Jack,
Plain and simple. Yes! Such a disgrace and dishonesty of the thought of him remaining in the Senate is appauling! He shoudl do the honorable thing and resign while he has some dignity left.

Daniel,
Atlanta, GA

Yes, but then he is not the only republican criminal - just one who got caught. It’s a shame it wasn’t Bush.

No, if they expel him Sarah will jump into the seat. There are too many cameras in DC.

The Senate is a good old boys network and they will
welcome him back like the Democrates welcomed back
Joe Lieberman. AHHH government at its best!

Yes - he should rsign now and avoid further embarassment.

Fortunately, it looks as though he will lose.

YES!!!

Yes they should expel him. Congress also might consider passing legislation that makes conviction of a felony an automatic expulsion. If you can’t vote - you certainly should not be able to hold an elected office!

Jack–
You betcha they should expel him. He’s a convicted criminal.

Troy, Ohio

Is there really a chance he’s going to win? The latest figures show Begich ahead by over 1,000 votes. Expel him? No, they should impose a mandatory retirement age for all Senators. There are very few jobs where people can continue to work until they are 80 or older. The Congress needs a 30 year and out policy or mandatory retirement at 70.

“uncle ted” stevens needs to go away, stay away, and never come back. he personifies the g.o.p. whose arrogance & incompetence is only exceeded by the 2000-08 administration of bush-cheney etal.

tom, forest hills, pa

Absolutely, but it’s a shame it wasn’t Bush and Cheney that were prosecuted. Most of the criminals aren’t ever prosecuted for their crimes and now we have to pay their retirement as well with what little money we have now that they bankrupted us.

Absolutely Jack. 1 felony conviction should be enough, let alone 7. He should also loose all his perks and retirement benefits, just as any normal citizen would have to do!

yes if he wins the election for u.s. senator in alaska he should be expelled from the senate because he has been convicted of a felony and if you or i did what he did we would be going to prision which will not happen to him.

Yes, they should expel Stevens if somehow he snatches victory from the jaws of defeat. Otherwise, the Senate would have to throw their ethics rules out the window.

Felons loose the right to vote, they should also not be able to hold public office. This is a travesty that needs to be corrected.

The Senate should force him to go hunting with Dick Cheney.

Hi Jack
Expel him without any pension or other perks.
Be intresting to see if they have the backbone.

That’s a given. Would you want to work with someone that could ruin your reputation by his illegal acts? They should take away his pension as well as his seat in the Senate.

The Senate should expel Stevens so he can’t get more retirement fees if he choose to retire and he is a bad guy who in October committed a felony against Alaska.

Jack,

Given the corrupt nature of the Senate and House of Representatives it would be best if Congress designates itself a federal prison, then Stevens would be right at home.

Robert
Forest, VA

That’s a no brainer.

YOu betcha!!

No. Expelling him could open the door for Sarah Palin, God help us. In spite of Ted Stevens shortcomings, at least he knows what is going on and that is very important right now due to the troubles our nation is in. I don’t think anyone that has been convicted of felonies while in office should be able to stay in office but in this case the smart thing to do is to just bite the bullet and let him stay.

First of all I would be very disappointed if he were to be elected. I can’t believe even one person,with the possible exception of Palin, voted for a convicted felon to make our laws for crying out loud. Do they even know what a Senator’s job is? I know Palin probably doesn’t but give me a break. the rest of us should.
If they don’t expel him then I think they should all lose their jobs at re-election time. don’t you?

throw the bum out

The man is a convicted felon. Since convicted felons cannot vote in most states, it would only be appropriate for him not to be able to vote in the Senate.

If the Republican controled House and Senate brought impeachment of Bill Clinton to trial for purgury, my guess is they should kick this guy out as being a convicted felon. How did Senator Stevens vote on Clinton’s impeachment anyway? Perhaps in a few more days the final vote tally from Alaska will reveal the winner of the Senate race and if it isn’t Stevens there will not be a need to do anything but wait for January. If Steven’s wins then give the bumb the boot.

We have to start showing some respect for America. That means prosecutions of everyone who has violated our Constitution and laws in the past 8 years. America deserved so much better.

Yes I DO !!!!!

Absolutely Jack. I’m totally appalled at the fact that the Alaskan people voted so overwhelmingly for him. Seems as if they have the same mentality as their Govenor Sarah Palin. God help them all!!

Is the Pope Catholic?

No, if the people elect him, let him stay. What’s one more crooked politician in the Senate anyhow?

