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A man does not turn a thief overnight,I'm certain he was engaged in this kind of deals before.He must have learnt well from Bush and Cheney. This old fellow should be checked out along with Sarah Palin and her husband as to where did they get all that money from to build their mansion? Alaska needs to be put in more capable hands.A thief and an Idiot will be a great downfall for this State.

I hear that Ted is already asking around for a contractor to renovate his new prison cell. I wonder how many years that charge will add to his new sentence?

Maybe DeMint should ban himself from the senate. Because the GOP doesn't have clue as to what to do to solve problems all they do is blame others and spout negative rhetoric and will never accept the blame for their mistakes and failed policies. Also we need to govern according to the constitution a great document that was written by the people and for the people and means all people and not by the bible, which was also written by man.

Lack of leadership and accountability by the GOP.
Steven's today, is the sitting Senator from Alaska, today, yesterday, and tomorrow. The outcome of the senate race in Alaska has nothing to to do with the 110th congress. Why are they waiting? Can't they do there job?
What is it that the GOP does not understand about being fond guilty in a court of law. They have to honor.

It should not be about who wins the seat or not. The vote should be held now so that a clear and unequivocal message is sent to all lawmakers: Illegal dealings with lobbyists and special interests groups will not be tolerated.

He should be removed from all comittees. Immediately.

This is illustrative of what is wrong with the current GOP team. How can they not censure Stevens immediately. He was convicted...an appeal is only an appeal!

Funny, he can't vote as a convicted felon, but he can serve in Congress? And we wonder why Washington doesn't work.

So if he wins re-election he'll keep his chairmanships? That's not crooked at all.

If Reps were smart, they'd vote him out now, and then also go after Jefferson in Louisiana.
Or better yet, if they weren't cowards on this deal, they'd move on Steves now.

As for Alaskans, I can understand why they'd vote for him. He's brought more pork to them (per capita) than any other state. It's kind of like the pimp in the city, or the drug dealer in the suburbs, or the corrupt businessman in a rural town who do a lot of charity work that benefits a number of people in the community. In return, the community looks the other way
Okay, I don't know any pimps, or drug dealers so I can't say that they doo "beneficial work" for their community. Nor do I know any corrupt business people. But the point is, people look the other way (or take a best case look) when looking at people with ethical challenges when those people do something for them that they think they couldn't have gotten without that person.

Clearly an egomaniac and power-monger. This dude is 85....he should simply retire.

I am sure what is going on here is nothing more than 1) power and privilege trying to hang on by their fingernails, and 2) positioning to get Palin back on stage.

Both, it appears now, will fail.

The whole part of Stevens running in the election is for the party not the man. If he wins, the senate will probably show him the door but then the Gov (guess who that is) gets to appoint a republican replacement instead of or until there is a special election. If he wins and is kicked out, the losing candidate does get the seat "by default" and he may be the first Senator as a convicted felon but the house has a long standing and honorable tradition of inmate congressmen.

Alaskans love living on the edge. Now let me see, should we or should we not vote for the FELON? What a joke. Vote for the one that's not a felon Alaska, come on.

Why so much outcry to get rid of him now everybody? Wouldn't you Democrats like to know that your Rep won this election by votes and not by default? He may have been convicted but he is also appealing, which is his right.

Quit trashing the republican party for this, they are doing what is right. Who knows, he may lose this election and then your rep got in on his own.

If the people of Alaska re-elect him then why should they take that away from him. If Alaska wants to be represented by Stevens then so be it. What gives people not form Alaska any say in who ALASKAN's decide who they want to represent them in the Senate. Last I check he was running for the Alaskan Senatorial seat not any other state. Besides there is no rule or law that says he can not server in Congress as a convicted felon. So why don't you complainors do something about the law that we are governored by instead of compaining that people don't do what you think is right even though they don't have a legal leg to stand on.

If he is the winner, please show him the door!

Settle down and let the process run it's course. They need to wait for the results to come in. If Stevens loses, there's no need to waste any time on a vote. If he wins, they boot him out and Alaska does whatever it's laws require for finding a replacement.

Yes, republicans have done some pretty corrupt things in their time, but waiting for the election results is not an example of that corruption.

No convicted criminal should be able to represent the people of a democracy, the mere thought of that is completely absurd. Throw him in jail like anyone else who would commit those crimes.

