If Stevens wins, should the Senate expel him?
Click the play button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say.
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Election Day 2008 may be a distant memory for most of us, but in three states - Georgia, Alaska and Minnesota - Senate races remain undecided. Georgia has a runoff scheduled for December 2nd. Alaska and Minnesota are both near resolution.
The Alaska race is of particular interest because it involves a convicted felon, Senator Ted Stevens. Stevens, you may recall, was found guilty in October of seven counts of concealing more than $250,000 in personal gifts. He was 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.
Watch: Cafferty: Senate expel Stevens?
But the arrogant Mr. Stevens ran for re-election anyway, sending the message that a convicted felon's place is in the United States Senate. And in the days following November 4th, Stevens held a slight lead over his opponent, the Democratic mayor of Anchorage. He appears now to have lost that lead and is slightly behind. About 24,000 absentee ballots are expected to be counted today, but a few more may come in tomorrow.
Until that's all sorted out, Stevens remains a member of the Senate. Republican Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina is among those who want Stevens out. But some of his buddies in the Senate want to see whether he actually wins another term before voting on whether or not to expel him. They don't want to be on the record voting to expel a criminal unless they are forced to.
Isn't that nice?
Here’s my question to you: If Ted Stevens of Alaska is re-elected in spite of seven felony convictions, should the Senate expel him?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Debbie from San Marcos, California writes:
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.
Jeff writes:
If Alaska wants to be represented by a corrupt convicted felon who are we to argue with that? It's not like the people of Alaska weren't informed that Stevens was convicted on multiple counts of corruption. Personally, I would be extremely embarrassed to be represented by someone like Stevens but then I'm not an Alaskan. Maybe they have different standards than I do.
Dave writes:
Let me get this straight, if you’re convicted of a felony you can't vote, but you could get elected to the Senate? Something is very wrong with our system.
NB writes:
In our company, if you are convicted of a felony, you are terminated. No severance, no benefits, no pension. Now, what was your question about convicted felon Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska?
Rob from New York City writes:
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. It’s the water supply.
John from Ottawa, Kansas writes:
Expulsion shouldn't be his only punishment. Why not require him to be a lead dog for an Iditarod team?
Shirley from Ohio writes:
They should expel him, but he will not win. God is not going to leave any of the doors open for Palin to plow through.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
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?
Jack,
No he should not be in power. Furthermore, is this guy still eligible for a pension? Here in the real world, when something like that happens and you lose your job, in the public service sector you lose your pension.
It is a shame the the US can acuse leaders of other countries
of corruption but find a safe haven for thier own guilty of corruption.
With the economy down, I hope this will not be the new
US export.
A vote shouldn't be required; there should be a law that prohibits felons from serving in Congress – a person who can't vote for themself or anyone else shouldn't be allowed to have others vote for them! On the other hand, Palin will have a direct and quick route to DC if he's re-elected which would be disasterous. The best outcome for everyone would be for him to lose – he would save face, other senators wouldn't have to vote him out, and a democrat would represent Alaska in the Senate!
Robin
Greenville, SC
Yes, definately.
And, Alaska voters should be punished by losing a Senate seat. The first state with only one senator.
Actually, just let Alaska secede, Sarah can be president and Stevens can be in their new senate.
Karl
Salt Lake City, UT
Stevens is a GREAT example of what is wrong with Washington. The sad part is that he's just one of the many that was caught. This clown needs to go – I'm sure we can find people who wouldn't commit crimes and abuse their office but actually TRY to help fix what's gone wrong with our country.
Of course. But You're talking about something that is very unlikely, looking at the recent numbers coming out of that race. It's like asking "If the Cincinnati Bengals (who are 1-8-1 this season) win the AFC championship, will they lose the Superbowl?" The first condition is so unlikely that it's hardly worth talking about the second.
Not only should the senate expel him, but he should be put under house arrest. What good is being convicted of a felony if there is absolutely no punishment associated with it?
Based on the fact that Uncle Ted is so close to being reelected. Alaska is the new Florida. There weren't by any chance butterfly ballots being used were there?
You betcha, eh........ Alaskans deserve better.
Absolutely!!!!!!
I find is appalling that he had the audacity to pursue a re-election campaign in the midst of this drama.
I don't think they can Jack. If they do they'll be forced into conducting investigations into alot more Senators than just Stevens. Stevens should never have been reelected, but if he is, than Congress(whether it wants to or not) should heed to the wishes of Alaska. If Alaska wants a convicted felon for its senator thats their business. We shouldn't be able to tell other states who they can't elect.
