Stevens Gives Statement, Steps Down From Leadership Posts
EmailPer Senate Republican rules for indicted officials, Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, has stepped down from his leadership positions as top Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee and as top Republican on the Appropriations Committee’s defense appropriations subcommittee.
He remains a member of those committees.
On his Senate website, Stevens said in a statement: "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.
"In accordance with Senate Republican Conference rules, I have temporarily relinquished my vice-chairmanship and ranking positions until I am absolved of these charges.
The impact of these charges on my family disturbs me greatly.
"I am innocent of these charges and intend to prove that."
Republicans on Stevens’ committees will decide, likely tomorrow, who will take Stevens’ place as ranking Republican.
Next in line on the Commerce Committee is Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., but the job will likely not go to him given that he was top Republican on the committee before Stevens, and he’s already ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Next in line after McCain is Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas.
Along with former Sen. Dave Durenberger, R-Minn., Hutchison is the last sitting US Senator to have been indicted, though a judge ordered her acquittal in 1994 after the district attorney refused to present his case.
- jpt
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Senator Stevens has served the Alaskan people for a long time and I sincerely believe that this whole thing could be a political witch hunt. The Democrats haven been trying for years to oust him. I lived in Alaska 25 years and knew and worked with both Senator Stevens and Bill Allen of VECO. The 64 Mustang was worth as much as a the Land Rover, especially if the Land over was purchased as a commercial vehicle by VECO.
Posted by: Mary | July 29, 2008, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm
Mary: Stevens was pursued by the D of J, which is in Republican hands (and how). Explain again how this is a political witch hunt.
Posted by: DKNY | July 29, 2008, 5:10 pm 5:10 pm
Mary, really??? Is this how you want your government to be ran?? Not me, I am tired of the GOP breaking every law they can to put my dime in their pockets.
What goes around comes around!
Posted by: becky | July 29, 2008, 5:20 pm 5:20 pm
Becky—Do you believe that Senator Obama not reporting or paying taxes on his land/home deal worth up to $300,000 equity with Rezko is legal and OK. That is certainly more than a few thousand on a car trade.
That $300,000 is more than than the average family’s home is worth here.
Posted by: Mary | July 29, 2008, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm
sounds typical —repub gets caught breaking the law–and democrats get blamed—i guess when mccain lies he says obama made him do it—-what a bunch of clowns– or better yet dummys
Posted by: rodney | July 29, 2008, 7:09 pm 7:09 pm