Yes there IS a point in stripping Stevens of his committee posts right now: If you don't want a seven-time convict felon as a member of your party.
Stevens, in addition to being a convicted criminal, is a very arrogant man. So much so that he told a jury that he didn't notice when someone stuffed hundreds of thousands of dollars into his pockets. I dare say multibillionaire Bill Gates would notice if somebody made improvements worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to his home and didn't make him pay for it.
It's an insult to the American people. I cannot claim it's any insult to the intelligence of the people of Alaska because, 1. they elected Palin and 2. they came within literally a few votes of re-electing a felon.

Sure there's a reason to hold the vote, regardless if he wins or loses. If he wins, there's an obvious reason to it. But if he loses, it's to send a message.

Hey,maybe he can make his victory speech from cell-block D.

Why dosen't he do the right thing and bow out gracefully.
He's a criminal and has no busness in the senate keeping things stirred up.

Shameless Stevens, Shocking Saxby, Rudy G, the Fruity, Romney the Mormney, Huckabee the Wannabe: These are the ones you negative Repub who are bashing should be focusing on! Don't be angry because you have a black president, who is an American just like you, and patriotic like you, if not more than you. He is truly putting his country first!

Dr. Hepaluza is still standing by if you need further treatment! Just call 1-800-Ima-loser!

GOP Seantors–Way to take a stand against corruption!

The Republican strategy on Stevens has been outlined a million times already. They hope he gets reelected so Palin can replace him with a Republican after the Senate tosses him out; perhaps even naming herself. Then they go to a special election where the new Rep candidate would [maybe] have a better chance of beating the Dems for the seat.

That said, the law should be changed: Once convicted you are out and ineligible for federal public office.

why did Obama get away with his free stuff in Chicago? double standard here.

why vote to suspend him? He will lose the election and then not go back so the GOP can get rid of him without acknowledging the FACTS that this crimminal is one of their own.. politically a smart idea

Why are the Republicans protecting this felon? He's been proven guilty in a court of law. Any other citizen convicted would have automatically gone to jail. But not if you're a Republican, I guess. Just goes to show what a bunch of crooks, liars and cheats they all are.

They are waiting for the voice of the Alaskan population to do their job for them. No re-election, they are off the hook. Stevens has been in Washington so long, he knows where all the skeletons are kept especially for the members of his own party. He seems to me to be the type that will take others down with him if he falls and they've already stripped him of his committees. This way, they dont' have to publicly denounce him (which is really what stripping him of his committees really IS). However, if he is elected, they've got a major PR nightmare to deal with.

Time for the man to retire or go to jail! The Reps have to clear out their dead wood . They can start in Alaska!

oil hunters

Too bad for Senator Stevens that he isn't a democrat then the remodel of his home wouldn't even be an issue. The contractor said that the Senator said to give him all the bills and he just didn't. The other Ted (Kennedy) can go off and leave a woman to drown but he is a democrat so that is ok. A democrat president can demean women in the whitehouse and that is overlooked. Can you imagine how the families felt in these cases? Was anyone hurt by the house remodel? The NY senator can forget that he has rental property (while tax laws are in his field) and get a chance to resubmit–but, oh yeah, he is a democrat. Why wasn't senator Stevens just given a chance to resubmit his paper work? Oh, yeah, he is a Republican. Does there seem to be a double standard????

And p.s. to another comment: in Alaska, the governor does not appoint a successor. There will be a new election–unlike what will happen for Obama's position.

Alaska: a state where felons aren't trusted to vote, but are trusted to hold office.

What are they waiting for? The man was convicted of 7 felony counts. Guess the GOP now mean Grand Ole Prisoners?

I am PRAYING that Palin does not wind up with his seat and his committe appointments. That woman is so devious, though, I don't put anything past her

Republicans will do anything to hold onto their "seats" which is why Denny H looked the other way as Mark Foley tickled the Senate pages – young men who have learned what Republicans really value – the hard way.

The Republicans would even welcome Palin as the Senator from Alaska with open arms ... know that she would always vote GOP – even if she had no idea what the bill was all about.

Party first – country second.... a distant second ...

It's odd to know so many Alaskians really like this guy. It's hard to over look 7 felony counts though. If he is re-elected it goes down as a real shame on the laws and rules that make up the body politic. A sad day indeed

I really don't understand why the GOP is delaying the recount. He was convicted and now will be sentenced. I live in a state that convicted felons lose their right to vote period. So how can this man ever be allowed to vote...Can anyone say CORRUPTION? No wonder why the party is such in a mess. Lieberman MUST GO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Typical slimey GOP! The guy is found GUILTY on 7 felonies and they still choose to cut him some slack! GIVE ME A BREAK!!! Another fine example of why I believe the Republican party as a whole should go by way of the Whig Party! AND BE GONE ALREADY! YOU'RE CREDIBILITY IS LONG GONE!

