Veteran Alaskan senator (Ted Stevens) charged with hiding gifts

[truebrit71]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Veteran Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens was charged on Tuesday with concealing more than $250,000 of gifts, including renovation of his house, from an Alaska oil services company, the Justice Department said.

The Alaska politician, who has served 40 years in the senate, was charged in a federal grand jury indictment with seven counts of making false statements on his Senate financial disclosure forms from 2001 to 2006, the department said.

The six-term senator is accused of receiving substantial improvements to property he owns in Alaska, new vehicles in exchange for older ones worth far less, and household goods, the Justice Department said in a statement.

The charges follow a wide-ranging investigation coordinated by the Justice Department's Office of Public Integrity which has lasted several years.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSWBT00948220080729

---

(edited by admin to clean it up since this is on the homepage)

[Nickster]

1. WOW! Is it my birthday!?

[davidnc76]

20. Here it is

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/election2008/story/45824.html

[merwin]

26. What a wondeful comic they have on that page

:sarcasm:

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/215/gallery/44994-a45006-t3.html

[whistle]

106. That's disgusting, not a bit funny...at least not to me...I suppose racists

...who see it are laughing their asses off. Maybe the artist could add a footnote cartoon illustrating that type of response complete with the KKK outfits, buning cross and Confederate flag

[JohnWxy]

142. Typical Republican (the characaturist) style of degrading campaigns to slime throwing and crotch

kicks. first of all the New Yorker cover wasn't satire it was personal attack by rumor reverberation - masquerading as satire.


The second step of the gutter level campaign tactic is to attempt to belittle legitimate criticism of the first attack as being "too sensitive" as if to say any criticism or examination of the first attack could not be legitimate.

This is classic Republican style slime throwing politics. They are good at it because anybody with any self respect is put off by it and usually gives up is disgust after initially trying to set the record strait and defend himself against unfounded and therefore insinuated accussations of immoral character or insufficient patriotism (as defined by a 12 yr old mentality).

This sort of punch and counter-punch as far as REpub degenerates are concerned, can go on forever. They NEVER WILL TIRE OF IT - and it serves their purpose well, that of distracting attention from the actual issues that should be considered in an election.

They are masters of it because they have no self respect. Anybody who had an ounce of self respect would never engage in this sort of thing, but they relish it.


recommended.

[mike_c]

150. oh come on-- it's CARICATURE for crying out loud....

Where do you see anything racist in that? It's just a caricature trying to make the cartoonist's point about Obama's reaction to The New Yorker. KKK outfits? Confederate flags? Don't you think that's a bit over-the-top? Not all political cartoonists are going to be sympathetic or complementary toward Sen. Obama all of the time, or ever in some cases. Artists are entitled to express their opinions just like everyone else.

[whistle]

174. No I don't agree that my observation is over the top, the artist deliberately

...selected a Grays Anatomy Text Book format style to convey and inflame racial prejudices toward differences in racial heritage as somehow supporting Obama's ultimate reaction to the New Yorker. It is far from obtuse IMHO.

Check it out for yourself: http://www.bartleby.com/107/

In this case the cartoon artist appears to have used as his reference "Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist" or some similar reference source as a starting point to exaggerate the features and structure of Obama's head, skull, muscle and profile.

[mike_c]

229. you're suggesting there's something racist about his having...

...a skull and muscles? That's utterly absurd. Of course the artist exaggerated his features-- that's what makes it caricature. I find your objections especially hard to fathom since the artist didn't particularly exaggerate racially distinctive features-- rather, he emphasized personally identifying features, e.g. Sen. Obama's narrow face and sharp chin, his ears, etc. That's not racism, at least not as I define it. It's just political caricature.

[cyndensco]

182. Actually, the "artist" should have replaced mccain in that cartoon.

The only thing that would not apply is the second image, muscle. Somehow he does not appear athletic. Obama being portrayed as hot-headed is way off the mark. Obama has proved himself to be graceful under fire.

[wordpix]

93. interesting article on Stevens/ANWR when McCain opposed it before he flipflopped

http://www.adn.com/anwr/story/196812.html

Many rail against Stevens, ANWR

GAMBLE: Opponents say they hope Alaska lawmaker's strategy of using defense bill backfires on him.

By LIZ RUSKIN
Anchorage Daily News

Published: December 17th, 2005 08:43 AM
Last Modified: December 17th, 2007 12:19 PM

WASHINGTON -- Opponents of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are rallying to keep the controversy off the defense spending bill -- and hoping the strategy of wedding ANWR and military funding backfires on Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens.

"This is one of the most unpatriotic acts ever attempted by an elected official -- tantamount to treason," said Brian Moore, legislative director for the Alaska Wilderness League. "It's Ted Stevens denying the troops food, funding, ammunition -- everything they need."

Stevens, R-Alaska, announced this week that he is trying to push ANWR through Congress by attaching it to the defense appropriations bill. He is a key negotiator on two of the last bills Congress is likely to pass this year -- defense spending and the five-year budget -- and he is doing all he can to hold them up until he gets ANWR passed on at least one of them.

His tactic of forcing lawmakers to vote for ANWR to get military spending has outraged more than environmentalists. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., called Stevens' effort "disgusting" and couldn't say how he'd vote on the combined bill.

"I think it's disgraceful that I have to be put in that position," McCain, a drilling opponent, told the Washington Post.

