CNN

Please he has had many others with illegal donations and kickbacks that were even more costly and grand.

Better hope Stevens doesn't win – we don't need to see Palin in the Senate not knowing what going on, trying to cause a bunch of commotion....the only thing she's good at.

When I look at this old crooked clown only one thing comes to mind. TERM LIMITS!

A convicted felon can't vote in a senate election but a convicted felon can run in a senate election. What a country.

This speaks volumes about Alaska. Florida in 2000 wasn't as screwed up as Alaska's voting system. That this thief is still in contention for the senate seat says that there are a lot of mentally challenged voters in that state. That Sarah Palin can use her office to persecute people and get away with it makes me shudder to think what she would have done as Vice President.

A convicted felon should not be able to run for office – what are people thinking when voting for this guy. There needs to be term limits in every elected office – this guy breeds corruption. In office for 40 years – a dis-service to the American people.

Well, if theres a bright side to this story at least he didnt kill anybody like Ted "the paper lion" Kennedy. And how much time did Ted do? I guess if your a demoncrat your above the law.

He looks like Mr. Magoo... Jim Backus would be proud!

Republicans don't have the whole market on corruption; there's plenty of blame on both sides. How about indicting Franklin Raines and James Johnson, former executives of Fannie Mae, Sen. Kent Conrad who accepted $1.07 million from Countrywide, Hank Paulson who is now the Secretary Treasurer and in charge of spending the $350 billion and won't even tell us how it's been spent and was a former CEO of Goldman who persuaded the SEC to remove leverage rules, the Clinton administration who decided that everybody was entitled to a mortgage including Sen. Schumer and Barack Obama, and Chris Dodd who received a sweetheart mortgage rate from Countywide. Could go on and on listing all those who are responsible for the Wall Street, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac disaster so don't point fingers at just one corrupt Senator.

Let me in CNN my comments continue to be under consideration forever. 1st ammendment rights apply here or is this the fairness doctrine?

The writer of the November 18 CNN column on Ted Stevens and his birthday needs to return to school to study elementary grammar: he or she believes the plural of a noun is done by adding an apostrophe before the "s" at the end of the word, as is shown in the column's use of "birthday's."

He is a convicted criminal, why is he allowed to be a contender at all? The man should retire to his beautifully remodelled home and disappear with a little dignity. From what I hear he is a doddering old senile man already anyway and should NOT be in office, guilty or not.

Begich 08!

NOAH!!!!
Thank goodnes you're still posting!
I thought you would be holed up with some guns and a few bottles of corn-squeezins.
We can always cout on you for some light hearted , albeit mean spirited idiocy. Have a great day you mean spirited little ball of hate!

Hopefully the last free birthday for Sen. Stevens. And the GOP presidential candidate in 2012, Palin, voted for this crook but woudn't admit it!

If Alaskans want a felon to represent them, then so be it. They're crazy up there. If they think it's okay for their senator to use his influence to have a porch put on his house and get new furniture, then so be it.

The rest of us are using our brains to vote for people who deserve to be there.

I hope he spend his remaining time on Earth in Seward's Folly, or, even better, prison.

from all the bullcrap the united states is in – economy, nobama policies, etc, etc.,(alaska, maybe you should depart from the u.s., hahaha, may end up getting dragged down!!! hahaha)

Unhappy birthday to the felon.

Term Limits are not something I would call "unamerican". Anyways, why is anything "unamerican"? That's just the GOPs latest peice of "hate" being thrown around.

Term Limits make complete sense. For one thing, you are preventing the politician from cronyism and making him work for a living in the real world. Washington pols are not in the real world. They are isolated for the most part.

And setting an age limit isn't discrimination as much as others may make it sound. I wish they had more tests for the elderly for things such as Driver's Licenses. There is a point at which a person cannot be trusted to manage a job if they no longer have the required skills to do it. Physical or Mental acquity fades over time and political office is no exception.

Wynter

Indeed it shows the world what a butch of morons live Alaska!

What a disgrace!!!

Palin leads this pack. No wonder she got elected there.

We need a boader to keep them there. They should never be let in.

Old Ted would look very good in prison stripes.

He's 85 for crying out loud. Convicted or not, time for him to retire.

Send the loser back to alaska with the pitbull in lipstick.

He should be in Jail. This isn't equal., a poor person would be gone...

No matter what happens, he still gets that golden parachute sweet retirement income courtesy of the American taxpayer.

i share a birthday with a crooked alaskan felon. great.

Maybe, just maybe, Stevens has appealed and he's looking to get off on a technicality like Obama's buddy AYERS. How anybody can vote for a man who has a friendship with a terrorist is beyond me. I wouldnt have voted for McCain if he were friends with Timothy McViegh!! Whats the difference? NONE

1. A person who is convicted of a crime has no business being a member of Congress.

2. NO ONE should be in Congress for 40 years! Two terms should be all anyone gets (and they should have to pay into Social Security, rather than receiving the retirement benefits they currently are entitled to).

HILARY CLINTON SAID IF YOU SPEAKE OUT YOUR AN
AMERICAN
WAS SHE A NEO KEN?
YOU CAN SPEW YOUR HATE
BUT IF SOMEONE HAS A DIFFERNT SLANT THEN THE WORD "NEO" IS USED

O.K. People it's Nov. 18 my question is do anyone in Alaska knows how to count, it 's not taking this long. What's really going gone, same old lies, same old underhanded dealings. We the people of the United States of America is so very tied of this crazyness. Come on seven felonies and a senator, you guys think you are above the law. If anyone else in the country had seven felonies he or she would not be able to VOTE MUST LESS BE A SENATOR .....OR GET A GOOD PAYING JOB. If so please tell the rest of the world how to do this. Oh I forgot you guys have Palin for governor know wonder, come on Palin take charge...... take care of this so you can shine for the GOP's this is a good start. You betsh.................................................

For me this isn't about Republican or Democrat. It's the fact that so many people voted for this guy after he had been convicted of felony charges. I am just surprised that the election is this close.

oh YES PUT THE WORD NEO ON ANYONE ONE WHO SPEAKS OUT

If vetting of all potential candidates who wanted to run for office was done before they were allow to toss their hats into the ring for election, we would at least start with a creditable candidate.

Then elrected official should have to give disclosure before vetting is completed and subsequent annual public disclosure.

I think more than a few of our representatives are beholding to special interests (Lobbiests) and not to their constituencies until it is time for re-election. Take Elizabeth Dole. She learned a hard lesson. Hope others were 'listening'.

© 2008 jvii all rights reserved..

I got to laugh,you folks are arguing over a two bit crook while Paulson and Bernache rob every American at pen point.They wont help the American labor force by helping car companies but its ok to stuff fat cat bankers pockets with money you will never see again.They will retire in Dubai next year as we sit and wonder where the money went.

As a Canadian, I find it completely baffling that if Ted Stevens is removed from his Senate seat, that the Governor gets to choose his successor. That is so bizarre – if someone leaves office in Canada, we have a bi-election and vote democratically for a new person. How is a choice by one person democratic??? I would be so angered by this lack of democratic choice if I lived in Alaska. Who knows what putz Sarah Palin will choose – for heaven's sake she could pick herself or Todd!

if stevans were a regular guy like the most of us, he would have already been striped of his senate committees, but the old boys protect there own. thats what is wrong with the country, congrees

#1 tgere are several felons in office...more than you can count.
#2 Politicians don't go to your average prison.....they have a special one for them....it's like a country club setting. Ted will be just fine.

