Who knew Alaska would be the focus of an already insane election season?
Ted Stevens, of all people, should know how to hide graft better than that! As the longest serving Senator in history, he’s been doing it longer than all the rest of them.
A powerful oil contractor conveniently financed the $250K renovation of his home in Girdwood, Alaska, a ski resort town outside Anchorage. It seems VECO Corp. loaned money and employees to the Stevens family as a “Thank You” for government aid.
Ted Stevens, of all people, should know how to hide graft better than that! As the longest serving Senator in history, he’s been doing it longer than all the rest of them.
A powerful oil contractor conveniently financed the $250K renovation of his home in Girdwood, Alaska, a ski resort town outside Anchorage. It seems VECO Corp. loaned money and employees to the Stevens family as a “Thank You” for government aid.
Stevens told the AP: , "I am innocent of these charges and intend to prove that."
This spells bad news for both he and his counter-part, Rep Don Young. They are both up for re-election this November and this wont help prevent what most assume will be the filibuster-proof power shift in the US Senate.
This spells bad news for both he and his counter-part, Rep Don Young. They are both up for re-election this November and this wont help prevent what most assume will be the filibuster-proof power shift in the US Senate. Senate Democrats, who now enjoy a 51-49 majority, need 60. Mind you, not only does Stevens have a Democratic opponent, but a Republican primary ahead as well.
The AP notes: Prosecutors said that work included a new first floor, garage, wraparound deck, plumbing and electrical wiring. He also is accused of accepting from VECO a Viking gas grill, furniture and tools, and of failing to report swapping an old Ford for a new Land Rover to be driven by one of his children.
Stevens said : "I have proudly served this nation and Alaska for over 50 years. My public service began when I served in World War II. It saddens me to learn that these charges have been brought against me. I have never knowingly submitted a false disclosure form required by law as a U.S. senator."
This year is in what has been viewed as the toughest race of his career against Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. Should I include a link to Begich-PAC?
Also in the AP stories: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said.: "It's a sad day for him, us, but you know I believe in the American system of justice, and he's presumed innocent."Harry, you have the duty to presume innocent. Public opinion is what matters in an election year.
4 comments:
How is it that public officials in Washington always end up in such a sad and embarrassing scandal, time after time.
It pains me to think this country is managed by these same old white male christian hypocrites. They preach against their immoral subjects, and yet they steal, fornicate and undermine the well being of the taxpayer as if it were their birthright.
Tell me things will change for the better. If you dont think it will, lie to me so I'll feel better.
Drunk on power. Once they get to these high office positions, they lose their sense of ethics, if they had any to begin with.
Trust noone mike, you know youre worth a higher office than Alderman and you have to keep the faith. Stay grounded.
The system corrupts those who are weak, most are weak. Ethics require a continual workout to stay strong. Kingston may not be the worst example, but it's slipping fast.
Thanks again Mike, This is a blog that addresses a wide range of topics that make us think and prompt very thoughtful responses from the readers...smitty
Sounds like Ulster County and particularily Kingston to me.
Campaign contributions, boat trips, use of vacation homes, looking the other way on building codes, winks for law enforcement officials and Public contracts?
Be careful - remeber Ricters!
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