Of course he should. Would he even be able to vote for himself now that he's a convicted felon?
Expell him. This is Sarah Palin's ticket to Washington
YES! I wonder if he can see Russia from that nice deck that was built on his house.
Most employers wouldn't hire a convicted felon. Why should the American people?
Absolutely!
I think the people of Alaska should not be allowed to vote in any election that put someone in power outside of their state!! That way the rest of the nation wouldn't have to put up with their crooks, it would only effect them in the state offices they were elected too.
Yes! Felons can't vote and felons should not be in the senate. His past record in the senate seems to indicate he has regularily operated on the fringe of legality. He has had his day in court it is time to expel him or make a mockery of our political system.
You betcha a bowl of moose stew if he is re-elected, he should be expelled from the Senate and the state of Alaska be asked to seceed from the union. That state needs to take a serious look at its politicians, dislusional governor, now a convicted felon senator.
It saddens me that you even have to pose the question. Of course a convicted felon has no place in elected office; what a shame that it has become a matter of debate.
Yes!
Of course! Why even bother posing the question?
Gee Jack what do you think the GOP is doing? Saving it for another GOP member.
Certainly he should be expelled, but why wait until the election results are decided? Do it now. But the more important question is, "What are the voters of Alaska thinking?" The very fact that he received enough votes to make this a close race is to me very disturbing.
This is not a political issue at all. This is a question of ethics in government, of corruption at the top. A convicted felon does not even have the right to vote. Ted Stevens should be barred from the Senate chambers immediately. We need a law to make a felony conviction grounds to be removed from office. I am shocked that this is not already in place.
Considering you lose your right to vote in American elections when you get convicted of a felony, I want to know how it is even legal for a convicted felon to remain in position as a senator?
So, some grubby "average joe" doing time in prison can't vote for president, but yet we can have scum like Senator Stevens voting and dictating policies that will shape our country's future??
Makes NO sense whatsoever.
Few skills are required of our elected officials but we should demand that they possess good judgment and common sense, both of which are seriously lacking in Mr. Stevens. It seems absurd that the question of expelling him has even arisen the citizens of Alaska should have dealt with this at the polls. I guess what this says is that we cannot expect from our elected officials which we cannot in ourselves demonstrate.
Why not, Congress needs a few good laughs once in a while and his replacement, Palin, would guarantee that. Good grief, what am I saying?
If he wins the election, he absolutely must be expelled. This is not a party-line issue...this is a 7 Felony guilty conviction issue and is also about the character of people who should be allowed to run our Government. How many times was he NOT caught doing dirty deeds?
But, I think the question is actually moot...after all the votes are counted, it looks like he's going to lose anyway.
No question there....He should be expelled and sent to prison.
My money is on his losing!!!! Any thing else will put Palin in. I've seen enough of her and so has the rest of the country!
He should be punished much harsher than just expelled. If you, or I, or any one of millions of average citizens were convicted of a felony, we would be doing hard time. But hey, this is a Senator, and they protect their own, so nothing will probably happen.
He's been convicted, He is a felon. Of course, he could be pardoned. Not only should he be expelled if given another term, he should also be stripped of his retirement. If the judge doesn't give him jail time then our criminal justice system is in bad trouble. Of course, Stevens says the system is bad because he was convicted.
Expel and censure this arrogant clown. Another one of the Washington Elite in the public trough for far too many years. He needs to be stripped of all benefits related to pension and health care. I would think a prison term will take some of that arrogance away.
In a word, YES!!
The question people should be asking is "Why hasn't he been expelled ?". He was convicted several (4?) weeks ago. Even if we have to endure another 6 weeks of fame from Governor what's-her-name, whom we would all like to forget, Harry Reid and the rest of the Old Boys club should throw that bum out yesterday. And I hope the IRS has sense enough to go after him for tax evasion.
since convicted felons cannot vote he wouldn't be qualified for the position now would he?
Yes, and Sarah Palin should take his position. She would make a wonderful Senator and become even better prepared to win the Presidency in 2012!!!
Not unless you want to see the palin woman in DC. I sure don't. But this is academic. He's not going to win.
No. I don't see how having a convicted felon in the Republican party could hurt them any more than they've already been hurt. They should stay true to their "convictions" and keep him for as long as they're able.
Oh, you betcha!
Yes. Plain and simple, Senator Stevens unlawfully accepted gifts while sitting as a United States Senator. He is a corrupt politician who should hold an office based upon the public trust. Remove him as an example to all politicians that such activity will not and cannot be tolerated and will result in your removal, no matter what office or position you hold.
Yes, just like so many other convicted before him, he is not only a disgrace to his people, he is a disgrace to the office he is re-elected into. I can understand why the people who he has represented for decades will not want to turn their back on him. Maybe it is time to consider a term limit for congress like some other elected offices
My first reaction is yes, but then I realized that Sarah Palin might take his place. Maybe we should keep him as the lesser of two evils.
Yes, they should expel him. Stevens has too much power in the Senate. A felon with power is a bad brew. How disgraceful it would be to leave him in the Senate. Get rid of him.
Dan
Denver, CO
Yes, I believe if he is reelected- he should be expelled from the Senate. After all is was not found innocent- he was found guilty.
I find this whole thing to be a farce. How in the world can you vote for someone like this? Alaskans should be ashamed. Even if you can't stand the democrats how in the world do you put your trust in a convicted felon.
Senator Stevens should resign and preserve what little dignity he has left, regardless of any pending appeal; and if he won't, the Senate should promptly expel him if he does not lose or resign. Alaska and the American people deserve that much. Chip Mills, Sun Valley, ID
The question should have been "If convicted felon Stevens is not expelled, will any American ever have faith in the Senate again?"
Jack,
I think Stevens is the posterchild of of what" we the people" have been conditioned into calling normal. I think even entertaining the idea that he should remain in office is absurd...
John Spokane Wa
Barring a law that prohibits him from holding a Senate seat, no action should be taken to overturn the verdict of the electorate that chose him to represent them over all other candidates. Its called democracy. However, if there is no law currently barring convicted felons, there may be a case for passing one.
There is absolutely no reason why this man should retain his position or his pay in the U.S. Senate. He is a disgrace and it would be an even bigger disgrace should our own government let him keep his seat.
As a lifelong Alaskan I hope Begich has him beat, but if not, yes he deserves to be expelled! And yes, there are politicians on both sides of the aisle guilty of worse than ol' Uncle Ted, but TED GOT CAUGHT...plain and simple. If you get caught, you should be punished – didn't we all learn that as children? And while they are at it, what can be done about renaming the "Ted Stevens International Airport" in Anchorage...isn't it smarter to wait until a politician is gone before naming something after him??
I'd love to think Stevens has enough morals and ethics to resign, but given his history, and his party of endless corruption (not a monoply, by any means), if he actually wins the election his butt should be kicked so hard and high by the Senate as to bounce when he lands.
Jean SW Hbr, ME
Nevermind the fact that Senator Stevens committed his crimes while serving in the Senate. Convicted felons cannot even vote! How in the world could a convicted felon then serve in the United States Senate? It is laughable and an insult to the office and our government.
The fact that the Senators of America of America have not already expeled him says something about the respect they have for the body of government to which they are members
Jack,
If Stevens rears his head in Alaska as the victor, I feel confident that Governor Pailin will say, "Thanks, but no thanks," as she convinces the Senator he is critically needed to assist her in keeping an eye of the skies above from his rennovated home.
hi jack
yes he should go away and then come back to replace Palin as govenor
bay pines fl
Nope! This shows why Alaskans should not be allowed to vote. Wait, the governor of the state is the reason Alaskans should not be allowed to vote.
Jack,
What a great message it would send to the country and the rest of the world if he isn't! We allow convicted felons to serve as U.S. Senators. Not that anyone, here or abroad, would really be surprised, given what's gone on for the last 8 years.
Charles
Yes, he should be expelled. We have to set examples for the younger generation.
You cannot be rewarded for breaking the law.
Yes he should be given the boot. I'm not sure why the senate doesn't already have rules about bribes. I sure do know that if i was convicted of taking bribes i'd be fired on the spot! Why should our law makers who wield much more power than the average knuckle-dragger like me be exempt punishment for wrong doing?
If they don't throw him out and he goes to jail, does his seat remain empty while he serves his term? That may be the best answer.
Well, President George will pardon him when he leaves the office. Senator Stevens should resign voluntarily which is the appropriate way, but then he is a felon and does not care about proper. His chicken Republican fellow Senators showed indecisive. I guess that means, if he wins the race, the Senate is his space.
It saddens me that there are those that would rather vote for a convicted felon than vote for a Democrat. Ted Stevens does not belong in the Senate, and should have been expelled the minute he was convicted.
No
If they people have spoken, the people have spoken.
I think that the people should be able to vote for Pardons that have the same power as a presidential pardon. The majority of the people need to be the leader of america for those types of things.
I hope they keep him in the Senate...they he'll be referred to as "the Distinguished Senator and Convicted Felon from the Great State of Alaska." Should bring a great deal of pride to his home state.
Duh! And for that matter, so should McCain. He's lucky to have gotten a slap on the wrist after the Keating 5 scandal. It about time the "boys club" that is the U.S. Senate turns into the government accountability office, and we remove corrupt politicians from serving the American public.
This is a trick question isn't it. He should have been expelled the second he was convicted. Not only should he be expelled, but he should lose his pension. Let his oil buddies take care of him.
Convicted felons can't vote, why should they be allowed to serve in Congress?
YES
A convicted criminal right? That is what the GOP is all about these days. Lies deceit and say anything to scare people tactics are all they are about! Shows why people in Alaska like Palin so much. They are so out of touch that they have now elected a criminal.
Of course he should expelled! If you can't vote you should not be premitted to be a senator. What does it say about the judgement of the voters in Alaska when obviously a huge number of them voted for a convicted felon???
He most certainly should..a felon is a felon no matter what job he had held before the conviction.
YES. He can't even vote himself! What kind of image is he giving others?
Of Course he should be expelled! It's ironic that a felon can remain a U.S. senate, but can't vote for their own senators in some states
This is the epitome of being a no-brainer. Rally cry: "DUH!"
Says a lot about Alaska, doesn't it? They elected an imbecile for governor and are close to re-electing a convicted felon to the Senate. Also says quite a bit about Republicans, too.
Yes, obviously. Sen. Stevens was found guilty, on ALL counts. He should go, period. What baffles me is why the race was close in the first place. I don't care how long the man has been there and have served his fellow Alaskans with pork, Begich should've waltzed in. To send Stevens back would be a travesty. Hopefully, from the way it looks, we won't have to worry about that (and Palin stepping in).
Absolutely. Convicted felons have no right to serve in Congress. Their voting rights are taken away. Allowing a convicted felon to serve in Congress is preposterous.
Hi Jack,
If Stevens wins the recount it will be further proof Alaskans are more worried about pork than integrity. After all, they elected Sarah Palin as Governor. (I have no room to point fingers, my state elected Rick Perry as guv.)
If Stevens does win he should be ousted from the Senate.
Dicky Neely
Corpus Christi, Tx.
Of course he should be expelled. Why should this fellon be allowed to vote in the Senate, while thousands of other fellons can't even vote in elections?
Of course he should,
Not only has he embarrassed his party, but the senate and the country too. If he is allowed to return to the senate, what kind of message does that send, smooth talk the people and you can do anything? If convicted felons lose their voice, you certainly shouldn't be given the voice of a state.
Absolutely. Stevens should definitely be expelled.
It is beyond the realm of my mind, to understand how Senator Stevens has the temerity to think that as a convicted felon he has the right to represent any constituency in the U.S. Politicians are some of the most arrogant, self serving people on the face of the earth. It would be a travesty if Senator Stevens is allowed to maintain his senate seat is he wins the election .
well, of course, a resounding Y E S
What a joke, we live in a country where felons loose the right to vote, but not the right to legislate. If this isn't the pinnacle of hypocrisy I don't know what is.
Under our laws, a convicted felon is oftentimes deprived of the right to vote for elected officals. Does Senators have a different set of laws?
If the Democrats can give Lieberscum his gavel at Fatherland Security, then why should Ted Stevens be kicked out? Treason is far worse than lying and what Stevens did, was far less than what Benedict Lieberman did.
Yes sir he should be booted, if we were in that situation our butts would have been bounced a long time ago. Just because a person is in the Senate should make no difference.
Yes and what does this say about the people who voted for him? Alaskans should be ashamed.
It's funny how the Senate wants to wait for all the facts on Ted Stevens before casting a vote, but when it comes to bailout money, their mantra is "the sooner the vote, the better."
Wouldn't it be more fitting for his own party, whose platform in the 2000 election was "restoring honor and dignity to the White House" be the ones to expel him? If they don't, of course the Senate should. I am not sure how much more honor and dignity this country can take.