WAHT ABOUT THE DEMOC(RAT) JEFFERSON GOT CAUGHT WIL MONEY IN HIS FREEZER?
HE IS STLL!!!!!!!! IN OFFICE!!!!!!!!!!!

@Parker:

CNN = FAIR AND BALANCED
CNN=POSTS TOO MANY MORONIC REPUBLICAN POST
PARKER=NEO-MORON

To "I Know Ted,"

If I were an Alaskan, I'd probably like Ted, too. He is the king of pork, and he helps ensure Alaskans receive more government money, per capita, than any other state in the nation. As you're spending your $3600 oil windfall profit rebate check this year – again, paid for by Joe Americans every time they go to the pump, we can partially thank Ted Stevens (and Palin for $1200 of that amount). Ted preaches against "socialism" but then espouses a hypocritical policies where American wealth is redistributed unevenly to one segment of the population. If he were just straight to us, then it wouldn't be that big of a deal.

Again, I don't blame you for loving him – he fights for Alaska. But please don't blame the lower 48 for not falling head over heels for your the convicted felon. He is the first mate on the sinking Republican ship, a ship that has avoided the waters of true conservatism for many years.

Stevens represents everything thats wrong with politics in our country . The sooner he goes to prison the better.

Why isn't he in jail?

What's this article talking about? I'm not unhappy. I'm GLAD the scum got caught, and so should the rest of the country. Sounds like a happy time to me. Happy BD Ted...hoooraayyyy!!!!

another republican need one say any more ?
liberman a wanna be repub.
and the repub. cant seem to figure out whats wrong with there party
abounch ot old white haired wanna bes .
dem. if you dont get your act together youll be just like the gop.

To old and now a crook, to big for his pants and he is fighting for his political life! How do you figure that out. He's goingto jail, we have enough crooks in congress, Kenndy killed a girl, Reid is a land scam artist. Piglosi thinks she is the savior of the planet, but can't do anything in congress, Boxer is a femanazi supporter, the list goes on and on.

Stick a fork in him. He's done. Have a few martinis dude.

CNN = SENSORSHIP
CNN=POSTS ONLY PRO DEMOCRATIC POST
CNN WIL ONLY POST HATE COMMENTS ABOUT BUSH

WHY is it even an OPTION for him to remain in office???? This is more insanity from the Republican party!

Sen. Stevens....you are 85 years old. Time to call it a day and give your seat to someone else. You're a washed up has-been of a politician. Enjoy your golden years in jail...

Stevens' conviction may/may not be upheld. Regardless, the next step should be an indictment of the Alaskan people who have made a mockery out of the electoral process for 40 years.

What gives up there? With most of the country's gas prices hovering at $2.00, why is it still over $3.00 in oil rich Alaska?

if a felon cannot vote in regular elections ... how could we possibly let a felon make laws ? clearly another example of our politicians' self sustained immunity.

It's amazing how angry people are; lashing out with hatred at every turn. This country is full of lazy thinkers who won't even attempt to view issues with a clear eye. Everything that is wrong and will be wrong is well earned.

Why is it not illegal for someone to be a United States Senator if they've been convicted of a crime. It should be automatic. He should have been barred from running in the first place! Our system is batty!

Yeah....he doesn't deserve to win.

what are they counting on Palin's toe ? very slow process

Ummmmmmmmm Jan, the article is about Ted Stevens. And as far as Rezko goes, Barack Obama got a lower price for some land – nothing illegal about it. He paid a set price for a city

The same state that gives Sarah Palin such high marks has given this man, a convicted 7 time felon, enough votes for a runoff.

Speaks volumes as to where the priorities lie in judgment.

Thanks but no thanks, this man should be in prison.

Stevens is 85 years old and fighting for his "political" life, what a joke. This is another old man who should be fighting to stay alive. What's up with these senile old guys.

Forget being convicted, he should retire just for being too old

Since my previous comment was deleted – ya know – going against that first amendment that you, CNN, use to defend yourself – I will just resubmit.

CNN has repeated misspelled the word "felon" in this article. I think you should update your spell check, guys. "Felon" is not spelled "Senator".

He as a felon cannot vote, but he can win office?

(By the way, next time you want to use an amendment to defend your rights, you better look up judicial fact: You cannot use the U.S. Constitution to defend yourself because you are not a party to it.
cited.(Padelford Fat & Co. vs. The Mayor and Alderman of the City of Savannah 14 Georgian 43, 520))

Out with the old...

I really hope he loses. I do not wish to see Gov. Palin end up as Sen. Palin.

I know Ted,

Cry me a river... He was found guilty. Period.

You've got to wonder what type of people would knowingly vote for a convicted felon who, in essence, stole their money; rather than vote for the Democratic candidate. It absolutely boggles my mind.

Man! Senator Stevens and I share a birthday, but at least I'm enjoying the day and chilling out instead of being cuffed and stuffed. I'm glad I'm not a politician because apparently these people can't stay out of trouble. I can't believe he had the gall to run again. I guess being a criminal in Alaska makes you the perfect political candidate. Geez.

limit the terms for senators and congressmen to 4 terms.let the new blood and ideas have a chance to some good to their country

He's a felon, and way too old to be working at Wal-Mart let alone in the Senate. No offense Alaska, but you suck a lot this year.

are using big 3 nailout plan

as their bludgeon to the unions.

IF WASHINGTON DOESN'T REPRESENT THE PEOPLE THIS TIME

WE THE PEOPLE WILL THROW THEN OUT OF WASHINGTON

IN THE NEXT ROUND!

Stevens should step up and concede this election. Begich is ahead in the vote count, and unless Stevens can pull an astounding 60% of the remaining ballots to be counted, he's lost anyway.

And I'm wondering WHY it is taking SO long to count those last ballots??? It's been 2 weeks since the election. This long drawn out count reminds me of Florida & Ohio in the last 2 elections– is it "Republican vote tallying" strategy at work again????

But then, maybe the Republicans were hoping they could pull out a miracle win (by whatever means) and then boot Stevens out of office and give it to Sarah Palin. Maybe that's the reason she's being kept in the media spotlight for right now. If that's the case, then there IS hope that if Stevens loses, then we won't be seeing Sarah's face & hearing her annoying voice anymore after this week. Pray for a Begich win!!!

That crook should spend his birthday in jail !

I do not understand why this has to be a news on CNN? Are you covering every senator's b-day on a routine basis?

Worthless news.

Plus, Alaska the name only reminds people of the biggest joke in politics: PALIN.

Oh, come on, what is the Senate without at least one Republican crook on the boards? It won't be the same without a dishonest, graft grabbing old coot around to slow down progress. Stevens should be kept around as a mummified reminder of the Republican party in the Senate.

