.

    • 3 years ago
  • soundsaboutright
    • 0
      soundsaboutright  

    • Dear Alaskan Independence Party,

      You have my upmost support...please let me know if I can help you achieve your secession in any way at all.

      Love,

      The Lower 48

    • 3 years ago
  • HolyCity2012
  • Gargaryun
    • 0
      Gargaryun  

    • If He's allowed to even start His term and then has to step down ,Palin could just appoint Herself to finish it out...THAT'S Scary!

    • 3 years ago
  • uppityprogressive
  • anikhanj
    • 0
      anikhanj  

    • Can we just give Alaska back?

      It's too bad they have beautiful mountains and scenery, because they contribute jack shit to politics.

    • 3 years ago
  • Bisbonian
  • benjaminV
  • jtap
  • nodonjuan
  • current89
  • kennymotown
  • Bisbonian
    • 0
      Bisbonian  
    • kennymotown:

      Actually, he wiggled around that. Under Alaska law, convicted felons cannot vote until they have completed their sentence. He hasn't been sentenced yet. So, with no sentence to complete, he voted. For himself, presumably.

    • 3 years ago
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