At least that way, we will not have to deal with a Palin run for Senate, bless her heart.

Bella
Michigan

They should but they probably won’t. The same bunch of wimps allowed Lieberman to keep his chairmanship. They all deserve each other, but the American people deserve better.

He is a Felon Americans have no conferdenence now this Subpar
Congress can-not condone Felons

Leave him alone what Senator Stevens did was miniscule when you compare it with what all the criminals in the administration have done over the past 8 years. Crime pays and politics proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt.

YES,YES,YES. Alaskans would be happy to see him stay, because of all the “pork” he has obtained because of his seniority. But he is too corupt. I hope he doesn’t get elected because Palin might replace him. That would really be insane.

Yes, expell him and take away his rights of any retirement benefits paid by the U.S. taxpayers.

Jack, If all of the criminals were expelled from congress, who would be left to run the country?

They should not have to kick him out. He should not step down but bow out.
These guys make it seem as if there are two different sets of laws and rules. One for the citizens and one for the rulers.
They seem to just get a slap on the wrist and we get the jail cell.

They should hit the ‘eject’ button as soon as he wins.

Only in america can you run for office after a conviction and possibly win, even if you are a mean individual who constantly makes political threats to get your way in the senate. wah wah Not only should the senate expell him America should expell him. He is a prime example of old thinking that is all wronge for this or any other country.

Duh! Sure, why not let a convicted felon serve in the legislative body. Perhaps this seven time looser can make a law that says he can not be convicted of any crimes and make it retro active. Talk about inmates running the prison or mental institution or congress??? Give me a break.

I think the real question you should be asking is: “What does it say that a convicted criminal might actually be elected to the Senate in Alaska?” I mean seriously? Think about one of your senators who you might like or have mixed feeling about and then apply all that happened in the Stevens trial and then the final verdict. Are you going to vote for that person? I guess maybe in Alaska you will.

I’m not sure. If the Senate expels Stevens it would set a dangerous precedent of “doing the right thing”. It might even become a habit for them.

Sure - he should be expelled… I’m sure Gov. Palin can find a replacement and get back to ya!

They shound, and will, expel him if he gets elected. The sad thing is they might have to actually do it because it seems politicians don’t retire in shame anymore - they just brazenly repeat a denial of the facts until people get bored and move onto the next story.

Yes, he should be expelled and then the senate needs to expel all the other greed head criminals in government starting with bush and cheney and then work on down the ladder to the house and senate.

Hi Jack:

With out question!!

Ron San Diego

If a convicted felon can’t even vote, they should not be allowed to serve in the Senate. Expel him.

Yes, IF he wins, he should be expelled. It looks like he will lose. And since they are finished with his trials, they should perhaps look into the house of the Governor of Alaska, whose husband built his house with the help of a few “buddies”. and they got it all really cheap.

YES, expel him. The Republicans are such hypocrites! They call President-elect Obama all sorts of evil names but when they have a criminal among them, they are quiet!

Actually, the fact that Stevens was reelected says more about Alaska! How can anyone in their right mind reelect a man who is a felon?! Scary.

I didn’t think you could serve in the Senate if you were in Jail… am I wrong?

Jack,

Here’s an idea: Stevens will donate all the money he received for his porch and have it used for a new patio deck for the White House.

They should expel him NOW as a current Senator. If he gets re-elected, Alaska should hold a special election to replace him. He has been found guilty of seven felony counts, and the appeal process could drag on for years, and he could still be found guilty. During that time, he will have neither the time to perform his duties nor the influence to be useful, nor should he be allowed the access to critical government data.

Such a great opportunity to clown around - however, keeping a felon convicted of abusing the power of his elected office would set a terrible precedent.

Who cares? It looks like he’s going to lose anyways.

He should resign and get no retirement money from us the taxpayers, do you know anyone that can keep getting retirement after ripping the company they work for off? AIG and all the banks that got some of our tax money I do not understand it, most people don’t.

Is there a chance they won’t? Ted needs to go!

If Stevens wins they should expel the State of Alaska.

Of course, but they also need to change the law. Sen. Stevens’ crime was not his acceptance of gifts, but his failure to report them. In other words, under the current law, bribery is legal if you report it. No wonder people don’t trust Congess.

Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX

Jack

I think Ted Stevens will be a good fit with his peers in congress!!

From Norwood, NY

Jack,

Here’s an idea: Stevens will donate all the money he received for his porch to have a beautiful new patio deck built at the White House.