Kevin:

Ted Kennedy is not a murderer and has never been convicted of murder. There is a difference that I will not get into here between murder and negligent homicide or manslaughter. Murder requires a certain mental state, or mens rea, that was not present during the incident to which you refer. The incident was determined to be caused by Sen. Kennedy's negligence, manslaughter charges were not pursued and Sen. Kennedy pled guilty to leaving the scene of an accident, which is not a felony.

Kevin, please get all of your facts straight before you start labeling people murderers. Unfortunately, so many people on the neo-con right don't get their facts straight, they pay more attention to Hannity and Limbaugh, and they use terms meant to invoke ideological responses, rather than terms that exemplify the truth of the matter.

A convicted felon AND he gets re-elected. No wonder why our elected officials are so emboldended. As a fellow SC resident, kudos to Sen DeMint for moving to have Sen Stevens striped of his committees. It's the very least, considering that I doubt he'll serve any real jail time.

How about 1 step further – Any congress person convicted of anything be immediately expelled from office altogether. As elected officials representing the people, they should be held to a highefstandard.

Happy birthday to Ted.
Happy birthday to Ted.
You're just a year older
and your career is now dead.

ET of Omaha did you know that 75% of the time people pull random percentages and numbers out of their head to sound smart? When really they said a completely random thing.

This guys like the frog in the pot,he just doesnt know it.They are making a scapegoat out of him though,the same thing happens everyday in every walk of life,"I scratch your back and you scratch mine".I cant blame him in a way,he knows he got setup to take a fall for something that happens everyday and will never stop.

Give him the BOOT!!! Period... This man is a CONVICTED FELON who has betrayed the public trust and is UNFIT to serve in the United States Senate. And that is the name of that tune.

What is the holdup on ousting this guy? HE IS A CONVICTED CRIMINAL SEVEN TIME OVER!!!

I live in Alaska and I know Ted. If you were to know him as I do, each of you would realize the wrong that has been done here by this trial. The judge almost threw out the prosecuting lawyers not once, not twice but three times.

Ted is not power hungry, but he does have his personal beliefs that he will fight for. He does not have anything to prove to anyone. He is his own person and has helped out many people, both in the state of Alaska and outside the state. He helps our service men and women all the time.

Alaskans know Ted for who is really is and that this why we have re-elected him. So that he can get this legal matter resolved and return to helping the people of this country.

I know Ted and I know the current Mayor of Anchorage. I know one is honest and the other is not. I want to keep the honest on in office. I voted for Ted. Other Alaskans know this too. That is why Ted is getting the votes and the Mayor of Anchorage did not run away with the election.

Stevens was convicted last month of seven felony counts in federal court. Some things are worth repeating. if felons can't vote, how can they hold office?? Kick the criminal out send him to jail, Sen Rangle of New york is next.

More importantly, the man is 85! I think it is time to retire. Where else in America, other than congress can a person that age get a job? Try applying for a corporate job when you are that age and you will be turned down. And, I thought McCain was OLD! No wonder the Republican party is crumbling. They all need pace makers and walkers.

Stevens is going to have to pay the piper. Hey Tom..I am like you. Why so long in re-counting the votes? They don't know how to count in Alaska? I guess that shows why we didn't think Palin had a clue.They need some change there too. Hope they just don't slap his hands.

How can a convicted felon serve in the Senate?
We can only hope Stevens does not win the re-count so this problem can just go away.
Otherwise the Sentate will be forced to expell one of its own, and yoy know how that goes!

Good riddance to Stevens and thank God the "overexposed" mouth of the North... Palin... won't get to "plow" through to the senate!

I don't understand how this is happening. He is a convicted felon. How can he possibly run for office? What type of people vote for such a person?

This just goes to show us that our laws do not apply to everyone. There are exceptions. It depends on WHO you are and HOW much $$$$ you have.

I think there is something wrong with the process in Alaska – how long does it take to re-count votes in such a small state?

Trust me, if Stevens was well like in the Senate they would not be pushing so hard to get him out. It turns out and is well documented that Stevens is one of the most disliked senators in the house. I have read somewhere that some of the Southern Republican senators were caught saying that "they wish the US sold Alaska back to the Russians that way they could get rid of Stevens".
Either way he is out....either by his party or his own constituency.

What in the world is going on in Alaska????????.....the 85 year old should blow out the candles on his cake, thank his supporters and bow out gracefully! He has had a long political career...it's time to let go and hand over the reins~

Bottom line, this convicted felon should be in jail. This is just another example of why americans don't trust politicians. Letting him continue only brings down the whole politiical system. Which in my opinion is on the verge of collapse anyway. That's why these greedy sob's are grabbing for whatever is left. Does the missing 700 billion ring a bell? I am disgusted and appalled at the state of our nation.

Hey Ted, right across from your porch (or someone's anyways), there is an army that has a saying that starts with "toughski". Same initials too.

I can't believe i share a birthday with this moron!!!!!

The reason why he was still on the November ballot because it was too late to take him off. However, he should have had the moral decency to back out the election because of the turmoil but as we all well know, power corrupts. The senator looking for Stevens' ouster was right to wait until the ballots are counted (but why is it taking so long to count). This goes to show you that the Alaskans did not care about his shady dealings and past indiscretions to vote for him because he has always been a US Senator in most of his constituency's lifetime. If Stevens had any decency, he would bow out now but his pride won't let him so he is willing to face the music and prospect of going to jail all in the name of being Senator. This goes to show U that term limits are necessary because 40 years of doing anything should lead to retirement, not imprisonment. In Power Way Too Long

Let me get this straight. He has been in office for 40 years (Why?)
He is a convicted felon? What would happen to you or I if we were convicted felons? Why are we confused as to what should be done with him? What does the U.S. Judicial System usually do with convicted felons? What decision is there to be made? Well, I trust the judicial system to do what they always do to political convicted felons. Put them in a country club and change the focus. Problem solved.

This felon should be in jail. This is just another example of why americans don't trust politicians. Letting him continue only brings down the whole politiical system. Which in my opinion is on the verge of collapse anyway. That's why these greedy SOB's are grabbing for whatever is left. Does the missing 700 billion ring a bell? I am disgusted and appalled at the state of our nation.

Apparently the people of Alaska have the Obama syndrome if they re-elect Stevens. The Obama syndrome is characterized by an unbelievably naiive ability to overlook the obvious character flaws a politician has and the questionable relationships and actions that the politician previously engaged in.

Time for him to retire, go to jail... and write his book.

It's over.

Resign, you dumb old fudd.....

Kevin- the Kennedys are an icon

The results of this particular vote for Steven's doesn't surprise me. It shows how ignorant most people in Alaska are–They probably don't read anything but local news. Further more, it didn't surprise me when a member of the media asked a someone in Alaska who Palin was and that individual didn't have a clue.

see the difference between Obama and Rezko (which wasn't even an issue, just fox news hype) and Ted Stevens and his Corruption charges are that STEVENS WAS CONVICTED ON SEVEN CHARGES!!!! Obama wasn't even tried, let alone convicted because theres nothing there. Don't you buttholes think that if he did something wrong people would have brought it to trial? Stevens was convicted of ETHICAL charges that amounted to over 250,000$ from BIG OIL COMPANIES!!! hes the reason that the Big 3 are folding, hes the reason gas prices were so high for so long, hes the reason were in the crisees that were in. CRIMINAL

It would be a shame, if Alaskans, elect a convict.

