November 18, 2008
Posted: 05:01 PM ET

From
Stevens is not seeking a pardon.
Stevens is not seeking a pardon.

(CNN) — Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, who was recently convicted on seven felony counts, said Tuesday he won’t ask President Bush to pardon him.

“No, no, no,” Stevens responded emphatically when asked if he would seek a pardon.

The embattled senator, who turned 85 Tuesday, spoke briefly to reporters as he entered a meeting of Senate Republicans who were to decide whether he would be allowed to remain a member of their conference.

“I wouldn’t wish what I’m going through on anyone, my worst enemy,” Stevens said in some of his first public comments about his ordeal since he was convicted last month of failing to report more than $250,000 worth of gifts from an Alaskan oil services company which renovated his house.

“Look, I haven’t had a night’s sleep in almost four months. I went home even during the trial. I came to the Senate the night after the trial. So, I’ve been living like three different lives so it’s hard to even answer your questions but I’m doing my best,” he said.

Election officials are still counting outstanding ballots to determine if Stevens will win re-election. His Democratic rival, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, is currently leading by a slim margin.

Republican senators put off their decision about Stevens’ standing in the GOP conference until after its determined if he’ll be re-elected.

Filed under: Ted Stevens


maria   November 18th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

Good, do the right thing, serve your time just like any other criminal.

Stu-Florida   November 18th, 2008 9:57 pm ET

So what he can't sleep… Give him about a dozen Lunesta.
This guy is a new Alaska dirtbag…

Mike Dallas   November 18th, 2008 9:56 pm ET

Right, and it does not snow in Alaska!

Jay   November 18th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Stevens Quote: “I wouldn’t wish what I’m going through on anyone, my worst enemy,”

I wonder what his position was during the Clinton impeachment proceedings.

Tom   November 18th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

AND he got beat for his Senate seat. Tough week Ted.
Bye bye.

happy thanksgiving   November 18th, 2008 9:39 pm ET

sorry mr. stevens but you brought this nightmare on yourself.

Ron , West Coast   November 18th, 2008 9:31 pm ET

TED STEVENS should be locked up .
He mis-used the trust of the Alaskan people for many decades.
Lock him up, and throw the key away.
NO PARDEN FOR TED STEVENS….

Bernie   November 18th, 2008 9:28 pm ET

Stevens losses his seat ! ROFL!

Annie, Atlanta   November 18th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

I'm thinking of moving to AK, where anyone can become a politician, the salary is good (tho not as good as Wall Street, where you get paid for sinking a co.), and the perks are incredible. Then when you get caught with the perks, the president can wipe it all away. What a racket.

rm   November 18th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

I hope he has a physician by his side at all times. He is really old for this stuff.

Boxer3   November 18th, 2008 9:08 pm ET

If you all don't want Stevens pardoned, you better hope Bush doesn't get advice on selling pardons from Clinton!

Obama 08   November 18th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

He is just acting like a true republican.

Ankhorite   November 18th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

I bet the horrid old crook uses his age to get out of serving even a single day.

And I bet the crooked old Republicans of the Senate decide that, if he loses the count to Begich, they won't bother expelling him since he'll only be there for the lame duck session.

His behavior was a CRIME. Seven crimes (actually much more, but seven convictions). Eighty-five or not, he should go to prison, and he should be expelled.

I am horrified by the way the criminals of the Bush Administration are going to be allowed to go scot-free by a combination of Republican cowardice, Bush's pardon power, and Obama's desire to heal. Lieberman should have been kicked to the curb, but he wasn't – because Obama said forgive. And Cheney, Bush, and the torturers all should go to federal prison the rest of their lives, and they won't.

Heal, my patoot. What would REALLY heal this country are convictions and imprisonments, so that future Republican administrations know that their criminal behavior in office WILL BE PUNISHED.

Neal   November 18th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

Send that bum packing Alaska!