Any elected official that takes a bribe or gifts should be expelled from the Country! They should lose their Citizenship. Why isn’t the bum in jail?

If Stevens wins we should expel Alaska. Anyone who votes for a felon deserves anything bad that happens to them.

Of course they should expell him from congress! You better believe that if it was me that had been convicted of seven felonies I would already be in prison and nobody would even be asking the question of what would my employer do let alone if I should be allowed to make public policy. Nobody is above the law, at least thats what I have been told. If I would already be in prison, then anyone else convicted of seven felonies should already be there as well…..even if that person is a congressman.

If this was Japan, he would have already fallen on his sword. He should definitely be expelled. Make an example. It’s time for public servants to stop serving themselves.

No, I think senate Republicans should stick with tradition. After all, Senator David Vitter got a standing ovation from them when he returned to the senate after his prostitution scandal. They should honor Stevens with their same ethical standards.

Yes…he should be expelled if he gets elected but at the same time the Senate better be sure. They may even want to start an investigation of his activities themselves. If Sen. Stevens should win his appeal…it makes congress look more reactive than proactive. They should already be investigating the charges against this fellow member. If I were in public office and the charges against me were thrown out on appeal then I would demand answers as to why the people of my state who took the time to go to the polls were not respected since I was vindicated by the courts.

I can’t make my mind up Jack…shall we install a trap door or an ejection seat?

Absolutely! This is an adult and a convicted felon not a naughty child getting another chance!

Imagine getting a job at McDonalds, and then be arrested, tried and convicted of a felony.

Do you think they would expel you?

There should’nt even be an “if” with regard to re-electing a conficted felon!

In theory, he should resign. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a theoretical society. It won’t matter anyway. If he wins the election, Bush will pardon him on Jan 19th.

Erik
McDonough, GA

See ya Ted. Do not pass go. Do not collect any pay, allowances or retirement. OK, Jack. That’s one down and 534 more to go.

I think the senate should pass a provisional resolution stating that they will immediately expell him should he win. Each senator’s vote should be recorded so voters can make an informed choice the next chance they get to vote for or against their senator.

Jack
We are way too easy with these people. A convicted felon, are you kidding ? This guy should be kicked out of congress, he should lose his pension and medical benefits, I dont care how much seniority he has. He committed a crime while serving the American people.

Absolutely, there should be no place in our government for someone who disgraces their office as he has. On top of that, the senate is supposed to be the higher more prestigious house of the legislature. He is an embarrassment to this Alaska and the US.

Absolutely. How is a convicted felon even allowed to run in the first place? That sounds more third world to me, honestly.

How can elected official be convicted of felonies and still hold office. They should give the both. If it was me or you we be strip of all rights. It’s ashame these things go on in the Republican Party. It’s just ashame.

Expel him and take away any pension he may have. If there is a 401K, give him his money back without matching funds or interest. They pay into social security, so let him live on that. It will still be more then I get and a lot more then he deserves.

I will be very disappointed with the citizens of Alaska if they vote
this man back in. But, he has brought them alot of pork.
That anyone can remain in a high level politicial position after
being convicted of felons is beyond me. Could you or I even
remain out of prison? Of course not. And, to allow these
criminals to then receive their overblown pensions, our
taxpayer dollars, is our political system thumbing their
noses at us.

Yes, so then palin can get in and prep herself for her run in 2012 and then Barack will win his second term in a landslide.

Of course they should Jack, as a convicted felon they would have to determine if he even has voting privilages. He should instead resign and join his “peers” like Tom Delay and Trent Lott and Carl Rove as commentators to spew republican dogma and propaganda.

Yes!!!

They shoudl not, ESPECIALLY if it means that Sarah Palin could possibly replace him.

If Stevens wins in Alaska, there is something mentally wrong with the voters in that state. A convicted felon should not be able to serve in Congress at all and there should be no need for a Senate vote.

Let’s just hope that Begich wins the election so we won’t have to worry anymore about an 84-yr old felon who has totally lost it or a moose killer who thinks God is going to “open the door” for her.

Yes. And when the governor, who will consider a seat in the senate a gift from god, indulges in the same kind of shenanigans as senator, they should impeach her too.

Absolutely! There is no question that someone convicted of multiple felonies should not be in a position to continue to commit the same crime again. Obviously a person with sense of integrity should serve the people of his state.