Why does it take so long to count votes in such a sparsely populated state? Are they buried somewhere in a snow drift?

You know I still have not gotten my question answered about this.

If your a convicted felon you loose your right to vote! How the heck is Ted Stevens going to be able to vote on the senate floor? Are the rules different for them? What a crock! And what a disgrace to my party!

A real man would have removed himself from this race.

Isn't impeachment an option for Senators? If not, this precedent needs to be addressed and constitutional amendments made accordingly.

While we are at it, can we put forth a referendum to the rest of the U.S. to strip Alaska of its congressional representation and electoral votes until they demonstrate a grasp of basic qualifications for public office (i.e., not being a criminal)??

It si certainly sad to see a senior with a long term of service in the senate would be in such a situation. It would have served him well to have submitted his resignation when he was convicted on all counts; as it is, one can only hope that the election results will spare him more indignities – like expulsion from the senate where he once was among the high and mighties. If Alaska announces its unofficial results tonight – and names Mark Begich the winner – that will be a good birthday present for Ted Stevens. For the preservation of the remants of his dignity, I wish that to be his birthday present.

I wish for him a long and healthy life too, so that he may be able to enjoy his retired life in the mansion built for him by his cronies. After all, that is the reason for his downfall.

We all know why this man is getting away with this crime and still have the gull to run for Senate; he has the right color and he's old. Just like Ayers got away with trying to bomb the Pentagon. We know no black man could get away with these types of crimes. So my question is WHY are so many of you acting shock about this corrupt process? Hasn't it always been this way? Right color you get away with anything; wrong color you go down for anything.

I would be interested to hear the dems on this board go against Cold Cash Jefferson.

It goes both ways. The Dem leadership cannot get rid of him since they need that seat. How ironic tht the dems condem, but not their own.

Sounds like the Obama world of politics. Blame the others while I am doing wrong. It got him elected........

The GOP is becoming the GOF – Grand Old Felons.

He should spend the rest of his life in prison. They think they are above the law. If you are a regular person with a felony you can't vote, but they can and run again for office. The U.S. gov. is the laughing stock of the world.

Is it just me or am I the only one who thinks convicted felons should not be elected into the senate. I can't believe Alaskans will re-elect this criminal.

"A federal jury found him guilty of lying about gifts and work on his Alaska home." So, this is reason for all you democrats to want him booted, and I agree he should be, but you thought it was OK for Clinton to remain PRESIDENT after he lied about Monica. As ususal, a double standard.

Well if he does win I would hope that they would defer voting him out of the Senate. Yes it would be unfortunate that Alaska could potentially (depending upon the actual sentencing) have a Senator representing them from a jail cell. But that was their decision when they voted for him. The new Congress will have too much important national work ahead of it to spend time on an impeachment and removal of a Senator. Any trial in the Senate should wait until other more important issues are dealt with. To spend time on an impeachment of the Senator would only be rewarding people (yes that includes voters) playing the old political games and who have not taken the electoral process seriously.

Happy birthday Ted. This is a goot time to think about all of the men and women that you helped imprison through perverted justice and denial of human rights. But don't despair, you just might be able to rap with Bush and Cheney. Yeah, right.

DeMint, self righteous and cowardly as ever, is hoping Stevens loses so he won't have to do the right thing–kick Stevens out. Steven's losing or winning does not change the ethics issue one bit. DeMint needs to grow a spine and take a stand against corruption, period.

What a jerk. This is what should happen when you quit serving the people that elected you and start getting greedy. Happy Birthday, convicted felon jerk.

Say good night Stevens, between Alaska, and Idaho senators the republicans only need to open their eyes to see why they're loosing supporters. Admit you like having sex with strangers in airport restrooms, and admit you used your office to do home improvements, and accept toys for contracts, your fired. The US congress is looking more like a third world nation, which we are quickly sliding down into.

I dont like this guy a bit,but hes being made a scapegoat.He hasnt done anything that many others havent done or are still doing,but they arent getting caught.Its just like Mark Cuban and Martha Stewart getting caught for insider trading.Their are scumbags doing that everyday and doing way worse than that,like Paulson and Bernache.They are outright crooks, that manipulate the markets for the fat cats everyday.

That this vote should be even this close doesn't say much to me about the honesty and integrity of Alaskans.

They vote for convicted felons? No matter what?

Add in the Sarah Palin connection, I am glad Alaska is far, far away from the mainland.

politicians repeatedly prove that our political system is failing us. The Republicans are a disgrace and have been for many years – and I am a Republican. Perhaps George Bush's legacy will be that we initiate a new standard and bette yet – a new system of government. Washington and all our State capitals must be made accountable for their actions and decisions.

Are they above the law? Seems so, we have a double standard for us and the Governemnt elite. look at the Former Gov. of NY Elliot Spitzer no formal charges brought against him, if that was you or me we be facing 20 years in prison. I live in NY and everyone is still wondering how we can ever get justice?
In the last 12 months 8 trillion dollars has been stolen from the American economy. hundreds of thousands of American citizens are loosing their jobs, yet the Elite only bailout Wall Street and the banks. And has anyone been charged? NO
"We the People" are being systematically enslaved by those who were elected to represnt us.
Our Forefathers threw tea into Bostone harbor for less cause!
It is time to bring Freedom and Liberty back to our home land. A return to the principles of the U.S Constitution!

This man exemplifies what the Republican Party truly is – Old, Dishonesty, Abusive, and Desperately hanging on to power. Sheme really!

Poor Ted.

And Tom, it's taking them a long time for a very simple reason. As Palin said, they are more advanced socially up there in their acceptance of woman in higher power, but for that they gave up technology and speed.

On top of that, it's getting close to their dark season, so their days are far shorter. In reality, it's taking the same amount of time, it's just that they only work for 2 hours a day on it. Imagine if they did the recount in the summer, they'd have it done in no time at all.

The fact that any Alaskan would vote for Stevens after being convicted of 7 felonies, is telling of how Palin was elected. I think the people of Alaska are just plain dimwitted.

It you can't beat them, charge them with corruption!

to choosing our crooks...

you really need to let it go...
Go see a shrink for all this hate and discontent your spewing.
Get a life. It's President Obama get over it..and move on.

Senator Ted Stevens has an awful lot in common with the likes of our former Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagin, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush, in addition to former VP's: Spiro T. Agnew, Nelson Rockefeller, and 'Tricky Dickie' Cheney. You know what it is? THEY'RE ALL GOP CROOKS !!

Guess he will serve his term behind bars.

Whats the Hold Up, it prolongs the agony of defeat .
Remember, Country First ?
Same old Bull, different day !

Been to Alaska lately. They keep the eskimoes drunk like they did the Indians. No wonder Stevens and Palin stay in office.

stevens is not the only crooked person we have in the senate. just remember stevens didn't kill someone walk away like nothing happened and end up in the senate. mr. kennedy comes to mind.

Shouldn't he be in prison? What kind of idiots live in Alaska who would still even consider voting for this thief? If he's willing to commit felonies, he certainly doesn't care about his constituents, this is a selfish, horrible slug, and the Alaskans are no better if they end up electing this vulture. A vote for Stevens is a vote to condone criminal behaviour. Family values...thievery can yield things of value, but only via dishonesty.