CJ Winnetka   November 18th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Stevens is a crook. Too bad he can't sleep at nights. He deservers everything he gets. Politics sure doe spay good huh. I Wonder if he is just sorry he got caught or sorry for what he did? Joe 6-pack would be in the clink already. PERIOD Our public servants at work – hypocrits.

JPM   November 18th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Don't these guys EVER RETIRE??? Man!

atunam   November 18th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

I voted for him. I would again.

Its a great state up here. You folks outside can be pardoned for your ignorance.

Jon   November 18th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Alaska. Arkansas. Alabama. Different states. Same state of mind.

Stevens should be pardoned based on mental deficiency.

Larry   November 18th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Bye Bye Ted …

HAWK, TEXAS   November 18th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

A GRAND JURY IN TEXAS JUST INDITED CHENEY AND GONZALES. IF FOUND GUILTY WILL THEY ASK BUSH FOR A PARDON.

KLEE   November 18th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

I think He has been in politics too long…..and is getting confused. My goodness he is 85 years old – and that's a lot of water under the bridges – I'm not putting him down -but politics "they are a'changin'" – nuff sed

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 18th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

Stevens won't be asking Bush for a pardon until he spends a few nights in jail, then he'll be begging for a pardon.

bill for barack   November 18th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

Of course he won't SEEK it.
He knows Bush will GIVE him one when he pardons all the other criminal friends of his.

Angela   November 18th, 2008 8:11 pm ET

When you accept a pardon, does that mean you admit guilt?

Aaron from Ohio   November 18th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

Ted Stevens is corrupt and was found guilty of 7 felony counts, but what purpose is going to be served by sending an 85 year old man to prison? He doesn't have that many more years left. Let him live them in shame in his own home. He has brought shame onto himself, his family, his party and his state. House arrest would be enough.

Sue   November 18th, 2008 8:07 pm ET

An 85 year old crook… What's up with Alaska wanting the likes of him representing them? I don't care if he is 85. They should save the cell next to his for Cheney, and one on the other side for Bush.

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   November 18th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

Ted Barrett,
Bloggers should not have to do your editing.
Get it together, would you please?
I'll help you:

Click on Tools then select Spelling & Grammar….

Sheesh. What are you, an intern?

chuck   November 18th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

He wouldn't but Bush will pardon this CROOK. BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER. This is asking George Bush in advance for the PARDON. Be a Man and face your PUNISHMENT you corrupt old bastard.

Hey Ted....   November 18th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. we feel so sorry for you.
wahhhhhhhhhhhhhwawwahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Idiot. And, no, the internet is not a series of tubes.

Lt   November 18th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Huckabee, former Governor and evangelical scholar, is willing to counsel Senator Stevens on his transgressons as long as he buys his new book.

Texas Teacher   November 18th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Retire, Senator…. 84 or whatever is a ripe old age for retirement! You may be forced to retire in jail anyway! Too bad…. the good ole boy days are over by the looks of things! And I'm happy to see it disappearing into the sunset! After this good ole boy administration, I think just about everyone is pretty darned sick of it! :)

SAI   November 18th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

Senator Stevens does not need to have sleepless nights at his ripe old age; all he needs to do is to let go NOW. If he graciously steps down tonight from his senate seat, rightly concedes the election to his opponent and goes back to his home in Alaska – he should be able to sleep well.

Llisa   November 18th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

I feel bad for Alaskans, their leadership is chock-ful of dummies. But what to expect from the land that gave us Sarah Palin…

Maybe the moose should vote…

shelli   November 18th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

Senator bow out while you can. Don't degrade yourself any more. You have served more than enough years and have more money than you can shake a stick at. Get while the gettings good and move on. But, if you wait until your sentence, please take Palin with you to jail!

Martha Kennedy   November 18th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

With seven felony counts against you how is it that our lawmakers think its alright for him to run for reelection. When we send young men to jail with felony charges our military want except them in the service. What a shame we elect these officials to govern and to make shore that the law is followed and they abuse it themselves. Althought his age plays a factor, we don't know how long this has been going on.