[samsingh]

22. your tag line is 100% right

[Arugula Latte]

33. You get a pony, too, Nickster!

:party:

[Amy6627]

102. I hate anyone who has a pony!

[Arugula Latte]

201. I had pony! When I was little girl in Poland, we all had ponies!

My sister had pony, my cousin had pony, so what's wrong with that?

[Amy6627]

241. Why would anyone leave a pony country to come to a non-pony country?

[Nickster]

173. Woo Hoo! Yay ME!

[Marie26]

39. It is my birthday

And what a nice gift! Sweet schadenfreude. Have they released the charges yet?

[barbtries]

134. happy birthday

[Nickster]

171. Happy B-Day!

[Renew Deal]

I bet the Daily Show will be petty funny tonight.

:evilgrin:

[kimmylavin]

121. I know!

Isn't he the guy in the "No! No! No!" clip that they're always showing??? :)

[hisownpetard]

176. Is it your birthday? It is *now*!

[blue52power]

218. Hmm corruption and the GOP...I'm shocked nt

nm

[TwilightGardener]

2. Bwahhhh!!!!

[DS1]

3. WORST DAY IN HIS LIFE!

:D

[Fearless]

61. Worst day of his life so far!

[PBS Poll-435]

78. !!!

LOL!

[derby378]

122. D'OH!!

:rofl:

[Fearless]

244. Yes, yes, they all say d'oh.

:rofl:

[sinkingfeeling]

4. For real?

[femmocrat]

5. Wonderful!

:woohoo:

Thank you!

[NMDemDist2]

6. woohoo!!!!

the stupid old f#@ker

:rofl:

[Happyhippychick]

7. Couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy.

[Renew Deal]

8. This is a dumptruck full of crimes in the tubes

:nuke:
:bounce:

[Joanne98]

9. YAY

[11cents]

10. Red-letter day for Josh Marshall over at TPM

He's been on the Alaska sleaze trial for a long time.

[Blue_In_AK]

11. Are you serious??

We haven't even heard that up here yet. Oh, my God, that would be Christmas in July. The only news we've had here is that he wasn't planning on attending the Republican convention.

I take that back -- it just popped up on the Anchorage Daily News website two minutes ago. WOO-HOO!!! Oh, my God, this is great.

Don Young, you better be watching your back. :rofl:

[NV Whino]

45. Congratulations, Blue!

Take that sucker down!

[Blue_In_AK]

51. Oh, this is just the best news in the world, NV.

The only thing that could make me happier is if that slimeball Don Young soon follows. And you know what? THE SUN IS SHINING. For the first time in what seems like weeks, the sun is actually shining here today. It's gotta mean something. There is a god.

[proud2BlibKansan]

85. Congrats Blue

Is he up for re-election in Nov?

[Blue_In_AK]

89. Why, yes -- yes, he is.

:rofl: His Democratic opponent, Anchorage's mayor Mark Begich, was polling slightly ahead of him before now. I'm sure he's doing a major happy dance around his living room this morning.

[fudge stripe cookays]

237. Son of Nick?

I saw a show recently about the plane crash, and was amazed to see that there had actually been a Democrat in Alaska. :P

But it happened when I was about 6, so I didn't know about it then.

[Blue_In_AK]

255. Yes, son of Nick,

and actually Alaska's founding fathers, so to speak, were mostly all Democrats, so much so that Eisenhower was somewhat disinclined toward granting us statehood because it would mean more Democrats in Congress. Ted Stevems was appointed to his Senate position by then Governor Wally Hickel when Democratic senator Ernest Gruening passed away in 1968. Don Young lost the election in 1972 to Democrat Nick Begich, even though Begich had been missing and presumed dead for three weeks by the time of the election. A special election was later held which put Young in his position. And, of course, you can't forget that Mike Gravel was senator from 1974 to 1980. Republicans didn't come to power here until Big Oil took over. Now, with the VECO scandals and the recent Supreme Court ruling in the EXXON VALDEZ case (which reduced the original $5 billion punitive damages award to $500,000), the Republican "brand" has lost much of its appeal.

[Blue_In_AK]

256. Not Ernest Gruening -- it was E.L. Bartlett.

Oops.

[fudge stripe cookays]

257. Thank goodness.

Now maybe someone can begin repairing some of the anti-environmental crap the R's have been wreaking for so long.

Congrats to ya'll up there!
:hi:

[JawJaw]

164. A Toast To Republican Greed & Stupidity!

Your delight is plain to see, Blue_in_AK.



Had some of this when I vacationed in AK last year, and very nice it was too. Have one for me the next time you see it on sale, will ya? ;)

[Blue_In_AK]

187. I'm not a beer drinker,

but my husband will have one for you. He loves Alaskan Amber.

[Shadowsmith]

183. Party time in Alaska

I was shocked when I got the e-mail from the Anchorage Daily News. I came here for more information and have been riding a wave of happy for a few minutes now.

If he is convicted, we will have to have a party!

The only thing that would make this a better day is if I get the job I've been trying to get for a month now. UAA takes its time in hiring.

[Blue_In_AK]

189. Good luck with the job, ShadowSmith

and thanks for coming out of the shadows to join the celebration. :)

[L. Coyote]

221. Party Time on Earth. One less slimeball on the street, we hope.

Let's hope he gets life in prison, so other Senators take note!!

There are a few other members of the Corrupt Bastards Club under inquiry.


PS. Welcome to DU.

