# Is Ted Stevens toast? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 21, 2008, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851 "2008-10-21T03:17:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/121 "2008-11-01T16:36:29Z")
The jury declared him guilty. That much is known. ---
**Author:** ![askeptic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@askeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askeptic)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/122 "2008-11-01T16:43:06Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > The jury declared him guilty. That much is known. That is a verdict, not a conviction. Many things could happen between verdict and judgment not that I think or hope they will, just sayin’. For instance a judge can disregard a guilty verdict (but not a not guilty verdict) and enter a Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict. In that case there would be a guilty verdict but no conviction. Full disclosure: I am a registered Democrat, I have been canvasing for Obama, I hope Stevens gets bounced by Alaskan’s I am just clarifying a few points. ---
**Author:** ![Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/123 "2008-11-01T16:59:53Z")
> [@Tuckerfan](#): > > [Ted Stevens and Sarah Palin to get new show on Fox.](http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/political-pictures-ted-stevens-sarah-palin-prison-break.jpg)😉 I was thinking more like “This Old House.” ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/124 "2008-11-01T17:18:17Z")
> [@Fish](#): > > I was thinking more like “This Old House.” More like “This Bighouse”. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/125 "2008-11-01T18:28:36Z")
Latest poll had Stevens at 38% on Electoral-Vote today. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/126 "2008-11-02T16:10:20Z")
> [@E-Sabbath](#): > > Latest poll had Stevens at 38% on Electoral-Vote today. He is now claiming that not a single Republican voter has changed his mind. Ted, meet me on camera 3. Look, ol’ hoss: You had a really good run. You brought bundles of cash to a state that desperately needed it at the time. Your reputation as someone who cared about Alaskans is intact. But this delusion that you are going to be able to continue to function in the Senate is just pathetic. Hell, your delusion that you’ll win the seat again is just bizarre. Do you want to be remembered as that lion who took on all comers and brought home the goods for your state; or as just another criminal thrown out of the Senate (should you somehow pull of an election day miracle), discarded like an old shoe? How effective do you think you’re going to be, even if you survive a Senate vote? How much time are you going to have to devote to your constituents when you’re spending all your time and energy to stay out of a federal pound-you-in-the-ass prison? If we promise to keep your name on the airport, will you give up this nonsense? Look, it’s doubtful they’ll send you to jail, so why not spend your dotage dandling your grandkids on your knee and basking in your accomplishments, instead of being just a punchline for the late-night comedians? No? Well, okay, but I tried to talk sense to you. Bend over. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/127 "2008-11-02T17:55:07Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > No? Well, okay, but I tried to talk sense to you. Bend over. Dude! Even _ **I** _ wouldn’t tap that ass! Ewwww… ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/128 "2008-11-02T18:01:51Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > He is now claiming that not a single Republican voter has changed his mind. It’d be sweet if that were true. Does he also accept the corollary that Alaska is far less red than anyone has heretofore imagined? ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/129 "2008-11-02T18:19:14Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > He is now claiming that not a single Republican voter has changed his mind. Ted, meet me on camera 3. > > Look, ol’ hoss: You had a really good run. You brought bundles of cash to a state that desperately needed it at the time. Your reputation as someone who cared about Alaskans is intact. But this delusion that you are going to be able to continue to function in the Senate is just pathetic. Hell, your delusion that you’ll win the seat again is just bizarre. Do you want to be remembered as that lion who took on all comers and brought home the goods for your state; or as just another criminal thrown out of the Senate (should you somehow pull of an election day miracle), discarded like an old shoe? > > How effective do you think you’re going to be, even if you survive a Senate vote? How much time are you going to have to devote to your constituents when you’re spending all your time and energy to stay out of a federal pound-you-in-the-ass prison? If we promise to keep your name on the airport, will you give up this nonsense? Look, it’s doubtful they’ll send you to jail, so why not spend your dotage dandling your grandkids on your knee and basking in your accomplishments, instead of being just a punchline for the late-night comedians? > > No? Well, okay, but I tried to talk sense to you. Bend over. He did not take on all comers. he took all comers, for all he could get. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/130 "2008-11-02T18:46:09Z")