Dorothy in NC   November 18th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Stevens needs to go to prison, just like other people who are convicted of 7 felonys. There is no reason to pardon him. It was abuse of power….well I guess that means Bush will pardon him because he is a pro at abuse of power.
We will never get Washington straightened out if the President rubber stamps a pardon to everyone who commits crimes. Where did personal integrity go?

Ivan   November 18th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

You don't have to ask for a pardon to get one.

Dc . Holloween Party is not over   November 18th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

More the merrier , Ayers an Company . Wright .

Tyrone Brown   November 18th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Waiting for the vote count in Alaska is like watching ice melt…slow.

Dace Tucson   November 18th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

I will believe it when Bush is gone – one criminal should cover for the next. Bushes administration will go down as the most criminal in the history of the world – ahead of WWII Germany and Japan. And this felon is one of the biggest supporters but his vile record is even longer than Bushes.

Gracie   November 18th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

NO PITTY FOR THIS OLD CROOK, HE'S JUST SORRY HE GOT CAUGHT!!

NO PITTY FOR THIS OLD CROOK, HE'S JUST SORRY HE GOT CAUGHT!!

NO PITTY FOR THIS OLD CROOK, HE'S JUST SORRY HE GOT CAUGHT!!

NO PITTY FOR THIS OLD CROOK, HE'S JUST SORRY HE GOT CAUGHT!!

NO PITTY FOR THIS OLD CROOK, HE'S JUST SORRY HE GOT CAUGHT!!

NO PITTY FOR THIS OLD CROOK, HE'S JUST SORRY HE GOT CAUGHT!!

Greed is not good   November 18th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

Well then fess-up and quit being such a lying weasel. You sound like Richard Nixon living in denial of your corrupt lifestyle – taking bribes from Big Oil.

justobserve   November 18th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Begich doubled his lead since last Friday to 2,374. He may increase his lead with further votes to be counted.

TheTruthSquad   November 18th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

I lived in Alaska for 29 years and Stevens was the most obnoxious a$$ hole who ever lived. He called himself the meanest SOB in Congress and he was proud of it. He gave the University of Alaska a $25 million computer to study the northern lights. I have often wondered if they ever found them. I won't even mention the $400 million bridge to the Ketchikan airport, otherwise known as "The Bridge to Nowhere". His legacy is the billions he sent to Alaska when he was chairman of the appropriations committee. Maybe his final legacy will be Leavenworth.
Now, it is the democrats turn at the trough. I can not even imagine what they will do for themselves.

tatertaught   November 18th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Just looked at Anchorage Daily News site….looks like Stevens has lost his seat in the Senate. Saves the Senate from having to remove him. Good! The wicked witch of wasilla can stay right where she is.

Bob   November 18th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Looks like CNN fixed the "Arkansas" SNAFU… and who are we kidding, that pardon from Bush is inevitable. Dubya is gonna stir up some serious you-know-what before he leaves. He practically burned the USA to the ground in eight years, might as well trash it a little more on the way out.

chad   November 18th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

Does Ted Stevens really expect people to feel sorry for him? GO HOME TO ALASKA with your bud Palin

rob   November 18th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

This is a response to the Jack Cafferty piece close by:

For Jack Cafferty and the rest of you idiots, the repub leaders have already said that they would vote to expell him from the senate as soon as the ELECTION is over. If Alaskins vote him in than they're not much different than most of the pathetic voters in this country.

This is pure pollitics no doubt, but if he wins and resigns Gov. Palin can pick his succesor, it would be idiotic for anyone to think that they would shoot themselves in the foot just to satisfy morons like Cafferty.

If Jack or any of you hate filled numbsculls think the dems would do it differently then you desperately need to read something other than CNN.