Jack, Yes if Stevens wins the election he should be expelled from the Senate. If Stevens is expelled it would probably mean that we would again have to suffer with Sarah Palin.

With Palin in mind, I am praying for the Mayor of Anchorage to prevail over Stevens.

Yes He should be Expelled! That is the problem with the government now, they just keep on over looking the ethical and moral values of our leader. They should be held accountable, punished for their sins. The best punishment is NO jail time, No pension or health care benefits.

Yes, of course he should be expelled. It is audacious of him not to step down and disappear gracefully. In the democracy I live in, you can’t be a PTA mom if you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor. It’s outrageous that a person convicted of seven felonies could be a highly paid public servant in the largest democratic country in the world.

Yes and no retirement or perks given to most senators. He is a citizen like the rest of us and we would not get those benefits. He is a disgrace.

Yes - enough said.

Chatham, VA

Jack: Most definitively–but the Bush Administration is going to give him a triple departing gift; one for his birthday, which is today; one for Christmas; and his departing gift—-A PARDON.

Stevens has help make Alaska one of the most selfish states in America. They have oil money but no real after school programs for kids,roads are some of the worse in the world,and still they will support a crook because of the money he brings to Alaska. He should have been kicked out of the senate years ago.

L.M.,Arizona

Yes, Jack.

Jack, Senator Stevens should remain in the hallowed halls of Congress. They should affix a nice ‘dunce’ hat on his head and make him wear an orange t-shirt that says ‘felon’ on the back and ‘bad example’ on the front. Then, everyone from the security guard to the tourist groups to the members of Congress can be reminded how terrible and how low our legislative branch has become. Then and only then will be motivated to do something about the malfeasance infesting Washington D.C.

No. A decision to expel him from the Senate should not be made until after his court appeal. He should be censured and barred from the Senate until after his appeal. If he loses his appeal, case closed.

Si, oui, jawol, oo, yes, ja, tak, ya in any language you may care to consider. He not only committed felonious crimes, these crimes were precisely against the office he holds, and the oaths he swore to uphold.

It’s not like he lied about some non-criminal behavior that’s none of our business, or had nothing to do with his oath of office.

Absolutely, this man should have been expelled from the Senate and stripped of all benefits afforded to him once he was convicted. Why he was allowed to remain on the ballot in the first place is beyond rational thinking. Although, after being introduced to Sara Palin rational thinking seems to be at a premium in Alaska so go figure…

Yvonne, Michigan

Not if he has filed an appeal.

They should have expelled him the day he was found guilty and he should have been required to drop out of the race. It’s way uncool that anyone is even considering letting him stay. If it were a lower-level public servant, they would be placed on un-paid administrative leave during the trial and fired immediately upon conviction. Why should it be any different for him? Lame.

Yes.However, I really hate to see Palin get his job.Maybe she will be happy with her big(fiction,I am sure) book deal and get out of politics-HA HA HA.

Jack,
The answer is yes. He broke the law and was tried and convicted. There is no precident for a convicted felon to remain in office. It’s not just a matter of public trust, it is the honor and integrity of the United States Senate.

Jack, If Stevens is re-elected by the people of Alaska what does that say of their respect for the laws and the court system? Guess if they support Plain then anything goes in their state.

I can’t believe there is even a question surrounding this. Of course you expel him, he abused his authority in an attempt to gain personally.

I’m sorry I forgot we were talking about a government official from Alaska, apparently that’s standard practice there.

While the law allows a convicted felon to serve in the Senate, it would not be in their best interests to allow Stevens to stay.
It’s time for Uncle Ted to retire and go back to Alaska and do some fishing or hunting. He should also have time to do some home remodeling.

NO, I think Stevens should stay in the Senate If he gets re-elected, that way, the fools in Alaska that voted for him will get what they deserve… and then…. if the republicans still don’t want to kick the bum out, he could continue to occupy the seat and represent his state, get all the tax-payer funded perks while he goes through the appeal process. Convicted felons can’t vote so Stevens wouldn’t be allowed to vote on any legislation, therefore, the democrats could count on one less opposition vote to every issue that comes up.

Yes, absolutely! The country just resoundingly voted for change. If Stevens remains a US Senator by proxy from jail, then the Congress might as well hang a banner across the Capitol facade telling America: “Nothing’s changed…Suckers!”

Since all reports from Alaska seem to indicate Palin got elected on a platform of reforming corrupt politicians and then continued on in the same tradition with overwhelming support it is safe to assume this practice is simply the status quo in this state.