Happy birthday you deceitful crook. Congrats, our faith in politicians has once again been ruined. Hope you sleep well at night in your nice big house knowing that even though your political career is ending, our faith in the system you represent will be tarnished for many decades after your gone.

That's right. If you are a convicted felon you can't vote and should not be aloud to hold a public office!! Is there double standards? And did Ted vote because he was convicted before the election?

(in the tune of 'Happy Birthday'):

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday, Dear Inmate #PX-1E45YF7,
Happy Birthday to you!!

Ted needs to go and sit down somewhere. Democrats and Republicans get convicted of things but at least the Democrats step down immediately after they are convicted. The republicans are so greedy and want power over everything!!

I never saw the Obama team vetting the spouses of his other cabinet members. Or is this privalege for Clinton alone. Does he really want her for his cabinet – or is he just trying to dig up dirt?

I can understand Obama wanting some restrictions in the future as to what Mr. Clinton does, but Shouldn't he be looking forward to what is acceptable in the future and not be digging up who contributed what in the past to her HUSBAND?. After all, there was no conflict of interest at the time.

This guy needs to hang-up his hat and the people of Alaska need to get a flippin clue: HE'S A CONVICTED FELON, GET IT......

He belongs in a museum not in Washington, his time has past and so has his corrupt methods that have served special interest for 40 years.

Jamie – (see below) – Don't worry. Stevens probably lied about that, too, and his real birthday is in July.

*****

November 18th, 2008 9:52 am ET

I share my birthday with Ted Stevens…not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

Funny how they always mention longest running Republican. I wonder why they do not mention that 4 democrats have been in office longer than he has. But then again people are so biased in thier thinking that using logic never comes into play.

Not..about...term...limits! Shush with that argument! It's about the possible re-election of a CONVICTED FELON! Yuk!

/pacepalm

How about a ticker on Hillarys and Bills conflict of interest regarding the SOS office. Hillary would be better at something that doesn't constantly raise red flags everytime she goes somewhere or meets with someone that may or may not be giving money to her husband. It will soon become a constant distraction to the job Obama needs to do...the work of the people.

who cares ? 250,000$ big deal. on a house? so what? what about the 800 billionzillion that they can't find in iraq? who is responsible for that ?they waste more than that on state dinner whines and inagural balls. who is responsible for that?

This guy, Stevens, should simply go, period. Aside from his conviction on corruption charges, he is far too old, and since his seat as a Senator from Alaska is of such long duration, we should not be surprised by his sense of entitlement. That is why there are term limits upon our representatives, but it does not always work. Far too many senators and representatives step over the line when their tenure appears to be "until death do us part". If he had any decency, he would simply step down, especially in light of a conviction. But like electing Sarah Palin as Governor, a woman who cannot put a clear and coherent sentence together, one must question the electorate in Alaska and where it has its brains – where it stacks its six-packs and hockey moms?

If the repugs let the auto industry collapse by not giving them the bridge fianacing they so desperately need then will DeWitt move to have all the GOP senators fired because the country went into a depression?

PS: If the repugs and Bush deny the bridge loan then this will be the second depression that is laid at the door step of the GOP. Nice legacy Dubya...

Ted, meet your cell mate, Big Bubba!

Voters are so stupid. How can this man win re-election?

He needs to be in jail by the first week of December2008.

I understand the elderly have a relevant contribution to make but why is this man running again? Did he really expect to serve a 6 year term to the age of 91? As for his felony convictions, it should disqualify him or anyone else from serving in either house of congress. Our standard is innocent until proven guilty. Not innocent until all appeals are exhausted. Finally – Absentee ballots were likely submitted before he was convicted. I expect him to be re-elected by the slimmest of margins.

Stevens needs to get out now. Wouldn't mind seeing Demint go as well.

GET RID OF THE OLD CROOK!!

GET RID OF THE OLD CROOK!!

GET RID OF THE OLD CROOK!!

GET RID OF THE OLD CROOK!!

The people of New Jersey re-elected Menendez to Senate while he's been under investigation since Sept. '06. George Carlin said it well when he said that the government's only concern is keeping and enhancing its power. We have no rights per se, only privileges. What's good for these elected officials is too good for everybody else.

Throw is old butt in jail. I'm a conservative and he gives us a really bad name.

I don't know why people are so surprised at Ted Stevens getting so many votes as that is the way your political system is designed.

You register as a Democrat, Republican or Independent and the first two is almost how the people in those categories will vote regardless of what that vote will do to them personally or the country as a whole.

How else could you explain McCain and dippy dora getting over 40% of the vote in these troubled times with no policies any different then what your current buffoon has espoused over the past 8 years.

We can say whatever we wish to Stevens, an idiot, a crook, and whatever else, that's fine – but what does this say about the people who still voted for this criminal? Come on you Alaskan morons, change the water you drink or the bread you eat – you are a disgrace to our great nation!

Uncle Ted is the "poster child" of how the Republican Party lost its way! Republicans were going to 'clean up Washington', fight corruption and pork barrel spending! The true of the matter is that they are all, Democrats and Republicans, alike, "cut out of the same cloth"!

This is sick. It really shows that people in alaska don't know how to vote I swear haha.

Don't they get CNN in Alaska? If so, why on earth would anyone knowingly vote for a convicted felon?

Jan,

First statement " I thought Obama". Critical mistake on your part. "thinking". Specifically the thought that if there was a way to stop Obama and "The Man" didn't get all over it, is asinine.

WHY DOES IT TAKE A MONTH FOR ALASKA TO COUNT VOTES!

Stevens was convicted of 7 FELONY COUNTS. What is the problem here? The man does not deserve to serve our country after this conviction. He's 85 years old for goodness sake and a crook to boot. He should not even have the option. Right and wrong – has anyone ever heard of that?

You cannot even get a local city or county job if you are a Felon... how is it that you can be a US senator? This is corruption to the nth degree!

Kevin,
Was Kennedy ever convicted of murder? By a jury of his peers? Thinking it does not make it so.

Shouldn't he just retire anyway? He is almost 90...there needs to be an age limit on these types of positions...we need fresh and new blood, talent and ideas...he probably doesn't even WANT the job but just has too much PRIDE to let it go...

Stevens should do the right thing and step down, no matter what the outcome of the election.

I hope that the recount has Stevens out of a job. He needs to understand that Congress has enough problems with its reputation without people like Stevens and others (such as William Jefferson) to drag it down any further.

"UPDATE: Moments after the GOP senators' meeting began Tuesday, DeMint announced he would put off the vote until after Alaska announces the final tally of the close election. An unofficial tally could come Tuesday night"

Sure, might as well wait. If he'd not re-elected, then they don't have to do anything. Very convenient.

Mmmmmmm they didn't wait around to get Ron Sailor out his seat in government, what's the hold up here??? Is it because he white??? Are cause he been in that seat for 40 years!!! Retirement MUCH???