Dennis Lee Hoffman, citizen of the world   November 18th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

This guy would be cleanest guy of the lot that Bush will pardon. The first 2 people that W will pardon will be himself and Cheney! By the way, I still don't like Clinton for the crooks he pardoned at the end of HIS administration.

Neighbor   November 18th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Dudes, this is what happens when you lay off all of your copy editors.

Babawaya   November 18th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Governors pardon deathrow inmates (correct me if I'm wrong) right? Well, Sarah Palin can pardon him. The guy is over 80. Just pardon him and let him go back home to Wasilla. Isn't that where they are all from? Or may be he is from Jeneau. Sarah Palin made us pay too much attention to Alaska.

I have been trying to forget Alaska but here comes Stevens again. We probably need to talk about Wyoming or North Dakota.

South Carolina voter   November 18th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

I'm sure Scooter Libby won't ask for a pardon either…but it won't matter because he'll get one anyway.

Caldy   November 18th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Felons cannot vote but they can run for office? Am I living in a banana republic?

Jeff   November 18th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

When are we going to find out who (and who's money) built Sarah Palin's house?

Maybe that can happen after she 'cleans up' stevens mess!

KofTX   November 18th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Good, Retain what honor you have left…

Jack 64 year old   November 18th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

We don't believe you Ted!

Barbara in NC   November 18th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

W will pardon ALL republicans. No questions asked. What a ditz we've had in the white house the last 8 years. Hope you republicans that voted for him are happy happy happy

Vicki5   November 18th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Looks like someone punched him in the face.
I really don't understand why someone who is 85 years old, obviously well off, doesn't want to retire. I don't get it….Is there stuff he wants to keep covered up???

Xanthippe   November 18th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

I'd wish what he's going thru on Sarah Palin, who needs to be thoroughly investigated along with her secessionist hubby Todd.

Tony   November 18th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

I don't know if the article has been re-posted but it does say Alaska, not Arkansas, so I don't understand comments relating to that.

As far a the pardon goes, it would not surprise me if Bush did pardon him. What does Dubya have to loose? He pardoned Libby didn't he? He probably won't pardon those two innocent border patrol agents who shot at an illegal alien drug smuggler in self defense.

Elgin   November 18th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

i would be asking BUSH to pardon me!!!

California Gold   November 18th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

This is a low water mark in American politics. Doesn't make a difference to me what happens to Stevens, the years of abuse and damage followed by claims of ignorance has made a mockery of political office. From what I've read (I can't say first hand) this Senator's history is riddled with questionable activity and the fine people of Alaska have re-elected him over and over again. I would like to see him go away.

Texas Trail Kitty   November 18th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

The fool should try it. He should be a lead pipe cinch for a pardon from W. Seriously, Alaska should be a bit more careful who they choose to run the state. The lower 48 would appreciate it.. Stevens' rival should win by default – the fault that Stevens does not know how to keep out of trouble. Anyway. Alaska, Arkansas. Is there really a difference in the intelligence of the people? After all, they elected Sarah didn't they?

I'm Not Missing The Old Mule & Winky Half-baked Alaska   November 18th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Bush is so lame at this point that he couldn't even pardon a reprobate dog at the local animal shelter.

I'm Not Missing The Old Mule & Winky Half-baked Alaska   November 18th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Bush is so lame at this point that he couldn't pardon a reprobate dog at the local animal shelter.

Proud to be American   November 18th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

Just send the Senator to jail for his crimes…. a crook is a crook regardless of what A state he is from …. Buh, bye

Jay   November 18th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

When someone who is an elected official betrays their party and their oath of public service and the people they represent they should take the high road and resign. The courts have spoken and convicted him. Is it any wonder Obama won !..

Mike T. Vaughn   November 18th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

WHY IS A CORRUPT FELON STILL IN OFFICE?????? IT'S LIKE A PHEDOFILE WORKING AT A DAYCARE!!!!!! KICK HIM OUT!!!!!!!!