Alaska is a Republican stronghold and corruption seems to be an integral part of the GOP ideology then let Stevens stay as Senator since that is how the people prefer to run their business.

That is simply Democracy at it’s craziest.

Yes! Even if an appeal overturns the 7 counts, the fact that one jury found him guilty will negatively impact his effectiveness in the US Senate. We don’t need this with today’s problems.

Well yes…duh!!
He’s a convicted felon and can’t even VOTE! How can he be a senator?!!!
And he should lose his retirement benefits too…after all he abused his position in government for personal gain. He should be cut off and booted out just like anyone who cheated a company and got caught and convicted for it.
But of course we know that won’t happen because he’s one of the Good Old Crooks…er….Boys.

No, the people of Alaska elected him knowing the situation full well.

However, I would suggest no pork for Alaska anymore!

Dear Dear Jack,

seven felony convictions! What do you think! Yes!

Next question : Does he deserve a severance package for leaving under such circumstances!

I don’t know about Alaskans, but as an Oklahoman, I would not want a convicted felon representing me in Congress. Of course, it is just a “felony”, it’s not like he drove a car off a little bridge and drowned someone without reporting it for nine hours.

Unquestionably ! And probably about 40 other of the “old guard” senators who think they can do no wrong and if they do, the “good old boy” network will protect them. It sure does make the case for open access to the administration via the internet that Mr. Obama plans to implement. With enough public pressure, it could minimize or may even eliminate lobbyists and special interest groups.

If he does win and if the Senate does not expel him…then it just proves that ANYTHING really is possible in America.

Whatever happens in the Stevens case. The Congress should pass laws so the American people doesn’t keep giving these felonies a pension from the American taxpayer. e.g. Duke Cunningham. This must stop!!

Of course. We here in the ugly world still marvel at the fact that a convicted felon cannot vote, but can run for office. As with everythng else, I guess it is just to much of an obvious discrepancy to fix.

Make him LIVE in Alaska a full 12 months!!!

They should not expel him. Instead make Stevens the poster child for why someone should never vote for a Republican, especially one from Alaska.

Yes! He personifies what the GOP has become — arrogant and incompetent. He should be taken out of the job and not be allowed to collect his big fat senate pension! Now if we could just do the same to Bush and Cheney.

Convicted felons running for political office?

Is this one of the perks for living in Alaska?
It was okay with Sarah until someone (McCain?) had a little talk with her.

I am 69 years old and thought I had seen just about everything. Guess not.

Stevens should never have been allowed to run in the first place with these charges hanging over him. If SARAH PALIN was any kind of a real Leader, she would make him step down now - out of the spotlight and award the seat to the Democratic nominee. Of course, we know that Sarah Palin is all about her and believes in winning BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!!! Apparently, that’s the republican mantra. Stevens is a disgrace to the country and so is Alaska!!!

Hi Jack:

No, let him stay. Make him wear a orange jumpsuit, serve everybody in the Senate coffee and donuts during morning session. Get lunch and dinner during late session, and clean up when everybody leaves. If that doesn’t make him want to resign then he must really love his job.

Bennie
Avon, IN

Absolutely. These aren’t minor infractions that Stevens got convicted on. Other members of Congress were most assuredly expelled for doing a lot less. Then they can expel Stevens as he is now a convicted felon.

Lets wait to see who wins the sen.seat ,then if he loses that will take care of both problems .No Palin,no Stevens.
peg,tenn

Jack: Yes, Congress should expel him from the Senate. I hope the Democrat candidate wins the election in Alaska. This would help the Obama Administration get a number of important measures through the Senate. It would stop the necessity of having a vote which would embarass the Stevens Family.

Sure as long as they kick out Teddy for killing that girl on the bridge.

Absolutely. This man has been convicted of breaking the law, yet we would allow him to hold the office of someone who makes laws? He is guilty of taking kick backs for favors that were available to him because of his power as an elected official. He is corrupt. If the republicans really think that they are the party of ‘reform’ they better take him out, or face the consequences of looking shallow and pathetic.

Yes Jack, but I’m sure many Senators will have to avoid a mirror on the day of the vote.

Incredible! Yes absolutely. There are some folks (read 7 count convicted criminal) who should not be a part of that club. Unbelievable how he apparently has no regard for anyone but himself!

He should be expelled immediately. He violated ehtics rules and is a convicted felon. Get him OUT!!