[Beetwasher]

12. BOOYAH!!! Fillibuster Proof Senate, HERE WE COME!!!

We just got that much closer to the magic number! We can very likely pick up this Senate seat now!

[Pab Sungenis]

27. To get to 60

we still have to flip Mississippi, Minnesota, and Kentucky or Maine.

[Beetwasher]

31. It's Definitely Doable

And our chances just improved!

[natrat]

75. please, even when it is 60 those scumbags will vote with the junta

[LynneSin]

204. Ronnie Musgrove is ahead in Mississippi

But I still don't think we're getting filibuster proof just yet. Maybe 2010

[dysfunctional press]

53. which isn't necessarily a good thing...

when both parties are mostly corporacrats anyway.

[Name removed]

66. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[w4rma]

84. No, it is a good thing. What would Republicans filibuster that would have been bad law? Nothing.(nt)

[Virginia Dare]

13. SWEET! My faith in the justice system is restored...

now let's convict his sorry ass!

[samsingh]

23. when bush and rove are in jail - my faith in justice will nudge forward

and cheney too

[Kierkegaard]

110. Bingo. Same here.

Though it's better than nothing, an infinitely small taste of justice won't do.

[samsingh]

167. it is definitely good.

[Doug.Goodall]

224. Send another Republican packing - Onward to a filibuster proof Senate.

Give Obama the tools he needs to clean up this disaster the Republicans have fostered upon the American People.

[freeradicalm]

139. one bite at a time...

They haven't gotten to the bushbitch yet, but getting yet one more of his rubber-stamps (this is a big one)out of the way is progress, and IMHO makes this a Good News Day! Don't get me wrong, I'm still holding the vision of seeing bush, cheney, rove, rice, rumsfeld, perle, and others of the pnac in orange jumpsuits getting led into Gitmo, chained together at the ankles. Peace!

[Enthusiast]

120. I wish mine was restored so easily.

His was 'in your face' corruption and is truly the tip of a gigantic iceberg. My faith in the justice system can be restored, but I will have to see many more such actions, and against this very administration.

This action, it is a smoke screen. Smoke and mirrors.

[sinkingfeeling]

14. Just listed as 'Breaking News' on MSNBC.com.

[merwin]

17. MSNBC is waiting for the AP to release their story so they can rip it off

instead of doing the reporting themselves. That would take too much time and money.

[El Supremo]

15. Looks like he is finally on the "bridge to nowhere." n/m

[Blaq Dem]

Yep, he may need one to Alcatraz

...leave him there all by himself.

[bdamomma]

44. ....................

:thumbsup:

[Happyhippychick]

16. You think this might hurt his re-election bid?

[Changenow]

30. Maybe not. nt

[happydreams]

180. ROFL! Heck, Lucky Luciano and other mafiosi ran operations

from behind bars. :rofl:

[Stuart G]

18. Do you suppose he will resign? or pehaps say it is a lie...

and that there is no indictment?

[sabra]

19. maybe he'll pull a Larry Craig - "I resign, no I'll stay, well maybe..."

[Warpy]

21. Woo HOO

I thought the indictments would just be for his crooked kid and that we'd be treated to the elder statesman with the tragic life routine for this impressively stupid and greedy man.

[Joanne98]

24. Alaska's Sen. Ted Stevens indicted by federal grand jury

WASHINGTON — Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican in the U.S. Senate and one of the chamber's most powerful members, was indicted Tuesday in Washington, a result of a year-long investigation into corruption in Alaska politics.

The indictment comes nearly one year after federal agents raided Stevens' home in Girdwood, a resort town about 40 miles south of Anchorage.

This story is developing and will be updated shortly.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/election2008/story/45824.html

[underpants]

25. Will everyone in DC representing Alaska end up on trial?

THE TUBES!!!!

[Pab Sungenis]

28. He's being flushed down the series of tubes.

[Arugula Latte]

34. When he gets stuck in the tubes, I suggest copious amounts of Drano

[nam78_two]

29. Yayyyy!!!

:bounce: :bounce:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

32. this is the reuters link

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSWBT00948220080729

[Enrique]

35. whoa!

this seems to have come out of the blue!

[Purveyor]

36. CBS NEWS REPORTING:

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Sen Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, has been indicted on corruption charges, CBS News has learned.

The FBI, working with an Alaska oil contractor, secretly taped telephone calls with Sen. Ted Stevens as part of a public corruption sting it was reported late last year, according to people close to the investigation.

The secret recordings suggest the Justice Department was eyeing Stevens long before June 2007, when the Republican senator first publicly acknowledged he was under scrutiny. At that time, it appeared Stevens was a new focus in a case that had already ensnared several state lawmakers.

The recorded calls between Stevens and businessman Bill Allen were confirmed by two people close to the case who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is still under way. They declined to say how many calls were recorded or what was said.

Allen, a wealthy businessman and Stevens' political patron, agreed to the taping last year after authorities confronted him with evidence he had bribed Alaska lawmakers. He pleaded guilty to bribery and is a key witness against Alaska legislators. He also has told prosecutors he paid his employees to renovate the senator's house.