Ana   November 18th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Felons cannot vote. I don't see how his name even remained on the ballot. No pardon. He should pay for his crimes as others do.

Annjell   November 18th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

This is important to know. But, the question remains, why do we have career politicians? People that work in Private sector are not always lucky to stay in one job for a lifetime. Go figure, they get lifetime tenure, while the unions are going away!
I got some emails from people saying they are going to vote out the republicans that vote against bailing out UAW.

I have to admit, this seems like Enron all over again. It's amazing it's all about cheap labor, but the cost of living can't buy the goods and services we have.

If it weren't for gas prices hitting historically high prices, UAW would be doing fine. None of us saw it coming. It's not the public fault that UAW can't sell their SUV's. It's the cost of living, wages, jobs. We don't get the freebees that SOME people get. That's why I now bank at a credit union, why should I use the bank to pay for CEO's, board members. Credit unions are owned by the members, boards volunteer. What I will say, they can let UAW fail, but the consequences will be greater than they expect – the homes that are on the market will stay there, the car manufacturers that remain will pick up and leave.

And yes, Stevens should not be pardoned.

Mike   November 18th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Alaska and Arkansas both begin with an A.

alvino   November 18th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

When he loses in his appeal, he will be on W's front door step.

LyonsPhilly   November 18th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Stevens needs his tail kicked all the way to jail….To heck with the pardon nonsense…..

Jen, Cali   November 18th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX November 18th, 2008 5:38 pm ET
. . . the GOP seem to think that peeing on the courts is fine because they'll go through the motions of the court and wait for the pardon later . . .
__________________

You mean peeing on the courts like Clinton — who issued 140 pardons the last day in office ????????????????

Anonymous   November 18th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

God bless Stevens

Gary Georgia   November 18th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

THROW HIM IN JAIL!!!

The United States of Colorado Counties   November 18th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Really?

The United States of Colorado Counties   November 18th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Sen. Stevens must go!!!

Glenn   November 18th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

85??!! Good God!

Ken in NC   November 18th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Alaska, Arkansas………..what's the difference? There is bound to be a crooked politician in both of them states. LOL

larry   November 18th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

now that Stevens is a fellon its time to put his son Ben in jail next along with frank murkowski for the Veco bribes

JL   November 18th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

He'll probably get a pardon anyways, knowing Bush.

Joe Regis   November 18th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Given his age, I think a pardon would be the best outcome he could hope for.

Boered1   November 18th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

poor baby should I feel pity that you have been found GUILTY of FELONIES? I do not and as for bush pardoning you well that is possible and well within the realm of possibility with that idiot.. my guess is that if he WINS the election in Alaska THEN bushie will pardon him so he can keep his seat.. if he loses.. well, like most republicans, the party will eat its own spawn and bush will let him hang

Branden   November 18th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

“I wouldn’t wish what I’m going through on anyone, my worst enemy,”

Is this dope seriously trying to gain pity out of people? He's a convicted felon and has nobody to blame for his actions but himself. End of story.

Branden
Winnipeg, Canada

earle,florida   November 18th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

He won't, but #43 will gift Ted an offer he won't refuse.., Yee..Ha.a.a…

Robyn Harris   November 18th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Don't worry, soon enough Uncle Teddy won't be a Senator from anywhere but the exercise yard and the prison shower. ATTICA! ATTICA! ATTICA!

So, will Sarah Palin then nominate herself to fill the position. Ahhh . . . the rising tide of political corruption lifts all Republican dinghies.

TJ   November 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

When Bush and Cheney are convicted of war crimes against humanity, maybe they'll ask President Obama for a pardon.

Allen in Hartwell, GA   November 18th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Senator Stevens might not seek a pardon, but I'd give you 100 – 1 odds that he'd kiss Bush if offered one. He does not want to go to jail.