And Republicans wonder why this years election was a referendum against them.

IDIOTS!

When will these old, white guys learn that it is NO LONGER about them anymore?!?!??!?!?

This is common sense.let him loose the elections then you don't have to listen to the cries of the Republicans and the IDIOT Sarah Palin will not be able to vote herself into the Senator's job. This will definetly wipe out any hopes of a Sarah Palin Re-Apperance from the black hole with some more unwedded children by her side.

In many states, convicted felons cannot vote. Yet, Senate Republicans aren't sure, now, on whether they should vote to expel a person from a legislative body who helps write laws? That's a little backwards if you ask me.
By the way, I wonder if Stevens will end up in the same prison system as Duke Cunningham or Bob Ney, both Rep congressmen from Caly and Ohio respectively. Or Jack Abramhoff.
By the way, has anyone heard anything on Jefferson down in Louisiana?

republicans stink.

DID ANYONE REALLY THINK THAT THE CORUPT GOP WOULD KICK OUT ONE OF THEIR OWN?! THIS CONFIRMS THAT THE GOP IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A "GOOD OLE BOY" NETWORK! THEIR COLOR SCHEME, ? "WHITE ONLY". THEY ARE JUST CLUELESS. I WOULD BE ANGRY IF THIS SITUATION WHERE NOT SO SAD AND PITIFUL. HEY GOP YOUR TRUE COLORS ARE SHOWING FOR ALL TO SEE!

They have no honor at all. The Republicans talk about Morality and Rule of Law and then spit on the spirit of the law. The man is a convicted felon and a felon of the worst order to a politician: corruption.

This should be a no brainer. Republicans should be outraged that the party leaders are even debating this.

What the heck, even our current Prez thinks and acts as if he's above the law. Arrogance knows no boundries.

Alvino Says:

I am sure the DEMS will allow Lieberman to keep his committee chair, even though Joe is inept and should never have been put in a leadership role.

Maybe Rep. Waxman could teach Joe how to do the job right, but I doubt that Lieberman really cares.

to be completely fair, Liberman has refused to go the extra mile and be CONVICTED of SEVEN FELONIES!!!!

CA

Ted is just one thief among all the republican crooks so why would they single him out?

The republicans have robbed this country blind these past few decades and now we will have a long depression while the rich spend their gains.

It's sensible to delay this vote. Does it really matter to Stevens? He's at the end of a long and personally prosperous political career. He can be now go to jail with a plea for leniency because he is an old man who has served his state and country, then he can really enjoy the hefty Congressional retirement courtesy of the American taxpayer. It's tough to attempt to punish a man without a conscience.

Senator Jim Dimwitt, what are you waiting for? An invitation? He is a convicted felon for god's sake! Both Rep Jefferson from LA and Stevens deserve each other as these goons both show why our Representative Democracy is in such a mess. I guess reform is really going to come from pitchforks and torches, not from a bunch of schnooks.

MikeH: The caring segment of the party is mad at Stevens because he's acted like a Democrat for forty years. He's done much more harm to his country than add some free siding to his house.

With the RNC in such turmoil now Stevens is a big boil on the party. He needs to step down on his own or be thrown out. Do the right thing Senator. It is past time to retire!

gop another image they are going to have to adress

I am sure the DEMS will allow Lieberman to keep his committee chair, even though Joe is inept and should never have been put in a leadership role.

Maybe Rep. Waxman could teach Joe how to do the job right, but I doubt that Lieberman really cares.

Only in republicanland again!

He is a Convicted felon he should be in Jail Just like other Felons not serving in national office what is wrong with the GOP,Are they going to be corrupt forever?

While the people of Alaska may have voted to re-elect him (we won't know until the vote is tallied) the fact remains that he is a convicted felon. Not only that, he is unrepentant, claiming a hair-brained legal theory that he is not officially convicted until he has had an appeal of his conviction. Why in the world would the Senate Republicans NOT want to be rid of this kind of Senator? His mind is not right.

The amazing thing is that the election is this close. Alaskans are showing their gratitude for all the pork Stevens brought to the state. According to Quitno Press, Alaska is the number two state, behind New Mexico, for bringing home the bacon. Evidently he was very good at, "redistributing the wealth." This all taking place in the state that produces a governor that had the gall to call President Elect Obama a Socialist. Ya gotta love this country, you betcha!