To Jan and Choosing our crooks. Your sour grapes attitude has no power here. The Obama house story is a non issue and Rezco is a non issue. Both were brought up at the beginning of Obama's run and by that pathetic Palin/McCain campaign which ended up being their undoing. These non stories were designed for uneducated voters like yourselves..Read em and weep and move on.

There should be term limits, two terms in the Senate, three in the House, no one stays more than 12 yeras, plenty of time to get things done, but not long enough to become a professional Congressman oe Senator.

Stevens is a convicted felon, he insists his conviction is not finalized until he is sentenced. What a bunch of B.S.!

The best thing that can happne here is for Begich to win...

if felons can't vote, how can they hold office??

By the way, we shouldn't really be condeming him for his age or his Felony conviction which he can appeal and may win...one never knows.
Remember to that Senator Kennedy is "old" as well and was only one "bridge" away from being a felon. So, lets not cast stones.

This is just perfect. The Republicans tried to oust President Clinton for lying about a personal affair with a consenting adult / gold digger yet a convicted felon for bribery is no sweat? Solution: Sell Alaska to the Russians for 53 trillion Gov. Naylin Paylin et al.

An absolute prime example of why there should be term limits for every elected official state, local and national.

It is largely meaningless what action the Senate takes on Senator Stevens... accept perhaps that it might show us all how they "protect their own."

Senator Stevens is going to jail, and he cannot serve as a Senator from jail!

My only hope is they would take other "life-time Senators" like Ted Kennedy along with him to jail...

As long as there have been government there have been corrupt and dishonest officials. There is no shame and guilt in a group of people who think they are above everyone else. There needs to be more watchdogs in government and we, the people, need to get more informed about the people we elect. Garbage in, garbage out.

Isn't it ironic that the family values members in the GOP were the first to cast stones at him?

Reslugs certainly back up all the crooks and criminals in their party.

Isn't the topic Uncle Ted?
How did Obama get drug into this one?
There are other topics on which to trash Obama, you haters
The man hasn't EVEN BEEN SWORN IN AND YOU ARE AT IT ALREADY.

Those folks in Alaska aren't really that dumb. Steven's has been bringing the bacon home for 40 years! Why change now an take the chance of getting less from a new Senator. Sad but true.

I can hear that door slamming. Darn it.

I am a democrat so I can say this. Why shouldn't Stevens fight. After all Jefferson is charged with yeah hoo charges and they have a tape of him accepting money ....two years ago. HE STILL HAS HIS SEAT AND HAS NOT BEEN EXPELLED FROM CONGRESS.

There Is No Way This Guy Should Be Elected Again! But If He Is, He Should Be Expelled!

– Alaska is a JOKE, they have palin and stevens.

they're all about $$$$$$ and power.

Looks like both sides have a few losers. Alaska has Stevens and Minnesota has Franken. I really don't think Washington needs the likes of either of them. One for dishonesty and the other for bad jokes. Can you imagine Al Franken doing his standup, brand of humor comedy in front of the world leaders. Please don't let this happen and make sure Stevens gets what he is due also.

A convicted felon can run for congress?!?! Give me a break!

These career professional congressmen make laws for Americans but they don't have to abide by those laws. They can do whatever they dam**d well please, until they get caught! And they can also vote themselves pay raises every year. They work (supposedly) for the American people; their constituents should determine if they get a raise or not. Show me a company where employees can vote for a pay raise.

Ted Stevens needs to just bow out now so he won't be rolled out of the Senate feet first!

At his age he should just resign and retire. He's an PERFECT EXAMPLE OF GREED AND POWER HUNGRY. It's just plain ugly. He has give all that he can and should just step aside.

What kind of corrupt state would even come close to reelecting someone so obviously venal? And then propagate Palin on top of it. Sell it back to the Russians and divide up the proceeds to the citizens of the state, which is all they care about, getting a check from the state.

HAppy Birthday Senator – I have a nice orange jumpsuit and a set of silver handcuffs you'd look good in.

Kennedy is a murderer and he is still senator. The Republicans at least will give him the boot if he does win.

Darn CNN! Everytime I try to come back to this site for some relevant information, I see postings like this. I'm going back to HuffPo. I tried.

Ack...it's my birthday today too...I think I'm just gonna drive up to alaska and jump off the "bridge to nowhere"!!!

I want Stevens gone. And, perhaps, he should be expelled. But, there's no sense disgracing him if its not necessary. Let's wait to see if he loses, which it looks like he will lose. If he loses, let him silently slither back to Alaska without the party vote.

Please tell me how a convicted felon, who cannot vote, can serve in the senate?

Happy UNHAPPY Birthday Ted Stevens. Enjoy all the stolen goods and favors you acrued over the years!

ALASKA IS THE MOST CORRUPT STATE IN THE UNION.
They all jerks corrupt by oil companies over in Alaska.
They are so much disconnected from the world they don't know the reality. They voted for a woman with a 60 IQ score as a governor and continue to vote for a felons (by the way 7 conviction of felonies).
Poor ALASKANS.

Senator Stevens, for your birthday I wish you a long stay in prison. Your profound arrogance got you convicted. Even Bill Gates, with a net worth of tens of billions of dollars, would notice if somebody stuffed hundreds of thousands of dollars in his pockets, or made improvements to his house worth hundreds of thousands of dollars for free. You told a jury that YOU didn't, and you insist you can't understand why they didn't believe you. Perhaps spending the next 14 years in prison will give you time to think about it more clearly. Not that thieving scumbags like you ever really serve any real time.

Another quality politician from Alaska. Maybe he could run with the Polar Princess Palin. Then she could crusade against corruption , starting with her running mate , the wicked UNCLE Fester, I mean Ted.
All that booze and pot just makes everyone think so clearly-I know of what I speak. I live for over 4 years near Anchorage and saw more debauchery than in the 50 plus years living in the lower 48.
Rock on, you drunken potheads.

How old do these people have to be before retiring??? At age 85, what political career does he expect??? This is nothing but a waste of time, money and effort when he should simply bow out gracefully. The Republicans should simply attempt to rebuild a fraction of integrity by asking him to step aside. Nobody convicted of a felony should be able to serve as a legislator under any circumstances. It's not politics just common sense!!!

There are so many critical issues in our Nation and World, why is this a story???

Come on CNN, you are not a tabloid news station. Offer people REAL news!

At least he's still in the Senate for now, along with fellow Republicans David Vitter and Larry Craig.

He needs to be jailed!

No offense to Alaskans, but what is taking so long to count 24,000 votes???

Working Americans go to jail when we commit a Felony crime, Senator's get to continue making policy? Who decided this and when? Someone needs to take a hard look at what laws the Senate has put into place to protect their lucrative jobs and benefits.

Jan – you regurgitating the same old crap on every post is getting to be old. The subject of the blog doesn't even matter to you.

I wish you would get a life and quit obsessing about things that have been resolved and debunked a long time ago. You may need to seek professional mental help.

Virginia has term limits on our Govenor. It keeps them on their toes. They do not have time to get cozy with special interests and pad their pockets like Senators and Representatives do. Such as Ted Stevens and too many more to name. Democrats and Republicans.

TERM LIMITS WOULD SOLVE A LOT OF OUR PROBLEMS. PORK, CAMPAIGN FINACE, LOBBYISTS. Call your representatives and demand term limits.