Simmy   November 18th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Just give up that seat – we Dems want it, ok?

carol   November 18th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

As if Steven's has any say in the matter who gets pardoned from Bush…it wouldn't surprise me to see Bush pardon him, he been very good at pardoning all manner of folks and giving some, unwarranted medals!!!
What a relief come next year to see the back of this motley crew….so sick of seeing these people.

Steve Rubin   November 18th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Your story is incorrect. Ted Stevens is a senator from Alaska, not Arkansas.

Morgan   November 18th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

FAIL! Stevens is from Alaska. Not Arkansas.

Elvis Tiburu   November 18th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Why will you torture someone who is 85 yrs old? The man said he has not had good sleep God knows when. If Stevens was your grand father how will you feel? Anyway Grand pa just hang in there.

ken   November 18th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

you were not going to be pardoned anyway. Stay where you belong and we throw away the key!

Lauren independent voter California   November 18th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

I think he should resign.

Peter (CA)   November 18th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

He does not need to "seek" a pardon but Bush is well aware of the case and he will pardon him, if for no other reason than to say it would be excessively punitive to put an 85 year old in prison.

Former Repub Old White Female   November 18th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

WHA WHA WHA!!!! Haven't had a nights sleep in 4 months? AWWW Poor Stevens. Convicted felon, still in the senate, and even if he is thrown out of the senate, he will still draw his pension. I have no sympathy for him. He deserves no pardon. Instead of pardoning power-hungry, money-grubbing politicians, maybe Bush should pardon people like the 2 border patrol agents. Stevens deserves jail. They should take his home too, and sell it, add the money to the coffers for the bailout.

Darth Vadik, CA   November 18th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Good ridance crook of crooks

ROCHELLE   November 18th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

He had better not. Bush will need a pardon from President Obama and I hope that the New President puts Bush, Chaney, Condi, Rummy and others UP UNDER THE JAIL! For all of the murders overseas and here in the United States of America. All of the stealing and cheating but of course the lies told and believed by the people was even worse.

Makes Me Want To Holler   November 18th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Get it together CNN.

Eli   November 18th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

AK stands for Alaska, not Arkansas.

To the point, Sen. Stevens is a crook. The man makes so much money that he could not account for over $250 grand in gifts and rennovations to his house? This is what is wrong with the country. I do not care how old Stevens is…if Joe Blow is held accountable for taxation, then so should he. GUILTY is the verdict. Do not feel sorry for him. He is a pompous, arrogant man who should do the only respectable thing he can…resign his seat, should he actually win. Oh…and rename the Anchorage airport too.

Aliou   November 18th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

What a shame. All the felons in jail must be preparing to get a senate seat as soon as their manager can get them out of jail.

s   November 18th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Sure he won't ask for a pardon. But I'll bet you a nickel Bush will do it
without his asking.

Bob   November 18th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Bush will pardon him anyways, guaranteed. The old man should resign.

Gene   November 18th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Though I do think he should resign his job.. I don't think his crimes warrant prison time. Since when has accepting gifts been considered a crime? This is just a crime against his office, it creates a conflict of interests… he shouldn't have to do any jail time for it.

3strikes   November 18th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

stevens should, just like that one dude right before clinton left office(had to do something with eric holder too)

Vlad   November 18th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Careful checks need to be in place before things like this are published.

F Murray Rumpelstiltskin   November 18th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

CNN WAKE UP – DON'T ACT LIKE A CHUMP LOCAL RAG'S WEBSITE.

CHECK THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

ARKANSAS
-AND-
ALASKA

Yeah, there are lots of "A"s in both names. And a "K" and…

It's disgraceful that a major new outlet not only makes a mistake – the mistake goes uncorrected for hours…

Shame on you CNN!

endithinks   November 18th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

If he had any honor he would resign. The man has no shame whether he is from Alaska or Arkansas! Ha!

Ritter197   November 18th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

The Republican party must clean house if it wants to be considered in the future by anyone.

Stevens was found guilty on all counts and needs to be removed!