This seems like a no-brainer. Perhaps the reason the Senate won't act now is one of tradition (don't act till required). Moreover I'm inclined to feel that the only difference between Stevens and the rest of the Senate is that HE got caught.
No way Jack! It's the will of the people. Just another example of how Alaska voters have been "keeping the bar low" for their elected officials.
Sen. Stevens must be expelled if the Senate still has honor, and a respect of laws. Americans' trust in their government must be restored after 8 years of constitutional abuse.
Absolutely, the Senate should expel Ted Stevens. I can't believe the incredible mindset of the Alaskan people to almost elect a criminal to represent their interests!
Jack,
They need to expel him because he's been found guilty and if the people of Alaska actually vote him in, then obviously they will continue to have corrupt people that Sarah was talking about having to get rid of.
Why would the crooks on the hill expel one of their own? They're all a bunch criminals, just look at the economy. Blame Wall Street, blame the CEO's of the banks, auto industry, etc. but a the end of the day it's the lawmakers that should be blamed for failing the American people!
I think President Bush will pardon Stevens as he leaves office so the Senate won't officially have to work with a convicted felon.
Jack, yes Mr. Stevens should be expelled. The republicans should not hold a double standard when it comes to ethics and morals.
Ted Stevens could not even go inside the voting booth and cast a vote for himself. Why? Because he is a convicted felon. The senate should not have to expel him the law should disallow him from being a member of the most elite club in all the world.
Why expel him? We need to keep him with the rest of the crooks!
A member of the US Senate, the top chamber of the land in charge of even investigating the President and keeping check and balance, should expel a convicted felon immediately. What example are they setting for future generation of American elected officials? Expel Stevens NOW!
A lot of folks out there can't get a lousy job in a warehouse unless they have a spotless record. A kid with a drug charge can't get a federal student loan. And this convicted clown could still be allowed to hold his seat? Members of high office should be held to the same standards of employment eligibility as their constituents. I would love to see randon urine tests in Congress.
Ted Kennedy is still in the Senate after killing MaryJo, So what's wrong with Stevens again??
Absolutely. Stevens was handed seven felony convictions. Who knows how many others he got away with. I cannot believe he chose to run for reelection instead of just retiring gracefully and shielding this family from further embarrassment.
Of course they should, but there are so many crooks & liars in the Senate that they will probably welcome him back with open arms.
Jack,
I find it personally repugnant that circumstances are such that this question needs be asked, and that our Senate would allow into it's body a person so unfit to hold an office of profit or trust in our government.
By all means, Give them man the "right foot of fellowship" and get send him back to Alaska!
Only in Las Vegas is the number 'seven' a lucky number; in Washington D.C. however, seven felonies means that Senator Stevens is out of luck.
This question should be totally irrelevant. The fact that a convicted felon can be a US Senator, US Representative or hold any other elected office is beyond my imagination. Do convicted felons even retain the right to vote? In any city I'm aware of, no convicted felon can be a police officer or a fireman. I guess I just don't understand. Perhaps the only real difference between Senator Stevens and some of his colleagues is that he has been convicted.
He should absolutely be expelled. How can that even be a question? A convicted felon cannot even vote in elections, so why should he be allowed to represent the American people. I can't believe this is even up for debate!!
How long has Ted Kennedy been in the Senate? Yes Stevens should be ousted from the Senate, But so should all unethical members.
Not only should he be expelled, he shouldn't even be allowed to serve in the first place. If convicted felons can't vote, why are they allowed to hold public office?
No, if the senate expels him, we'll have Sen. Palin. I'd pick a crook over that any day. At least it shows he has experience taking from the people to his own ends, that's what the government's all about, right?
He should not even get that far, but if he dose, he should be expelled and all of his pension and medical and what ever otther perks you get should be taken away.
Absolutely! The senate should be an example and not reward people who break the law; not to mention, I don't want to pay his salary with my tax dollars. Furthermore, if Stevens is allowed to return to the Senate, I hope every convicted felon follow suit and run for senate office around the nation, that way, Stevens can serve with like peers!
Jack, you'd think any elected official convicted of any crimes, let alone felonies, would be automatically expeled from office. I wonder why it takes a any kind of vote to unload him. Stevens gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar and he goes on about his business as if a criminal conviction is normal. Not only does it say very little for the character and ethics of our elected officials, it really makes me frightened of what happens in Alaska.