Yes Jack. He is poison for both parties - Dems need him out to gain more control over a freshman senator but it is the Republicans who stand to gain more by booting him. In a party that is supposed to be about lowering government spending, ignoring special interests and promoting moral values Senator Stevens is the ultimate hypocrite. He’s a thief who took from special interests and asked for billions of dollars worth of earmarks for the welfare state of Alaska. He should retire to Alaska and keep watch for the Russian invasion like Gov Palin is doing.

Let me get this straight. Convicted felons don’t have the right to vote, but they can run for public office? Can you say “backwards?”

He’s a felon , how could he even run for office. And what kind of an idiot would even vote for a felon ? Is there something in the drinking water in Alaska ? That explains why they think Palin is so wonderful–its the water supply

Let us just hope that the voters in Alaska will not elect a criminal. And let’s really hope and pray that Stevens good friend and faithful understudy … Sarah Palin …. does not get her egotistical, self serving, evil eyes on this senate seat.

Absolutely he should be expelled. Furthermore, Sarah Palin should not step in and move from Governor to Senate. She has governed in times of prosperity with high energy prices, and now that prices and potential income are decreasing, she should stay as governor and prove how good she really is.

Absolutely he should be expelled. There should never be a convicted felon in any part of our government.

he’s the poster person why there should be time limits in congress. I’m tired of these guys in office for more than two terms.Enough, they are the same old bunch.Look at lieberman, he was a democrat, lost that now he’s an independant, but really a republican, can’t any of them find work outside of congress, they all need to go after two terms.

I’m a viewer from Montreal. Certainly Mr Steven’s has no place in any government of any form. Furthermore, Sarah Palin should stay right where she is as governor. She has governed in times of high energy prices and surplus.Now that prices are dropping let’s see how well she does in tighter times. If she has to tighten the belt, let’s see how popular she will really be!

I find it absolutely appalling that a person who is a convicted felon can be elected as a U.S. Senator let alone keep his job. Tolerance of these kind of things is one more indication that our society is spiraling downward.

If Ted Stevens is re-elected, his fellows in the Senate should place him in the Congressional Hall of Fame in recognition of how he took the greed and gall of an elected official to a whole new level without blinking an eye. Then they should expel him.

Yes, but they have to be careful, if they start weeding out the crooks, there won’t be anyone left.

Hey, wait a minute… we may be on to something here!

Yes. He is a convicted crook that has no business in Congress.Send him packing and off to jail.

Of course, but then again, if the state was dumb enough to elect him they should be made to endure him. What is up with Alaska anyway? Shooting wolves from helicopters, electing felons, embracing corruption and I won’t even get into approval ratings.

Gee, I don’t know. After the stunt the Democrats pulled off with Lieberman, I don’t think it really matters to the Senators what they do. After all, he is one of them as opposed to one of us. It really doesn’t matter what we the people want or Lieberman would have been long gone a long time ago. So, I don’t care what or if they do anything about Stevens.

It is amazing that this question even has to be asked. When Mr. Stevens was found guilty he should of automatically lost his seat. He probably didn’t do anything different than most of our politicians are doing though and I honestly believe that.

Yes …
but most likely he won’t be re-elected. Hopefully the majority of Alaskans don’t have the brains of Sarah Palin to re-elect Stevens. If Stevens wins then the Alaskans are dumb.

Mike
Washington

It depends on what you mean by should.” In this case “should expell Stevens”" should mean must expel him - like yesterday.

He should not win. If he does, shame on Alaska! Then, the senate should expel him, but they probably wouldn’t.

No I don’t think he should be expelled. We are talking about an ethics violation that possibly isn’t even true. He did have reciepts for the work done on his home that were paid. Even if he did recieve gifts let’s remember we had a president doing an aid in the oval office, we didn’t remove him.

Well Jack, that depends. The Governor has the power to fire him and
appoint herself as senator. And guess who HERSELF is , Jack?

Smart man, Jack. You guessed right. That would be Sara Palin.

YIKES!!

Absolutely. The bigger question for me lies in the fact that Alaska might vote the fool back into office in the first place. Must be a really unaware bunch of voters up there in the snow.

I’d love to see him expelled, but that means there’s a chance that the disastrous Palin might appoint herself to his seat. Of course, there could be a special election to fill his seat, pitting Palin against whomever (Begich?). Unfortunately, the Alaskans have already demonstrated their warped political judgment and Palin would probably win. I don’t want that to happen; I’ve seen enough of Sarah Palin in the last two months to last me THREE lifetimes.