If he had worked for private industry he would long be gone.

If his memory is as bad as he pretends, he has no place in the senate either.

PL   November 18th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

I guess my question is who's going to pardon George Bush??

Anonymous   November 18th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Ted Stevens is a senator from Alaska not Arkansas.

The Dumbing Down of America   November 18th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Glad to see such excellence [not] in reporting from CNN.

That's whats wrong with America …. we're too interested in getting it fast rather than getting it correct!

Minnesotan   November 18th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

"Uncle Pork Barrel Felon" needs to go directly to jail, forfeit his Senate pension and be stricken from the history books, as all villains are. Good riddance to yet another Republican crook!

Gary   November 18th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Bush has to save his markers for the big criminals, like Cheney and Rove. He should keep one in his pocket for Palin also. Perhaps he can do one blanket pardon for the whole Republican Party.
That'll save us all some time.

There IS hope for the future>>>   November 18th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

With $250,000.00 in "gifts" I'd be sleeping like a baby! (I guess until I got CAUGHT!) That's why he's NOT sleeping! Politics must change FOR THE PEOPLE!

Confused   November 18th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

CNN is a bunch of idiots. They see AK and they think "Arkansas." Morons. (ref: "R-Arkansas")

The Great Alaskan Hope   November 18th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

He's like an old boxer that doesn't know when to get out of the ring.

My god man … you're 85 years old and have been in the Senate for 40 years.

Step away with some dignity … collect your pension.

Let the prestige of being a Senator go and we'll all forget about you and the sorry example you are setting.

Brad   November 18th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Stevens is from Alaska, not Arkansas.

B   November 18th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

He's from Alaska

dave   November 18th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Give the man a break. He signed up to trade power and influence for wealth, not prosecutions. He's a victim!

Chris   November 18th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Bush will not pardon him because Stevens has nothing to offer Bush.

Credit Card Republicans   November 18th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Bush will need his own Pardon,lets hope he doesnt get it.

Tom, MN   November 18th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Good, and maybe he wan't squack when he goes to jail either. Has the whole world gone crazy? What do we care about this FELON. He's Alaska's problem, not mine.

old fuzz   November 18th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Are you checking to see how many of us know he is R-Alaska?

K   November 18th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

He's from ALASKA!!! Hello……..AR is Arkansas; AK is Alaska. Good grief.

A Confused Arkansan   November 18th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

You mean Alaska right? Come on you can at least proof read the first line!!!

Arkansas would never elect a felon like him!

thomas   November 18th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

C,mon, Stevens is 85 years old and a public servant for 40 years. He ain't goin' to jail. Now ask Barack Obama if he plans to pardon Bush.

Brian   November 18th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Just in case anybody is curious, Ted Stevens in a Republican Senator from Alaska, not Arkansas.

JJ   November 18th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Senator Stevens is from Alaska, fact check line one

Um   November 18th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

“Look, I haven’t had a night’s sleep in almost four months. I went home even during the trial. I came to the Senate the night after the trial. So, I’ve been living like three different lives so it’s hard to even answer your questions but I’m doing my best,” he said.

——————–

Are we supposed to feel sorry for him or something?

Rich in Seattle   November 18th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Riiiiigggghhhhttttttt……….

Rave   November 18th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Ted, you belong to JAIL now. Go there and get plenty of rest.

ET   November 18th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

there's a place for someone like Stevens——ITS CALLED PRISON!!!!!

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   November 18th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

That's good, because I don't think Bush would give it to him!

Althought, the GOP seem to think that peeing on the courts is fine because they'll go through the motions of the court and wait for the pardon later!

GA Independent   November 18th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

"(CNN) — Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Arkansas, who was recently convicted on seven felony counts, said Tuesday he won’t ask President Bush to pardon him."

ummm…. Stevens is from Alaska – not Arkansas. Blame Alaska for him…

Joshua   November 18th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

R-Alaska not Arkansas

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP