Stevens says he won't seek pardon from Bush
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/11/18/art.stevens1.gi.jpg caption="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.
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More the merrier , Ayers an Company . Wright .
You don't have to ask for a pardon to get one.
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?
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.
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!
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...
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.
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! 🙂
Huckabee, former Governor and evangelical scholar, is willing to counsel Senator Stevens on his transgressons as long as he buys his new book.
wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. we feel so sorry for you.
wahhhhhhhhhhhhhwawwahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Idiot. And, no, the internet is not a series of tubes.
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.
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?
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.
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.
When you accept a pardon, does that mean you admit guilt?
Of course he won't SEEK it.
He knows Bush will GIVE him one when he pardons all the other criminal friends of his.
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.
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
A GRAND JURY IN TEXAS JUST INDITED CHENEY AND GONZALES. IF FOUND GUILTY WILL THEY ASK BUSH FOR A PARDON.
Bye Bye Ted ...
Alaska. Arkansas. Alabama. Different states. Same state of mind.
Stevens should be pardoned based on mental deficiency.
I voted for him. I would again.
Its a great state up here. You folks outside can be pardoned for your ignorance.
Don't these guys EVER RETIRE??? Man!
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.
Send that bum packing Alaska!