> [@Squink](#): > > It’d be sweet if that were true. Does he also accept the corollary that Alaska is far less red than anyone has heretofore imagined? I’d say it’s pretty damn red. The only reason that the Senate seat and the Rep seat are looking to go blue is because both incumbents are having legal problems and managed to remain on the ballot against strong contenders with records of decency. If some other pubbie was on the ballot, I wouldn’t give either of them a chance in hell of winning. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/131 "2008-11-02T19:26:52Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I’d say it’s pretty damn red. The only reason that the Senate seat and the Rep seat are looking to go blue is because both incumbents are having legal problems and managed to remain on the ballot against strong contenders with records of decency. If some other pubbie was on the ballot, I wouldn’t give either of them a chance in hell of winning. McCain is heading to win Alaska by less than Bush or Dole did in the last 12 years, though. Doesn’t that indicate something? ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Dave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/46a35a/32.png) [@Great\_Dave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Dave)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/132 "2008-11-02T19:57:42Z")
> [@guizot](#): > > I wonder how much that is per person compared to other states. And maybe I’d wonder how much that is when combined with all the money Alaskan citizens get from the oil companies’ profits. I don’t know what it is per person, but Alaska gets $1.84 back for every buck in federal taxes paid. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/133 "2008-11-02T20:27:15Z")
> [@Captain\_Carrot](#): > > McCain is heading to win Alaska by less than Bush or Dole did in the last 12 years, though. Doesn’t that indicate something? It’s probably an indication of the dissatisfaction with Bush policies and the economic downturn. I suppose it’s possible that Obama could have made a good showing here if Palin wasn’t on the ticket. Still, I don’t believe the state is going to turn back to Democrat in my lifetime, despite the ubiquitous latte stands in Anchorage. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/134 "2008-11-02T21:06:50Z")
So, tell me if I have these options right, and if I’m missing any: 1. He stays on the ballot and loses. The Dems get a Senate seat for the next six years (my personal preference). 2. He stays on the ballot and wins. Withinh a few months, he is expelled and there is special election, and the Pubs probably hold the seat. 3. He resigns today… I’m thinking this would mean the election goes ahead, with his name still on the ballot. I imagine it’s too late to remove him from it. So, aren’t options 1 or 2 still operative in this case? Does it even matter if he resigns today, except for whatever voting he could conceivably do between now and January? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/135 "2008-11-02T21:20:27Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > I’m thinking this would mean the election goes ahead, with his name still on the ballot. I imagine it’s too late to remove him from it. So, aren’t options 1 or 2 still operative in this case? Does it even matter if he resigns today, except for whatever voting he could conceivably do between now and January? I would think it just means the Republicans are not contesting the seat. Resigning now should not deprive the voters of their right to vote on the office as prescribed by law. ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/136 "2008-11-02T21:25:08Z")
[Reid to Stevens: You’re not welcome to serve in the Senate.](http://www.rollcall.com/news/29690-1.html) > [@](#): > > “While I respect the opinion of Senator Daniel Inouye, the reality is that a convicted felon is not going to be able to serve in the United States Senate. And as precedent shows us, Senator Stevens will face an ethics committee investigation and expulsion, regardless of his appeals process,” Reid said. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/137 "2008-11-02T21:25:24Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > I would think it just means the Republicans are not contesting the seat. Resigning now should not deprive the voters of their right to vote on the office as prescribed by law. But Stevens name will still be on the ballot. If he resigns Monday and is elected Tuesday, what happens? Does he have to resign again? ---
**Author:** ![askeptic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@askeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askeptic)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/138 "2008-11-02T22:51:35Z")
What the holy everlovin fuck? Hawaii needs to get a new senator. When the Democrats are poised to possibly capture the all important 60 seat majority in the senate, the democratic senator from Hawaii endorses Ted Stevens. > [@](#): > > In a statement released by the Stevens campaign, Inouye argues that his longtime friend will be seated as a Member of the Senate next year if re-elected and that he believes the felony convictions will be overturned. > > “As the Senate has done in every other instance in its long 220-year history, I am absolutely confident that Ted Stevens will be sworn into the Senate while he appeals this unjust verdict, I am certain that this decision in Washington, D.C., will be overturned on appeal,” Inouye said. A big FUCK YOU to Inouye. For Obama to have any chance of cleaning up the mess left by the Republicans he must have 60 Dems in the senate or else the Reps will clog all legislation like a giant turd in a small toilet or they will use their ability to filibuster as a tool to extract pork the likes of which we have never seen… ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2008, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/139 "2008-11-02T23:58:10Z")
Senators take care of themselves. It is a old boys club. They have served together for many years. ---
**Author:** ![askeptic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@askeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askeptic)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2008, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851/140 "2008-11-03T00:07:36Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > Senators take care of themselves. It is a old boys club. They have served together for many years. Apparently [Harry Reid](http://www.rollcall.com/news/29690-1.html) didn’t get that memo… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ted-stevens-toast/468851.md?page=8)