[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/10/28/art.ted.stevens.gi.jpg caption="Senator Ted Stevens has been convicted on seven counts of fraud."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Guess who's found himself in the express lane on the Bridge to Nowhere? Alaska senator Ted Stevens is now a convicted felon, another "public servant" who served himself instead of the public. Stevens was convicted on seven counts of fraud, for concealing more than $250,000 in personal gifts. He is the first sitting senator to go on trial in more than 20 years, and just the fifth in history to be convicted of a crime. Stevens is also running for re-election, and this arrogant, fraudulent felon says he's staying in the race and asking the people of Alaska to "Stand with me." Where you're going, Senator, no one is going to want to stand with you. And if you had any honor or decency about you, you'd get out of the race.
Alaska, one of the most conservative states in the Union, is playing a pivotal role in helping the Democrats in this year's election. Stevens' conviction clears the way for the Democratic mayor of Anchorage to win his seat and move the Democrats closer to a 60-seat fillibuster-proof majority in the U.S. Senate. Alaska's governor, Sarah Palin, became John McCain's running mate. Evangelical Christians shouted "Hallelujah," while the rest of the country laughed out loud. And finally, Alaska's largest newspaper, the Anchorage Daily News, has endorsed Barack Obama.
Here’s my question to you: Should Alaska senator Ted Stevens, now a convicted felon, resign his Senate seat?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Daniel from New Orleans writes:
This is a trick question, right? You can't even vote in this country if you’re a convicted felon but somehow you can continue to run for the Senate. This lack of respect for our government institutions is sick. Stevens should resign immediately and save what dignity he has left.
Harold from Anchorage, Alaska writes:
My state has been embarrassed by high-profile wing-nuts and crooks way too long. Please Ted, show some leadership and quit. Maybe Sarah Palin and Don Young will follow suit and save the taxpayers the cost of more trials and shame.
Jerry from Columbus, Ohio writes:
Shouldn't he just be downright expelled? Or does the U.S. Senate now employ convicted felons? Whether the conviction is under appeal or not, he is still a felon now. He should be expelled without pension. Or, at the very least, forced to resign.
Erik writes:
I'm not sure about the resignation, but I think he should endorse McCain-Palin immediately.
Raj writes:
First senator convicted in 20 years? I wonder how many should have been convicted in that time span.
Ryan from Ottawa, Canada writes:
Here's a thought to throw out there for fun. He'll hang on and hope beyond hope he still gets re-elected. Then, after the election, when he's forced to resign, Governor Palin, (who won't be VP) can appoint herself as a successor to fill the vacancy.
Aaron from Champaign, Illinois writes:
He's part of the dying political breed of crazy-old-white-men. It's time for citizens to wise up, and it's time for him to leave.