Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Strike Out!

You've probably heard by now. Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska has conceded the race. With the highest seniority among Republican senators, Stevens was and is a mainstay in Alaskan politics. Honestly, I can't imagine him not being in Washington D.C.

I predicted he'd be acquitted of fraud charges.

He was convicted.

I thought he'd step down from running for reelection.

He ran.

I said he'd be reelected.

He wasn't.

A swing and a miss. A prophet I am not.

Just as well. The senate was set to kick him out if he was reelected. Rough week for him. Happy birthday, anyway, Senator Stevens.

1 comment:

Papa John said...

One can hope that in deference to Ted Stevens' many fine years of public service, not only in the formation of Alaska as a state, and in the establishment and efficiency of its government, and in light of his age, but also to decades of effective federal service and accomplishment, that President George W. Bush will kindly grant Senator Stevens a general pardon.

The perogative presidents can exercise of granting clemency and/or pardon has admittedly occasionally been misused, and it has left blemish upon both the grantor and the recipient in the past, but in Ted Steven's case, it would be fitting and appropriate way to allow a dedicated statesman to live out his remaining years free from the cloud of a questionable conviction in a trial marked by irregular bench rulings, suppressed evidence, and jurors who have since cast doubt on their own findings.

How about it, President Bush? Are you willing to let Senator Stevens finish his life with restored dignity and honor and a chance at a well-deserved historic legacy in Alaska? It's the right thing to do!!