In July, FBI agents raided that house in the Anchorage suburb of Girdwood. Stevens has denied any wrongdoing and said he paid every bill he received for the project. Spokesman Aaron Saunders declined to comment Thursday. Stevens has said he won't discuss the investigation for fear it will look like he's trying to influence it.

http://cbs2.com/national/ted.stevens.indicted.2.782698.html

[samsingh]

168. wiretapping being used against repugs - there's irony

stevens probably voted in favor of the legislation being used to entrap him. delicious irony.

i wonder how the other repugs will react under a Democratic government when all the tools the repugs put in place are used against them?

[wordpix]

188. well there's a difference between tapping phone lines of ordinary Americans & having someone wear a

wire in a criminal investigation. Glad to get this ANWR criminal. Save the wildlife refuges! :applause:

[samsingh]

193. Agreed

[KansDem]

196. I would imagine any taping of Stevens was done with a court-issued warrant...

You know, pre-Bushista-like...aka the "old-fashioned way."

[Stuart G]

37. here is a twist for you...If Gonzo was still in, would this have happened?

Perhaps there is some good in this guy? after all.............................

Michael B. Mukasey

[Blue_In_AK]

Dupe

I'm so excited I must be shaking.

[Blue_In_AK]

43. I think it would have happened anyway

These FBI investigations have been going on up here since at least 2004. You may know that three Republican state legislators are already in prison, two more are awaiting trial, and various other Republican operatives within the state have cut plea deals. There will be more -- no doubt Ted's son Ben and Rep. Don Young for starters.

[atreides1]

95. I Doubt It

This investigation was on going before Michael "I'm not sure waterboarding is torture" Mukasey got the job.

I think that the investigation was already too far along for him to be able to stop it.

So let's give credit where it's due, to the FBI investigators and the federal prosecutors, not some Bush hack like Mukasey!!!

[L. Coyote]

222. This came down while Gonzo was AG. It took until now to indict.

Try as they might, they cannot micromanage every DoJ lawyer.

[bdamomma]

38. great news, it's nice to see justice done once in awhile

it has been so absent for such a long time.

[Dover]

109. Can/will Bush pardon them?...n/t

[bluestateguy]

40. WILL John McCain reject, denounce, repudiate, renounce, disassociate and disown him?

Anything less, is, well, you know, sort of like condoning what Stevens did. :rofl:

[ronnykmarshall]

41. So how's that re-election going Ted?

[seafan]

42. McClatchy: Alaska's Sen. Ted Stevens indicted by federal grand jury

Alaska's Sen. Ted Stevens indicted by federal grand jury





By Erika Bolstad | McClatchy Newspapers
July 29, 2008

WASHINGTON — Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican in the U.S. Senate and one of the chamber's most powerful members, was indicted Tuesday in Washington, a result of a year-long investigation into corruption in Alaska politics.

The indictment comes nearly one year after federal agents raided Stevens' home in Girdwood, a resort town about 40 miles south of Anchorage.

This story is developing and will be updated shortly.

According to radio, DOJ will be announcing this indictment very soon.

[Blue_In_AK]

46. This isn't exactly correct.

The FBI investigations have been going on here since 2004-2005, just a minor quibble.

[seafan]

72. The wheels of justice grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.

This is such a GOOD day.

[Vinca]

47. Karma. Big time.

:woohoo:

[bdamomma]

100. I guess a person can believe that justice will be done.

[Blue_In_AK]

48. And the sun has come out in Anchorage (literally)

for only the second or third time all summer. It's an omen, I tell ya.

[PatSeg]

69. Congratulations to you

What a great day for Alaska!

Are you serious about the sun? Is it cloudy all summer long?

[Blue_In_AK]

82. It isn't normally cloudy all summer,

but we've had a very cold year, and very little sunshine. We are on track to have maybe the coldest summer on record -- only seven days above 65. LaNina, they tell us. But it is true that the sun is shining brightly right now, the skies are blue, and we, at least in this house, are thrilled to death.

[PatSeg]

104. That's strange

It must have been very depressing for most people. Where I live we have constant sunshine all summer long. I can't imagine clouds for most of the summer.

That's cool that the sun came out when Stevens gets indicted!

[Blue_In_AK]

112. Oh, yeah, there's been a fair amount of whining

about the weather this summer, but we'll get over it. The LaNina is supposed to weaken after October, so maybe winter won't be so bad.

[PatSeg]

127. Well maybe it was Ted Stevens fault

and now the Sun God is pleased that justice is being served in Alaska.

Isn't Young being investigated too?

[Blue_In_AK]

128. Yes, on Young

and also Ted's son Ben, who was formerly president of the state senate.

[PatSeg]

132. Like dominoes

Must be very exciting!

[d_b]

146. lol my first thoughts exactly.

oooh, I hope it stays pretty :D

[Blue_In_AK]

185. It's looking good for today at least.

I'm almost blinded by the light. :rofl:

[d_b]

200. i'm keeping an eye

on the mountains here in muldoon; waiting for those ominous clouds. =|

[dysfunctional press]

49. can the pukes replace him on the ballot before november...?

does anyone know how it works in AK...?:shrug:

[Blue_In_AK]

57. He has opposition in the primary already.

Banker Dave Cuddy is on the ballot, as well as a newcomer named Vickers, who just moved here in January and probably doesn't stand a chance -- but he's rich and has put a lot of his own money into the campaign apparently. http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/478115.html

But Democrat Mark Begich was polling even or slightly ahead of Stevens anyway, so I think the pubs are done. The deadline for filing for public office was in June.