I'm glad not be a Republican. As it is, this bozo makes me ashamed to be an American.

Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac because it corrupts completely. Arrogance and recklesness are its offsprings. Washington is the spawning ground. Limit the terms or time work in Washington is the only antidote albeit not a panacea. We should all feel for the Senator not for resorting to the unvoidable but for being unlucky in being elected for so many terms. The man is down, down to the level of his knee.. Leave him alone and he will find his way and time to give an end to his ordeal.

What a way to celebrate a birthday! At 85, way to many candles for a cake. He should do one candle per felony....

The most widely used phrases in American politics. (In order.)

1.) "I will not comment because I have not seen the report."
2.) "The case is under adjudication, so I have no comment."
3.) "I am confident I will be found innocent of all charges."
4.) "These charges are false, and are hurting my family."
5.) "I'm retiring from politics to spend more time with my family."
6.) "I have disgraced my family and my country."
7.) "I have found God."
8.) "I intend to return to the world of politics."

Tom asked "Why is it taking them so long to re-count votes?"

Well, its Alaska, they had a hard time find enough people who can count.

After all, who else would knowingly vote for a convicted felon.

Well boo hoo for him.

Happy Birthday Senator Stevens–The Bush Administration is waiting to deliver your birthday present--a Pardon.

What kind of birds don't fly? Jailbirds! Say "goodnight" Ted

To Grog: We are not talking about term limits here; we are talking about refusing to seat a convicted felon. I would have refused to seat him had he served only one term, or been newly elected.

I share my birthday with Ted Stevens...not sure if that is a ood thing or a bad thingf

there comes a time when your story is over,, time to retired stevens,,,, enjoy life and let it go,, ya do the crime,, ya serve the time,,,

IT looks like a COWBOY country in Alaska.You have a convicted senator who still wants to lead, an IDIOT for a Govenor who has her husband making decisions for her,abusive crime is on the increase,unmarried pregnancy is like everyday life,certain parts of Alaska they throw the garbage into the ocean,oil money is being given away which needs to be stopped immediately,wild life is being destroyed and many more things and now you have votes still not being counted --only in America.I hope the DEMS have type security over the uncounted ballots. I say Palin Must be REPLACED by someone with GREAT KNOWLEDGE to make Alaska what it should be for the country just like any other state in the USA. The best birthday gift that Stevebs could give himself is QUIT POLITICS,grab some nappies and wait his turn in JAIL.

This goes far beyond party politics. Ted Stevens is a convicted felon and a disgrace to the Senate.

The Senate should convene a special session to expel this thug from its midst. It was extremely brazen of him to run again, given the indictment, which was issued last year.

we shouldn't be discussing Ted Stevens, he should have his prison stripes, or is he above the law, pure arrogance

With terms on airline pilots in reference to AGE, it's time to think about this for the government. 85 years old. Come on. It's time to say it was a good gig, now it's time to step down. If people can't judge this themselves, set some limits on them. Please!

The reason he won't concede is because, if he does, Begich wins, and the Democrats pick up another seat. If he hangs on, wins the election, then is either expelled or resigns, then Sarah Palin gets to name a replacement, who will undoubtedly be a Republican.

And before anyone asks, Palin cannot appoint herself, but she can resign as governor, have her lieutenant governor become governor, and then the new governor could appoint her. So, if Stevens manages to win the election, watch for Palin to resign, probably for "personal reasons".

Senator Stevens is too old to still be in the Senate anywhere. I think the main problem with the US Government is we allowed these people to stay in office too long. We need term limits for the Senate and Congress so we can keep people with new and fresh ideas running this country not people that are so old and stuck back in time and can barely walk or spell their names.

Ted Stevens (R- Alaska) is a convicted felon and criminal. How can this person serve in the United States Senate?? He's a federal felon.
A good Birthday present for him would be to lose the election and be hauled off to federal prison, where he belongs.

Why don't we just let Alaska secede already? They've brought us nothing but headaches for the past 6 months, and no one's gonna miss them at this point....I'm good with changing the flag, if it means not having to deal with the Palins and the Stevens of Alaska ever again. You go, Todd!

This crook shouldn't even be eligible to stand for a senate post.

I am confused. So you can be a convicted felon and still hold a senate seat? It seems crazy as I know you can not even vote in New York (Not sure about other states) if you have been convicted of a felony.

YOU CAN JUST LOOK AT STEVENS AND SEE HOW THE POLITICS
IN ALASKA IS CONDUCTED.CAN YOU IMAGINE IF PALIN WAS NOMINATED.

This is a joke, He is a convicted felon, and hsould ahve been removed from office immediatly upon his conviction. If he apeals and is cleared of the charges, then he could run again when the election is held.
They are just hoping that he wins, then is expelled from the Senate so that Palin can nominate herslef to fill the seat.
This is a prime example fo what is wrong with the Congress and the politics of this country.
I was convicted of a felony I would be out of job, but apparently Congress is above the law.

Hmm, when I read the headline, I picked up on something CNN should probably fix... The headline read "Unhappy Birthday for Convicted Senator".

You seem to have misspelled "Felon" as "Senator".

Might want to get on that.

Will he be serving in the Senate from a jail cell?

Helloooooooooo Senator Sarah Palin, the newly appointed Senator from Alaska. The first step for Sarah in a run for the Republican nomination in 2012.

Stevens, yet another shining example of a Republican criminal deserves to go to jail.

He’s an old man. A 5 year sentence ought to do be enough for a life sentence.

Let's see if the crooks in Washington will do the right thing with both Stevens and Lieberman.

I doubt it. They never do.

First we change the name of Alaska to Fantasy land. That way the senator as well as other (read as governor) officials can claim that they are representatives of Fantasy land. Then secondly we let them talk and vote, but we don't have to listen and the vote won't really count. I think the people in Alaska are all suffering from snow blindness or other social and mental conditions that we "in the lower 48' just can't relate to.

Alaska's politicians are starting to bore me. Why is it that the most corrupt seem to possess the biggest mouths?

They are still on the first count. They have not thought about a recount yet. They only have one old lady (107, I think) who is counting, and she's blind in one eye, and can't see out of the other.

Here's wishing a very unhappy birthday to 'Uncle Pork Barrel Felon' Stevens. I sincerely hope that, for your birthday, you get thrown out of the Senate and in to jail!

I presume that the crooked Senator from Alaska ran the typical Conservative campaign.

1. The "liberal media" is out to get me because they know I'm for truth, justice, and the American Way. Don't believe them.

2. My Liberal opponent and his communist pals have already planned to dance in the streets when America is overthrown by terrorists.

3. I believe in the balanced budget, low taxes, and cutting the pork out of the federal budget.

America can afford to elect the occasional crook during good times, but in times like these ...

Folks... term limits are un-American. If WE THE PEOPLE, want a representative, a senator or even a president to serve many, many terms, it should be up to WE THE PEOPLE, not an artificial term limit.

If Alaska wants a felon as senator and a dimwit as governor, it's their rights to do so... until and unless there's a law against either. Democracy isn't always pretty. Fudging it is un-American.

63 days till the end of the Bush administration.

Why is a felony conviction not an automatic expulsion from office? It makes no sense that he is even being given a chance to retain his seat.