Joel
Crescent City, Ca.
Yes. If the people of Alaska elect as one of their Senators a man ineligible to vote as a convicted felon and the Senate allows him to participate in the legislative process, the Senate approval ratings would probably go into the negatives.
Jack of coarse he should be expelled,but don't you think that birds of a feather will stick together. Crooks and con's Jack
What I don't understand is that in Florida you can't even vote if you are a convicted felon. Yet in Alaska a convicted felon can be elected to the US Senate. How does that work? There's something very wrong with this picture.
Stevens should be automatically stripped of his senate seat as well as his hefty pension that you and I pay for.
He should be expelled and he should do some time. I pray that he loses the Sen race, so that hockey mom won't try to ease her way back into the spotlight. Please keep her in alaska where she belongs. if I see anymore of her I will get sick and i can't afford to get sick. I don't have health insurance.
Convicted felons can’t vote in federal elections. They shouldn’t be able to vote on legislation as members of Congress, either, whether it is Stevens or anyone else.
It's obvious why the arrogant Mr. Stevens wants to see if he can be elected.... if he is and is forced to resign, the Gov. of the State can then appoint his replacement, which would surely be a Republican. However, if he bows out now, which would be the proper thing to do, the Democrat running against him will probably fill the position.
An absurd question. Of course he should be expelled. As a conviceted felon I believe he should also lose his right to vote.
No One convicted of a felony should serve as an elected official. If the conviction is overturned on appeal that person can use the facts of the case as a pont for re-election. One can not enforce rules when their ability to abide by them is in question. It is a mater of logic not politics
I am almost embarassed to say that I am from the same state "Uncle Teddy" is. I have a hard time understanding why the race is even close. If, and God help us if he is re-elected, he should be expelled immediately. As for thinking about not doing it now is a slap to all Americans. If he has been convicted, even though he says he hasn't, we don't need him there. This would go for any Congress member. Come on members of Congress, do your duty. Does he have something on any of you? It doesn't matter what you personnaly think of Stevens but what should YOU as an elected official do.
I am writing from McKinney, Texas.
He should absolutely be expelled from the Senate. How can a convicted felon be allowed to represent the American people. By law, a felon cannot even vote in elections. I cannot believe this is even up for debate. There should not be two sets of rules - those for elected officials and politicians, and those for the average person.
Elaine Ballard
McKinney, Texas
Yes of course. However since nearly half of Alaskan's voted for him anfd over half voted for Palin perhaps we should just kick Alaska out of the Union and save us from both of them.
Absolutely! It would be a travesty and a mockery of our government to allow Sen. Stevens to remain in the senate if he is re-elected. We as a whole should send a clear message to our government. It's not our fault that Teddy Boy got caught with his hands in the proverbial cookie jar!
In many states, a felon loses many rights, including the right to vote. Obviously Alaska doesn't feel that way, but how can Americans as a whole allow a Senator who has multiple felony convictions to hold office?
Americans should band together to demand Stevens removal from office!
Teddy....You're outta here.....
The senate would be wrong not to expel a criminal....why would they even consider keeping him? That wouldn't happen in the "real world"
Sandy
Muncie, In
As i understand the law, if you are a felon you cannot vote. So how can it be that you would be allowed to make a law as a felon?
I can't believe he's even still in the race, and worse, that it's so close. Why did half of Alaska vote for a convicted felon to represent their state in the senate in the first place?
If Stevens had even a shred of decency or self respect he'd step down rather than be embarrassingly given the proverbial 'Boot' by his own peers in the senate. What's going through this guys mind?
I was convicted of a felony when I was eighteen years old. I lost my say in the democratic process, my right to vote. If I cant even vote how in the world can this man have a say in the senate!!! Its just wrong.
Of course he should be expelled, Why should Sen.Stevens keep his job after such controversy. But from what i see and hear Alaska doesn't really care about his 7 convictions, What does that say about Alaskans as a whole?
I am having a hard time understanding if it is even legal for him to serve. After all isn't it a requirement to be a registered elector in order to hold public office. And if not, why wouldn't it be!? I am going to research the constitution to find out but that's my question for you.
If a felon looses his right to vote in the General Election then I guess I need a law degree to understand how a felon can vote in the Senate.