This would have been a good first step for the GOP to get their act together, and send a message to voters that they will deal with corruption in their party, but they chose not to.

We all need to get used to this: "GOP delays". That will be the only thing they'll be doing for sometime to come.....delay and obstruct. Of course, they've already had two years to practice this banal art since 2006.

Fellow senate [R]s voting Stevens out for corruption? Have they ever heard about the pot calling the kettle black? DCers can't take a dump without hitting a corrupt [R] in the head.

The republicans need every vote they can get in the Senate. If there is even a slim chance that Ted will pull this election out of his butt, they'll keep him in the party. Stripping him of his chairs will be the most they will do to him. They're not really able to be very picky about who they pal around with. Larry Craig trolled men's rooms and he wasn't kicked out. Felons and perverts are welcome in their big tent. They do draw the line at serial killers though. Ted, do the honorable thing. Go hunting with Cheney.

Looks like we have the "kettle calling the pot" black (figuratively speaking.) If they have the votes, why delay? It will be the GOP's Christmas gift to Stevens-however Santa Claus is going to pardon him before he heads back to the South Pole....that's right-South Pole.

PLEASE BE NICE TO THE CRIMINALS REPUGS THEY DON,T KNOW BETTER THEY GOING CRAZY WITH POWER THEY HAVE TO LIVE BY THE DEMOCRATS RULES - HA HA HA HA HA I LOVE IT GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE DEMOCRATS

The Republicans are as GUTLESS with their felon as the Democrats are with their Judas Liberman!
Give me a break, is there something in the water in Alaska, that keeps people voting for so obviously a criminal?

The more things change the more they stay the same.

They can't do anything till the final votes are in. When that happens the vote will be made on him.

It makes sense, quit blaming the Republican party. It shows ignorance on your part.

What does it matter if he is re-elected or not? He is still a convicted fellon – expell him.

Ah heck, vote now and get rid of this boil on the tush of the party. The Republican party needs to get rid of anyone who will be a drain on the party in the coming years. You people need to seriously clean house and change your mind sets. And get rid of the religious right as a base. By playing to them constantly you pretty much told the rest of us that we don't count, so we voted for President Obama, who told everyone in America that yes, they do count. I would not be surprised if some of your base voted for him too.

Convicted felon? Alaskan Moose Meat Heads

This guy is a two bit crook compared to Paulson and Bernache,they are pulling the biggest bank heist in history right under our noses,only we are the bank they are robbing.

It this were a Dem, the GOP would be screaming for his removal from committees and the Senate... Given that he will appeal, will there even be time for him to attend his committees even if Alaska turns out to have elected him?

America:

Truly the land of opportunity; where you can even be a felon, idiot or murderer and still hold high public office.

Come one, Come all! It doesn't matter what you've done as long as you've got money! Everybody in! All Abooooaaard!!! The Failboat is setting sail!!

Stevens should be in jail; anyone else would be unless they too are elected officials or celebities.

We need to demand that everyone be treated the same in this country when it comes to the law.

It is appropriate to wait until the tally is in..
It is sad, he won't simply throw the towel in..
But..
He seems a very egotistical person

The Republican Party is mad at Stevens not because he broke the law, but because he got caught breaking the law.

why delay....just do the right thing! It's not like he has not been proven guilty.

Why not wait and see if Stevens wins or loses the election before taking any action. I think DeMint is just trying to grab headlines for personal reasons.

This Decision Should Be Easy! This Man Is A Convicted Felon! He Should Not Be Allowed To Serve In The Senate . . . Period!

WHY the man is a convicted FELON? Honestly the GOP is so corrupt.

Obama hasn't even been sworn in yet, and you see how's he already calming tensions on the Hill. He could set a vindictive tone that would have REPs and DEMs fighting for decades, with nothing getting done. But no, Obama is setting a calm Commander-In-Chief position. Shaking McCain's hands and saying for the sake of the Country, "let bygone be bygone". On Stevens, Obama is mum. this is in house fighting among the REPs. With Lieberman, he want him to keep his present seat, with no vindication. Putting out all potential fires, before they become a blaze. Smart man. The Media want blood so they can have something to report, but the only thing Obama is throwing them is ROSES.

let's wait and see if he wins ,first!?..........and republicans wonder why the people think they're a bunch of crooks.