Jack,
what does this say when a man can be elected for an office, that has been convicted of 7 felony’s Shameful The state should make him resign. They should have some kind of laws that prevent them from holding office, once they are convicted. Who wants a bunch of crooks, we already have enough of them.

Didn’t we already cover this? He’s a convicted felon… send him home (and burn his bridge).

Disgraced Senator Stevens should have been expelled the day after the convictions. That he is still there is an insult to all republicans and Americans. Any republican who votes to retain Steven’s seat should be defeated in the next election,if not impeached.

He must be expelled, and much more reform in congress is needed to eliminate this type of problem in the future. Since when is it alright to have a convicted felon holding public office? Geeeez

The U.S. Senators actions affect all of the states including the lower forty-eight even if the voters of Alaska want Stevens to represent them. Explusion of a convicted felon is the only appropriate action in this case. No U. S. Senator should have any problem or excuse for not voting to expel him. I know people in glass houses should not throw stones, but I think the American people are ready for more transparency in government and they’ll be watching this one. If a convicted felon can’t vote for who goes to the Senate, then why should a convicted felon be allowed to vote on the important issues facing this nation. Get the bum outta there!

Let’s see - he lied, cheated, and stole, got caught and is a convicted felon. Certainly, if he had any conscience or will to do the right thing he would resign - but if he had those qualities he wouldn’t be in this position in the first place. Of course he could become a campaign manager for the GOP or lobbyist for Governor Palin which he does seem well qualified for.

RD

I wonder what Russia would be willing to pay to get Alaska back. Maybe we can trade it in exchange for the right to build some missile “defense” systems in Europe.

No - I don’t want to see Palin anymore! Nor do I want to hear her squeaky voice…

If Alaska is stupid enough to re-elect a convicted felon, they deserve the Senator they get…and that should be one less. Let the Frozen North limp along with a single Senator until they prove they have learned a valuable lesson. No felon should be permitted to hold federal office…period!

Of course they should expel him! Where he should be is in jail. What other country on this planet allows felons to run for office. This also reveals the intelligence of half the voters of a state like Alaska. Well on second thought they also voted for Sarah Palin. I guess you put anything on an Alaskan!

Now look Jack, I admire you a lot! But this is a dumb question! Yes he should be, CASE CLOSED.

Yes they should, what amazes me even more is the fact that these people in Alaska would actually vote for this convicted person. Truly amazing, but we got a peak into life in Alaska -Sarah Palin- so nothing these people do surprises me anymore. As the saying goes, only in Alaska baby, only in Alaska.

They should expel him now! This wait and see what shakes out of the election attitude, in my opinion is irrelevant. If the Senate, feels that the “bridge to nowhere / convicted felon” Senator should be allowed to stay in office, they will probably make him a chairman of a fact finding committee on why the Senate’s approval rating is so low.

Can he represent Alaskans from prison?

No, the Senate shouldn’t expel Ted Stevens. The Governor of Alaska should have called for Steven’s impeachment for failure to serve in his elected office while facing court hearings. Since that wasn’t done, the voters of Alaska are left to do what appointed officials haven’t done.

If the Senate were to expel all its members who have committed felonies, they would never make a quorum with the remaining senators. Most of them have just not been nailed yet.
Brownwood, Texas

Any way you look at it Stevens is gone. The only thing that I would like to ask is how much had he done in all of the years in the Senate that needs explaining. Too bad for someone his age to go from Senator of the United States Senate, to a common felon.

Senator Stevens is a convicted Felon, he should not be allowed to serve. It’s time Washington learned to play by the rules and respect laws

YES…If the voters in Alaska re-elect Stevens, it will definitely give new meaning to the term “brain freeze” I guess that it really is colder than ice cream in Alaska……

Absolutely he should be expelled. He voted against helping Katrina victims, I’ll never forget that. I was totally oblivious that my tax money is going to Iraq and not my fellow citizens in the gulf region during the aftemath of hurricane Katrina, because he voted against the bill and it didn’t pass (not quite sure, but I think it passed later) still he should be ashamed.

Yes, without a doubt. He is a criminal and and those who commit felonies have no place running our government. Well……Let me rephrase that. Those gorvernment officials who commit fellonies and get caught, tried, and convicted should be expelled. The others just need to pray they aren’t the next ones in the hot seat!