Lewis From Mequon, Wisconsin:
If Stevens got elected, it means the people of Alaska have spoken but if Alaska is a state that does not allow convicted criminals to vote, then he needs to be thrown out of office pronto,
Absolutely. The "Honorable Senator Stevens" is no longer honorable. If he conceals personal gifts, what's he doing with our tax dollars? Earmarking them for building a new vacation home? We need to rid Capitol Hill of corruption and Stevens has made himself an easy target. The rest of the lawmakers in Washington need to generate at least a little bit of courage and make a decision based on our the results of our judicial system, instead of whether or not it benefits them politically. They have not an ounce of guts between them.
If Stevens is expelled, that opens the door for Sarah Palin - what's worse, the devil you know or the devil you don't know?
The fact that Mr. Stevens is still on the ballot and received a single vote is a political tragedy. The audacity of this man thinking he is somehow entitled to his Senate seat is beyond me. For some reason the fact that I have a misdemeanor on my record keeps me from getting a job but this gentlemen is a convicted felon and could possibly keep his seat in the U.S. Senate. Apparently Sarah Palin isn't the only person in Alaska that seems to be a few blocks short of an igloo.
Since convicted felons lose their right to vote, Stevens should certainly lose his senate seat. There should not be separate rules for citizens and lawmakers. Kick him out now!
I'm split – I fully agree with him being expelled as he doesn't deserve to hold a public office as a felon. But if he's expelled, that opens the door for Sarah Palin to appoint herself to the Senate. I certainly can't stand the thought of her potentially becoming a senator!
They're all a bunch of crooks. Why wast time booting one if you're not going to expel 100??
It is illegal for a felon to vote. No one with felony convictions should be allowed to serve in the senate or the house. PERIOD!!!
Yes, he should be sent packing IF he wins – Alaskans "ain't too smart" are they? Voting for a convicted felon. Shame Shame Shame.
I cannot believe he ran in the first place. Are there seriously no laws blocking a convicted felon from running for the senate? If convicted felons can't vote in the general election, how could one be a Senator?
I am not a Republican and I am not an Alaskan...if they both think it is OK for a criminal to be in office, then who am I to criticize them? If Ted was from my state, or my party, I would be actively working to have him expelled. What a group of people consider ethical is not for me to judge.
Jack He will not be a felon for long, because our wonderful president will pardon him. For all his years in the senate don't you think his wife forgot to pay other bills? There are no crooks in politics just elected people doing the will of the people.
Dear Jack,
Gosh, I'm so confused. To my knowledge, convicted felons lose the privilege/right to vote, right? But they retain the privilege/right to run for public office? And if elected, they vote on issues that affect all Americans?
Well, the Washington egomania is truly over-the-top. There is a noticable lack of morals and ethics worldwide, and nowhere more evident than in Washington.
"Senator" Stevens, relax. You're so old they won't put you in prison. You can enjoy retirement in the home that graft built and your heirs will inherit it eventually. Consider your home a monument to greed and corruption. Hope you're proud of yourself. We're not.
Jan in Elkhorn, Wisconsin
As long as Sarah Palin is waiting in the wings, he won't be expelled. The Democrats have a majority, and they'll always choose a criminal over a popular conservative.
Jack,
Ted Stevens should be expelled from the Senate once it is confirmed he was re-elected. The scary scenario is however, that the Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin would be responsible for appointing someone to the open seat. Who would she appoint? Sarah Palin will appoint herself to the Senate seat, and put herself on the National stage to prepare herself for a 2012 Presidential run.
Adam
Green Bay, WI
We should hope that Mr. Stevens will be spending time in jail, not in the Senate. The Senate must expel him in order to retain respectability. This is not a reformed ex-convict, this is an arrogant convicted crook.
Yes, Yes and Yes. And what don't you understand about yes? And anyone who does not vote to expel should be thrown out of the Senate for aiding and abetting a criminal.
Are you kidding me! The answer is no! Convicted felons have no place in the US Senate. We have enough criminals in the US Senate never mind convicted ones. Can you believe the ego!?!? Give it up... and what does it say about the people of Alaska who support hm and his actions by possibly re-electing him?
B
Boston, MA
It should be obvious, shouldn't it? He's a convicted criminal, plain and simple. He certainly doesn't belong in the US Senate.