[dysfunctional press]

70. that's wierd that they don't have the primary when they pick the presidential candidates...

are they a caucus state...? (i suppose that i could look it up in fewer keystrokes than it's taking to type this- but, oh well...i'm an american dammit- and an especially lazy one at that.)

[Blue_In_AK]

86. That's okay.

Yes, we are a caucus state, and ours was held on the first Super Tuesday, February 5. The Democrats caucused and the Republicans had what they called a "presidential preference poll" (in which John McCain came in dead last, by the way). Our legislative and state offices primary is held in August, and will also include some initiatives this year.

[Lasher]

147. Wel congratulations, it looks like you'll be getting a brand new Democratic Senator.

We're now looking at a pickup of six in the US Senate according to current polls.

http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2008/Senate/Maps/Jul29-s.html

[LongTomH]

50. Another Repub for Bush to pardon before he leaves office!

Sorry to be so cynical. But, does anyone doubt Duhhhhbya will issue pardons for most, if not all, of the Repubs indicted for corrumption?

:rant:

[wordpix]

190. good point an dthat is why it's never to late to IMPEACH *

[kestrel91316]

52. I predict a Bush pardon. This is going nowhere.

[redqueen]

56. Don't lots of trials take longer than 6 months?

We can hope. :)

[kestrel91316]

88. He'll be pardoned well in advance of any trial. Just watch.

[snooper2]

54. Who's your daddy!

the law bitch!


:rofl:

[BadgerKid]

55. Arrrrrrgh... make 'im walk the bridge.

This news brightens the day!

[underpants]

58. IT's a SERIES OF TUBES!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f99PcP0aFNE

[mod mom]

59. "Ted Stevens Indictment Virtually Guarantees Dem Senate Pickup In Deep-Red Alaska"

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/07/ted_stevens_indictment_virtual.php

Great news!

[Blue_In_AK]

63. This is true.

Mark was polling ahead of Ted anyway, and the other Republicans running for Ted's seat are virtual unknowns. This should get interesting.

[snooper2]

60. nothing on CNN yet

nt
MSNBC and Fuax have it

[BunkerHill24]

62. OH My Gawd, There is a Gawd after all.......

K&R

[lisa58]

64. Yeeeeee Haaaaaaaa!!!!!!!

[mikelgb]

65. just in time for his primary

nice timing, they obviously want to get a new guy in the seat by appointment to shore him up for Nov

[Initech]

67. It wasnt me! It was the series of tubes!!!!

[longship]

68. Buh-Bye Ted!!!

Recommended and :kick:ed.

[wordpix]

71. HOORAY! Good riddance to this repuke slimeball. Next up on the oil corruption probe...

who will it be? I'm guessing Rover...

Stevens was behind ANWR drilling in a big way. http://www.adn.com/anwr/story/196812.html

[aquart]

73. Oh. My. Word.

What a grin I have on my face. Beatific, in fact.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

74. He finally reached the end of that ol' Bridge to Nowhere.

:headbang:

[mod mom]

76. TPMtv: Alaska Mucktacular!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXwSJ4zPnsQ

[wordpix]

184. thank you!

[SlingBlade]

77. Great News

[Fearless]

79. K&R!

[Fearless]

80. K&R!

[emad]

81. Corrupt Bastards Club in total freefall!

How long now before Stevens fingers his Energy Committee boss Dickless Cheney!

A very good result, today.

Hope for more to come.

[Blue_In_AK]

92. There will be more.

Look for Don Young and Ted's son Ben to follow.

[mod mom]

98. It'll be worse than any toxic waste dump if this goes national!

[emad]

99. Been following this putrid saga for a while.

Ben Stevens up to his neck in it IMHO, ditto Young.

[lebkuchen]

113. If all this is happening under a Bush DoJ

doesn't that mean Stevens' indictment is just "preventive GOP health care?" Are there bigger fish to fry?

[Blue_In_AK]

119. If there aren't, there should be. n/t

[Loki]

83. Hot Damn!

:bounce:

[Kindigger]

87. Do ya think they'll let him

take all his "Hulk" stuff with him to prison? The little chit might need it there.

[rox63]

105. Will he wear his Hulk tie to his resignation press conference? n/t

[Divine Discontent]

90. Thank you, God!

Oh Senator Tubes, you are such an inspiration to those of us who seek a 60 seat majority! On to Minn. & Maine, then we'll swing back around this country!

[karynnj]

91. Wow this is amazing

He has had so much power for so long.

If convicted, I think Kerry's Cunningham amendment to the ethics bill applies so in addition to any criminal penalties, he would lose his Senate pension.

[MellowDem]

94. Good news for taking control of the Senate! nt

[Vidar]

96. K&R.

[Wapsie B]

97. Gee, maybe dear old dad

won't keep worshipping dear old Ted. Nah, he's just a victim of those activist libruls. :sarcasm:

[Yavin4]

101. Isn't He The "Internet Is A Bunch Of Tubes!" Guy

It's a bunch of tubes.

[L. Coyote]

225. Let's Have a "SERIES OF TUBES" Party .... = Ted Stevens VIDEOS

Deja DU: Let's Have a "SERIES OF TUBES" Party on DU. Bring HUMOR = Ted Stevens VIDEOS
Sep-20-07 - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1863092

[TexasLady]

103. gosh, ya leave for just a little bit, and POW

This oughta be good..:popcorn:

[DemoTex]

107. How SWEET it is!

[krispos42]

108. Awww... poor Sen. Stevens

I come this close to caring about him.