If Steven’s isn’t expelled, then the President and the Supreme Court should find a way to expell the rest of the crooks in the “old boy” network known as the US Senate!!!

Absolutely! This guy is so old my dad (Area Manager, State of Alaska, GSA) gave me a tour of his senate office in Anchorage when I was home on leave from Vietnam in 1968. Ralph, Yakima, Wa.

Every politician has a criminal past, Jack. That’s how they got where they are in the first place. All the other senators are sitting there sweating because one of their number got revealed. They just siit there and pray that the next one won’t be them. Of course he should be allowed to stay, if for no other reason than to serve as an inspiration to clean up their acts!

Were else can a convicted felon work but in the Senate. It’s hard to believe how the morales and values in this country have changed. If it were a common man or woman with a felony conviction do you think they would get the same break as a U.S.Senator. I don’t think so. Oh that’s right–they are all above the law and of course doesn’t apply to them. So if he should win the Senate I am sure he will be right back in the Senate doing what he does best without any consequences.

Well they should let him show up for at least one day. That way anyone running for office can claim the incumbent Senators “Pall around with convicted felons”

unequivocally yes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Without a doubt Jack, what kind of nation have we become? That this question even has to be asked..

If they don’t expel him I think they will have a lot of questions to answer. President-elect Obamas platform was change, but how can we trust that anything will change if no one is held responsible for his/her actions?

For God’s sake…the man has been given a fair trial and a jury unanimously found him guilty of a felony. Need you even ask?

Vero Beach, FL

Jack,
Let me get this straight, if your convicted of a felony you can’t vote, but you could get elected to the Senate? Something is very wrong with our system.

Without question, YES!
Frankly it should sadden all Americans that we even ask such a question.
Don, Dallas

Absolutely! If he has a shred of dignity he would resign.

Expel…yeah…out the front door, using one of those circus human cannon ball cannons.
See how many times he skips across the reflecting pond.

Yes they should, but then the Republicans will scream and cry about it being politically motivated, ignoring the fact that he was convicted by a jury. The reality is that come January he will get a presidential pardon and walk away from this altogether.

Yes! If the Senate to allow him to keep his seat, the message they would be sending is that they are above the law.

ABSOLUTELY!!! We have enough criminals in our Government already.

Jack - I must tell you that I was absolutely THRILLED to be watching you yesterday when you read my comment on the air!! I could n’t believe it - it made my day! Heck, it made my year! And now I look forward to submitting another comment that might be good enough in 2009! Thanks again!!

NOW - YES he should be expelled! Someone should just pack up his stuff and send it to him - he need not use taxpayers’ money to return to Washington for anything!

Are you kidding me? If the country’s other felons cannot vote or even get hired into a government job, one should sure as heck not serve in an elected office. The Republicans will surely boot him if just to save collective face.

If they don’t, they’re sending a message to the world that being a crook is okay as long as your name isn’t Richard Nixon. Double standards, anyone?

Good Lord! Yes!

Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas

Yes, Stevens should be expelled. We already have enough white collar theives on Capitol Hill, in fact if there is one more bailout the “People” of this Nation should expell the entire Congress and start over.

Absolutely. I believe convicted felons lose their right to vote. Seem absurd they could still hold elected office. Maybe it’s me….

Jack,
Yes, the right thing to do would be to expel him. What’s wrong here is that he was even allowed to run for office? I’m still trying to digest this, if your convicted of a felony you’re not allowed to vote, but if you are running for office, not a problem. Something is very wrong with our system.

If Stevens wins, and if the Senate expels him, then Sarah Palin could replace him with herself. Therefore, they should not expel him.

If Mr. Stevens should win he should be held in jail and hold his seat.
Gang leaders do it all the time. Anything to keep Palin out of washington please!!!

Stevens old school with no meaningful contributions to the good of the nation…only to himself and a few of his cronies. If the Senate doesn’t expel him it would cause me to wonder what he has on them. Any Republican could be as effective and most probably would be better.

Jack,
If convicted felons cannot vote why on earth do they allow convicted felons to be voted for? Of course he should be expelled…the guts of this arrogant old man is unbelievable. Get rid of him now!

Of course they should expel him! Are our expectations for our public servants really that low? If they are, maybe we deserve what we get.

If Sen. Stevens is reelected by the citizens of Alaska, even though they know of his felony convictions, then let Alaska have him. If they don’t have the sense to vote against him and thereby showing their own disgust for the senator’s wrong-doings, then why should Congress dismiss him?