Patrick
Pennsylvania
Currently studying in Coleraine, Northern Ireland
You betcha......he's got to go. Seven felony counts and someone thinks he should stay in office? BuhBye Teddy
No,no no! If you actually read what was going on through out the trial, the prosecution team with-held evidence that would have helped Ted, and were several times Chewed out by the judge in the trial. Then the jurors seemed to be a bunch of flakes too; first they want one kicked off because she was threatening other jurors(what?) and then another one said her father died, but actually was nuts and went to a horse-race in California. Then they got another juror, supposedly to start deliberations all over again, and they come back with a guilty verdict in a few hours, from 6 weeks of evidence! What??
The right of every American is to have a fair trial; Ted Stevens DID NOT get this, he deserves at least that! I would bet you my dividend check he is found NOT guilty on his appeal. BTW< I also do NOT want Palin in his job! Not all Alaskans are snowed by her fluffy/coached talk, and lack of....brains.
Yes, absolutely. What are the Alaskan people thinking? During the campaign, we were bombarded with the comment how Palin's approval rating was 80%. If almost 50% of those same people voted for a convicted felon, what does that say about their judgement? As far as I'm concerned the 80% just went down the tubes for me!!! Means nothing.
Yes! He should be expelled and so should the Bush administration. U mean to tell me u can get a goverment job with felonie!! Ready for CHANGE!
Jack,
Stevens has been an embarrassment for decades to anyone paying attention. Of course he should be expelled. It doesn't have to be the end of his political career though. He can run for Governor of Alaska as soon as Sarah Palin wins his Senate seat.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
If he wins, then Stevens should resign immediately and pave the way for his replacement. If he refuses to resign, then the Senate should expel him immediately. This was a felony, not a parking ticket.
As for the conviction, considering Stevens extreme age and years of service, Obama should pardon him as soon as he gets in office.
Shouldn't this be an issue for the voters to decide?
Yes, he should be expelled. We neither need or should tolerate a convicted fellon in the US Senate.
He should not be expelled.
If we can elect a president without a US Birth Certificate, we can let Stevens finish out his term.
Being a middle of the road Independent my thoughts are mixed. Stevens should be absolutely expelled immediately! He has committed a felony (7). But we just had a prez that committed perjury (a felony), was impeached, disbarred in his home state, and remained in office. What's up with that?
Yes. Seven felony convictions, why is even a question
Jack,
No. If the people of Alaska feel that a conficted felon is the best person to represent their needs, shouldn't they have him.
Of course-he's a convicted criminal!
amazing...Absolutely amazing...! he should do the right the thing and respectfully resign from any possible consideration!!!!! Wow, amazing!
Of coarse he should be expelled, kicked out, banned, and removed from the senate!! He is a convicted fellon, in the US, convicted fellons are stripped from their right to vote and this does not exclude him. He is voting for our countries future and if the other fellons can not vote why should he? That is a right you are given as a decent citizen and he has broke his trust with the American people and we no longer trust his judgement or his vote. He will no longer be able to vote for president or any other figure for our Country due to his convictions. He should be ashamed for his actions and step down.
Seattle, WA
The real question here is how could the people of Alaska give him this many votes to actually be in the running? Shame on the people of Alaska.
Don't expel him! As a Republican, he is in the minority, which bodes well for the Democrats. Considering his length of service as a Senator, his pension will be substantial. If he doesn't prevail with his appeals process, the country as a whole stands to save an enormous amount of cash. Also, he's poison on Capital Hill, which means that not even his peers will endorse anything he sponsors. The people of Alaska voted him in, so let them decide whether or not he should continue to represent them.
Jeff,
Massachusetts
Yes. Why should a CONVICTED FELON serve in our Senate? Why is this even a question? I am still in disbelief that the people of Alaska could actually go into that voting booth and vote for him. How disconnected can the people of Alaska be???
If Alaska were to reelect Stevens, it would send a sad message about
today's politics. A convicted felon would be allowed to serve his country and his state as a public official! Congress should oust him now and give the Republicans a speck of respectability.
Give Stevens the boot, and a lot of jail time. Or make him listen to Sarah Palin for a whole year. That should be punishment enough.
If that were me, I would lose my job and go directly to jail. Absolutely, He should lose his job at least.
Fellow Congressmen were quick to distance themselves from Mark Foley and Larry Craig but I suspect the foot dragging going on with Ted Stevens is indicative of how close to home his crimes were.
If the people of Alaska choose to put a convicted felon in the senate, then they should have that right. The senate has no business overruling what the people of Alaska want. Hopefully, he will lose his re-election bid, but if he should prevail then the senate should seat him.
Absolutely not. A felon is a felon and should resign immediately.