Well, maybe this much:





Okay, okay, this much:

[Catshrink]

111. Uncle Teddy's goin' down!

I was visiting Alaska when they raided his house and thought that might be the beginning of the end for the old fart. Hooray!!! :woohoo:

[lebkuchen]

115. ...for making false statements

Is that the same as lying?

[Catshrink]

117. not for repugs

it's bizness as usual.

[L. Coyote]

226. More like perjury!!

[shawmut]

166. down the tubes

[Gman]

114. Stevens is already under the bus

Rush isn't even talking about this.

[Dover]

116. The list is growing for Bush pardons. Perhaps Bush himself will get dragged into

one of these snares. We can hope.

I sure wish the FBI would clean out Texas's corrupt politicians. The snake den of oil titans,
developers & their lobbiests, a legislature on the take, revolving door government (going on 6 different Sec.'s of State under Perry reign), cronyism, and any other kind of vermin you could possibly conceive of.
And just the fact that folks like Phil Gramm reside there should be enough to get several investigations going....

[rateyes]

118. Hey, let's get these prosecutors looking into Cheney and Bush...

since Congress won't do it.

Ted, you are reaping what you sowed. Happy Hoosegow!

[totodeinhere]

126. I guess they could look into it, but remember that Bush and Cheney are their bosses.

And as we know, they have politicized the Justice department. So I'm not holding my breath on that one. Besides, they don't have the constitutional power to indict either a sitting president or VP. Only Congress can do that.

[totodeinhere]

123. I am surprised that Bush's Justice Department would actually indict him.

Normally, they would cover something like this up. Call me cynical, but I wonder if they have something up their sleeve. Perhaps they want to knock him off in the primary so that they will have at least an outside chance to keep the seat in November.

[Auggie]

124. One down, thousands more...

[galledgoblin]

125. damn those tubes!

mwahahahaha

[wicket]

129. Hahahahaha!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[HEyHEY]

130. HAAHA, Bastard hope the hibachi was worth not making oil execs swear!

Now the investigation has to be followed up to bust the fuckers that bribed him.

[cureautismnow]

131. Law Maker/Breaker MEET Law Enforcers!

:rofl:

[Grinchie]

133. Step 1 Ted Stevens, Step 2 Daniel Inouye, Step 3 Fumigate

Time to get rid of the second fattest Porker in the Senate, Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), good friend and apprentice to Ted Stevens.

Inouye is especially good at slipping Military Infrastructure into the Hawaiian Islands that is ultimately transformed into more power for the Military presence their.

The locals swoon for a year or two over the windfall, until they realize that they have been screwed over.

[defendandprotect]

135. Is Stevens resigning . . . or are they going for IMMUNITY . . . ???

[kirby]

143. Will probably hold out for a PARDON n/t

[HEyHEY]

136. great daily show bit on Stevens

http://www.crooksandliars.com/Media/Play/16351/1/TDS-Stevens-EMails.wmv/

[silverweb]

137. Woo-Hoo!

First thing I saw when I logged on today!

:woohoo:

[JerseygirlCT]

138. Oh happy day!

And long overdue, too!

[bkcc]

140. I hear the evidence was delivered via a series of tubes.

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
"Bridge to Nowhere" indeed.

[BunkerHill24]

141. Another one bites the dust !

Queen

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=hMenB9Ywh2Q

:bounce: :bounce:

[d_b]

144. Say hello to your new Alaskan Senator

[Blue_In_AK]

192. And another one.

I'll bet he's smiling even bigger today. :woohoo:

[d_b]

194. for sure

I can't wait :D

[Blue_In_AK]

195. Hey, is that you shaking Mayor Mark's hand

in that other picture?

[d_b]

197. naw

found it on google image search. Though I did meet him at Begich middle school on caucus day.

[emad]

145. Senator Ted Stevens named Godfather of Corrupt Bastards Club

Washington DC - (Ass Mess): Mystery stil surrounds the enigma of how Alaska's Senator Ted Stevens became the Corrupt Bastards Club official Godfather despite a rash of news coverage in the US this week focusing on "an embittered psychopath with a host of grudges".

http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s1i20752

[HEyHEY]

148. BTW, a shiny nickel if you can find a link between Stevens and...

British Columbia's Minsiter of Energy and Mines, Richard Neufeld.

[emad]

149. or Colombia's Ministry for crack cocaine runners...

...n/t

[graywarrior]

151. Just your average day in the life of a republican.

:rofl:

[cyclezealot]

152. Is it a good thing.

now, he might not be the GOP nominee in November. The governor is a republican with her own political corruption problems. If the nominee is Stevens, the Dem will likely win.

[Scout]

153. what are the charges??? n/t

[grantcart]

154. receiving $ 250,000 of home improvements from contractors

who were tied to lobbying

also perjury for not disclosing on financial forms.

[Scout]

157. thank you! n/t

[Blue_In_AK]

155. Link to Anchorage Daily News story

with comments below. Pretty revealing of how people are feeling about this.

http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/478349.html

[pink-o]

239. Happy 4 ya Blue in AK!!!!

Happy for me too! I work for a major airline here in San Francisco--an airline somewhat affiliated with your state. (So affiliated, in fact, the airline and your state share a name :hi: ) And when we started flying to National Airport in DC a few years ago, dear Teddy became one of our most steady passengers. From what my co-workers told me, the Sen was just as big a curmugeon bastard as you think. He's entitled and demanding, old and crotchety, and just generally mean.

