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Sen. Ted Stevens is a convicted felon. He’s also one of the U.S. Senators from the State of Alaska that happens to be a Republican.
For those of you who are watching, there’s a chance that the Democrats could claim 60 seats in the U.S. Senate, and thereby securing a super-majority (one that could not be filibustered and could easily override a Presidential veto).
Sen. Stevens is up for reelection, and rather than dropping support for the man (who will not resign his campaign), and standing on principal, the Republican party is still trying to get him elected:
ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Republican Party on Tuesday found itself in the awkward position of urging voters to return a convicted felon to the United States Senate.
The party is pushing for the re-election of Senator Ted Stevens, who was convicted on Monday of seven felony counts but continues his campaign for a seventh full term, in the hope that his re-election will allow Republicans to hold onto his seat even if Mr. Stevens eventually resigns.
Under that chain of events, a special election would be held later to replace Mr. Stevens, giving the party the chance to find a new candidate and keep the seat out of Democratic hands. [Hat Tip: Say Anything]
At some point people of principle need to stand up and follow their principal, rather than simply abandoning it when it’s politically expedient. There’s no contrast when “everyone does it.” There’s no leadership when you compromise.
It was one thing to help when he was awaiting a verdict, a completely different thing when he is convicted.
Didn’t I read that McCain/Palin both called for his resignation?
You’re right, Holly, they have asked for his resignation. I’m surprised he’s still in the running. I’m praying that the people who would have voted for him will now look at the 3rd party options. Bob Bird is from the Alaskan Independence party and very pro-life. He was endorsed by Ron Paul.
@Holly: I’m sure they have, but the national Republican Party has not. And they’d be pretty assured defeat trying to run someone new now. They’re in the awkward position of hoping he’s elected so that Gov. Palin can appoint someone new.
@Lynn in AK: I guess it would depend on turnout. I can see a lot of people that turn out to vote McCain-Palin voting across the line. But maybe they only do that in my homestate?