It is really amazing to me that this clown would be considered for office after being convicted. He should have been stripped of everything. That is what's wrong with this world. Leaders not tough enough on folks.....

He cares less about the Governments cost on prosecuting him, counting votes, man has no sense of humility, just like most of our elected officials, Arrogance prevails at all levels. They forgot that they represent the people not just themselves.

look at him , he is 85 years old! retire for the love of God. who wants an 85 year old senater thats also a convicted felon. sounds like another republican win (shakes head).....

Isn't it funny how the wacko's find a way to relate every article to Obama? Poor fools.

If Alaskans vote to keep Stevens in office then the US should just give Alaska to Russia.

What a bunch of idiots in Alaska.

WHEN THE HECK IS HE PLANNING ON RETIRING. 85 ALREADY. I THINK BEING A SENATOR IS IT SELF LIKE A RETIREMENT. JUST ENJOY LIFE.

Ted, Maybe your governer Sarah will bring you a birthday cake and you and her can celebrate together, she is next in line for corpution charges.

Since when can a convicted felon be allowed to hold a seat in Senate? hmmmmmmm

I can't believe people are voting for this Stevens guy. He is a crook and a convicted felon. What does it say about people's values and morals when they voted for someone like him. He should just concede and get on with his pathetic life.

I don't understand. If he is a convicted felon, why is he not in jail?

Convicted felons go to jail. Am I right or am I off base here?

He is 85 years old and when he retires or leaves office he will get over six figures in retirement from the federal government so what does he need to stick around for at 85 blows my mind, if he can't live off of six figures at 85 then to bad. Sad part about it is he will get this no matter what happens.

I hope he, Larry Craig, and the rest of the "high morals repubs." stay on the scene. It will only remind the rest of us what they're really about.

40 years first of all is to long their should be term limits on the US Senators .

After 4 years as a US Senator a new person can try for the Senators seat .

This way no one gets to used to being in Washington like 40 years and then becomes a crook to boot.

If we learned anything from the Obama election is that people want real change in Washington Politics not people like Senator Ted Stevens being convicted and getting possibly relected by people who should know better but then you have Sarah Palin so what do these voters know about honest Government and not electing a Crook back in Washington .

The good news is Stevens is losing and lets hope that in early December he after 40 years is not finally throw out of office for good.

Lets bring back Government by for and of the People thats the way it should be.

This is an example of a pure political junk that we have in Washington. People of Alaska should be ashamed of themselves for casting even a single vote for this guy.

To "choosing our crooks" that's Mr. PRESIDENT TO YOU BUDDY!!

"Commentary: Obama already struggling with lobbyist promises" by Campbell Brown.

We're missing the big picture here. Obama's "promises" were simply statements designed to fit the "narrative" of change. We must learn to distinguish between the "narrative" and the reality of truth.

Let me explain further using this example. So in Ms. Brown's commentary, she opines that Obama is "struggling" to keep his promises about lobbyists not setting the agenda in his administration. In reality, he's not struggling at all. His statements during the campaign period were designed to fit the "change" narrative. They were not meant as any sort of indication of how he intended to build an administration or govern our nation.

In summary, we as consumers of news must learn to acknowledge the narrative, but realize the truth. Otherwise, we risk losing our ability to effectively choose our leaders.

Happy Birthday Ted! You look good in bright orange! We have no cake, but we do have some candles in some humble pie!

This is some country we live in. You may run for elected office but you cannot vote for yourself on election day? How is it we allow somebody to even run for office under these circumstances?

And, how big was the deal on Obama's property in Hyde Park that he got from Rezko? I thought it was proven that he got a deal in the 100's of thousands?Stevens is only a Senator. the Dems voted in Obama for President! Double standard?

This jerk belongs in prison with Bush, Cheney an the rest of
the losers who have insulted this country. What a disgrace!!!!!!!!!!!

I think that people were voting for Stevens because if he won and stepped down then Palin would have the chance to select a Republican.

I hope Begich wins. Alaska is not there own country yet and need to govern themselves with common sense like everyone else!!

CRIMINAL

He is from the "real" and "pro-American" part of the country isnt he? Hypocrisy at its best

Greed is not Good ...

Greed is selfish and destructive to the long term interests of a Unified America. Ambition will be encouraged but elevating one’s self up by steeping on the backs of others through exploitation will cease.

Renewable Energy …

The end of an oil-based Energy Policy … instead we want clean renewables … Wind & Solar … Biofuels … … A Halt to Green House Gases and Global Warming … and end to Iranian & Russian Wealth from Oil Exports … and end to our need to go to War in the Middle East. A more stable, cleaner and peaceful Earth.

This man is a convicted felon, he has no business running for any office in America. 40 years in the Senate...prime reason to enact term limits of 6 years..and out they go!

Well we can't say that Stevens was not old enough to know right from wrong. This old man deserves time in jail. Happy Birthday Ted! I don't know what the people of Alaska are thinking to even vote for a convicted felon.

Keeping my fingers crossed that Begich wins. Stevens can't be kicked out of a Senate seat he doesn't have, which means no special replacement appointment or election, which means no Sarah Palin worming her lying, divisive, crooked way into the Senate. That would be the present this country could have!

Happy Birthday ex-Senator Stevens!

Reelection should not even be an option for this criminal. He belongs in jail.

Term limits should be the law and only ONE to a person. No pension, no insurance, no perks of any kind.

And how did our new President-elect get his house in Hyde Park, Chicago, with the adjoining property? We are overlooking the little detail of his relationship with Rezko, a convicted con artist, are we not? I am sure the "Chicago Senator " has a few more details to come out in the wash. Stevens dealings are "small potatoes" compared to Mr Obama.

Sue, I completely agree with you. There's a time when people get too used to Washington and have gotten too seperated from the actual people they are supposed to represent. There should be limits.

Anonymous, who ever you may be, the reason people still vote for someone convicted of 7 felonies is because they don't take responsibility with their vote. To me it's absurd that someone can be convicted on 7 counts related to having their pockets padded by corporate America and any voter can think "he's looking out for our best interestest...no really, he is....lets vote for him".

This is rediculous, a Senator having a felony charge getting the chance to be re-elected how stupid people are these days. It really shows that even if you have a felony charge you can become a senator, what kind of role model or our Senators showing our young children. NOT COOL..

Because they hate america of course!

#1-why would any reasonable person vote for anyone knowing he was just convicted on 7 felonies?....I answered my own question when I remembered Palin was from Alaska.....a different culture..

TOM,
I believe they are hand-counting, and that takes a long time.

He is a crook, and we all know it. I hope he is not elected again for goodness sake!!!

Guess they couldn't wait until he loses his seat to Begich. Gotta force this vote today so they don't have time to deal with anything important to the rest of the country.
I really wish there were term limits in both Houses. By the time someone is 80, they really need to get on with the rest of their lives. Congress and Washington get to be too much of a habit...and that applies to Ted Kennedy as well (and my Congressman who just won his ☀10th term.) Let them go back home and get a real job, and use their Washington knowledge in their states. I say four House terms and two Senate terms are plenty...move on!

Why is it taking them so long to re-count votes?