Good to see a bloated, nasty piece of work who's been abusive to people I know finally gets his!!!

[Webster Green]

156. Nothing will come of this. Repukes always skate.

How are Tom Delay's trials proceeding anyway? Haven't heard anything about that one for years.

[LeftishBrit]

175. Don't know, but evidently he didn't have to surrender his passport

because he came here to Oxford a year ago, to speak at the Oxford Union, and generally speaking contaminate my city. Uggggggggghhhhhhh!!!!

[Hepburn]

158. Proud to be the 78th rec on this story!

Could not have happened to a bigger bastard! Hope he spends some time in the gray bar hotel!

[Sydnie]

159. This story is going to cause such a backwash in the tubes

being forwarded again and again and again! :)

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:


Who's the HULK now Ted? :rofl:

[BrklynLiberal]

160. Hooray and Halleluah! You had it comin' to ya!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

I hope they humiliate him to no end, and then throw him in jail...

[pacalo]

161. The bridge to nowhere went nowhere, & how he cried & threatened on the senate floor about it.

How I love justice.

Before that, Ted Stevens was most notable in my mind as the old senator who was in camera shot frequently during the Clinton impeachment -- he was picking his nose at one point, oblivious to his surroundings. Other times, he looked as though he were asleep.

[elehhhhna]

214. he was dreaming about his friends and their generous gifts

[liberal N proud]

162. Send him down those tubes

[AngryAmish]

163. edit

nobody got the joke.
'

[Hepburn]

170. You forgot the "sarcasm" thingy, right?

Or...at least I hope so. :shrug:

[AngryAmish]

191. I hate those thingys

Maybe I'll just make obvious jokes now.

[Hepburn]

165. Sen. Stevens indicted: 7 false statements counts

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican senator and a figure in Alaska politics since before statehood, was indicted Tuesday on seven counts of failing to disclose thousands of dollars in services he received from a company that helped renovate his home.

Stevens, the first sitting U.S. senator to face federal indictment since 1993, has been dogged by a federal investigation into his home renovation project and his dealings with wealthy oil contractors. The investigation has upended Alaska state politics and cast scrutiny on Stevens — who is running for re-election this year — and on his congressional colleague, Rep. Don Young of Alaska, who is also under investigation.

Prosecutors said Stevens received more than $250,000 in gifts and services from VECO Corp., a powerful oil services contractor, and its executives. From May 1999 to August 2007, prosecutors said, the 84-year-old senator concealed "his continuing receipt of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of things of value from a private corporation."

The indictment unsealed Tuesday says the items included: home improvements to his vacation home in Alaska, including a new first floor, garage, wraparound deck, plumbing, electrical wiring; as well as a Viking gas grill, furniture and tools. He also was accused of failing to report swapping an old Ford for a new Land Rover to be driven by one of his children.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5imj_wFFOOGWsLjY9pvVWN-FcG-ZgD927LRV00

:applause: Good story with a lot of details!

[wordpix]

203. geez, sounds like CT's former repuke Gov. Rowland. He spent a year in jail for much the same

They just don't get it that "working for the public" does not mean they get all the freebies they want. :grr:

[libnnc]

169. Peanut Buttah Jelly Time!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[nolabels]

172. Does criminality set in with senility?

Or could this little present be something that had been ongoing for many years that they chose to unveil now for time convenience or other nefarious reasons?

[lonestarnot]

177. Woot!

:applause: Sick bastard! I hope they put him on a bridge to nowhere!

[happydreams]

178. This is faaaaantastic! K&R!

Stevens is one of the nastiest of the nasties. I would love to see him in a striped suit.

[Renew Deal]

179. Error: You've already recommended that thread.

:rofl:

[Muttocracy]

181. pile on the links... WSJ

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121734991480493801.html?mod=hpp_us_whats_news

[wordpix]

205. "So what did Stevens do in return? According to the indictment,

snip: he “received and accepted solicitations for multiple official actions” which included funding requests for international VECO projects and partnerships with Russia and Pakistan, requests for federal grants and contracts to benefit VECO’s business interests, and assistance in VECO’s efforts to build a natural gas pipeline from Alaska’s North Slope region."

Stevens has long denied any wrongdoing. snip :puke: what an asshat

[wordpix]

207. bwahahaha, Arlen Specter calls Stevens "impeccably honest," lol

snip: Likewise, Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Arlen Specter told AP that he has always known Stevens to be “impeccably honest” in the 28 years they worked together in the Senate. snip :rofl: :rofl:

[Blue_In_AK]

208. I believe that VECO's Bill Allen

was recorded making statements that he "owned" several Alaskan legislators, and if I remember correctly, Ted Stevens and Don Young, as well. Perhaps a bit of braggadocio on old Bill's part, but not too far from the truth apparently.

[RobertSeattle]

186. Prison is just a set of tubes...

Of course, him going to the Big House is pretty slim...

[Lautremont]

198. Solid, vertical tubes that are spaced closely together.

[truebrit71]

199. Thanks for cleaning that up for me....

I simply got the info out as quck as it came out....didn't have time to make it look all pretty..!!

[d_b]

202. RAWR

[pleah]

206. K&R It is on MSNBC right now.

[jzodda]

209. Good news for the Dems, bad news for our gov

Since its obvious so many of these guys are crooks and these are our leaders? At least most of them are on the other side. This is great though for Dems in general, especially if this drags on and gets lots of attention. Maybe will give Obama a few more polling points this summer as well.

[HughMoran]

210. Was he also indicted for "being an ass hole"?

If not, why? :D

[Seldona]

211. 40 years in the Senate?

Makes one wonder just how much hanky panky Senator Tubes has been up to and gotten away with. I sure hope there are some enterprising journalists out there warming up the word processors and Freedom of Information Act requests.

We need a special prosecutor for this type of scum. Not that it is likely any time soon, if ever.

[Crabby Appleton]

212. Totally tubular, dude!

[Broadslidin]

213. But, But, Senator Stevens is a "Moral Values" conservative christain....!

If you are convinced the Earth is flat,
that's okay,
as long as it gives you comfort.

[jmondine]

215. Looks like he's going to get Begitch-slapped

[WyldRogue]

216. And FauxNewz....

....known for their journalistic integrity has committed yet another typo concerning Party affiliation for Mr. Stevens:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3698213

Will the insanity ever stop over there at FauxNewz?

[AlinPA]

217. I heard Harry Reid say that "it was a sad day for the Senate and for us". BS.

It was a great day for the senate.

[L. Coyote]

228. Sen Reid also remarked that we must remember he is innocent

until proven guilty.

[DCKit]

219. Oh Noes!!! Ted Stevens (R-dirtbag) a filthy Repubnician?

Who'd a thunk it?

Has Joe Lieberman (R-backstabber) risen to his defense yet?

Well, he's really old, I'm sure they'll go easy on him.

[Lorien]

220. Ah yes, another member of the family values party

didn't know that bribery was a "family value", but I guess it's a common one in GOP world.

[Doug.Goodall]

223. Hiding Gifts? The dude was being BRIBED!

This stinks, he has already ducked the bribery charges, next he will get a slap on the wrist and sent back to the Senate

[LiberalFighter]

227. Stevens is INNOCENT

Just like the baby soft skin on his ass.

[L. Coyote]

230. Deja DUs: Alaska, Ted Stevens, and the Corrupt Bastards Club

Thanks to everyone on DU who has contributed to keeping this issue on the front burner!!
Let's have a party (again).

Let's Have a "SERIES OF TUBES" Party on DU. Bring HUMOR = Ted Stevens VIDEOS
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1863092

Will Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) Resign This Week? He finally has his road to nowhere.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1816831

Who's Who in the "Corrupt Bastards Club" ?? Nothing Fishy Here. MOVE ON
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2101151

FBI recorded Rep. Don Young phone calls = Golf Tournaments Eyed in Corruption Case
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2284758

Corrupt Bastards Club: FBI Investigating Stevens' Fishing Bills = Earmarks
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2227525

Big Oil's Influence in Washington . NOW | PBS = $82 million to candidates
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2328843

[Deb]

231. Some things are just more fun to hear about 1st on DU

So glad I checked here before turning on the tube today. No pResidential pardon for you, Ted. :applause:

[Myrina]

232. Drill in AWNR? Why sure, it's best for the American people...

Cough. Gag. BULLSHIT. Gasp. Snort.


Greedy, evil fucker.

[quakerboy]

233. How does this affect the senate race?

Does it just lock Begich in, or does this provide a chance to set Stephens aside and appoint a stronger pub to become a new untainted incumbent?

[DainBramaged]

234. Na Na Na, Hey Hey, Goodbye

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwnqqj5Q1BU

All his years as a scumbag, just deserts.

Na Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye

[L. Coyote]

235. VIDEO: What Got Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) BUSTED!! $ Gifts $

What Got Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) BUSTED!! $ Gifts $
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x163116

[L. Coyote]

236. VIDEO: DOJ Press Conference about Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) Criminal Indictments

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x163117

[madeline_con]

238. My first thought was, this is a diversion.

Keep a close eye on the Repugs, mon amis! They are saying, "Look! It's Haley's comet!" while they execute their latest nefarious scheme.

[AnnieBW]

240. He's going down the Series of Tubes!

:rofl:

[Olney Blue]

242. Do they have geriatric prisons?

[Fearless]

245. Well we have prisons for those injured in combat... oh wait... hospitals... my bad.

[cboy4]

243. Keep on truckin ... all the way to prison!!

[Psephos]

246. I say waterboard him 'til he comes clean. And then keep waterboarding him. n/t

[Broken_Hero]

247. About damn time,

bye bye, Teddy. :D

[Alexander]

248. Could Begich help pull Obama over the finish line in Alaska?

Any Alaskan DUers aware of the political situation there?

[agentS]

249. This is why I voted for him-

in that DU poll 2 weeks ago for "Senator you most want voted out of office in 2008".
Another one bites the dust!

[Zambero]

250. Ted Stevens Airport in Anchorage will have to be renamed

Jailbird International?

[pompano]

251. Wait just a darn minute.....

We are talking about a Senator that is from the Party Of Family Values/Moral Integrity?

Has to be some mistake? :shrug:

:sarcasm:

[LeftishBrit]

253. 'Family values' mean your kids take bribes along with you?

[Zorra]

252. Kick

[yellowcanine]

254. Woo hoo! Another couple of days where the news cycle is dominated by Repuke scandal.

Must drive the McCain campaign nuts. He can't condemn Stevens, he can't support him and meanwhile it sucks tha air out of McCain's efforts to make news.