The Other Alaskan: Ted Stevens Convicted of All Charges

Talking Points Memo reports that Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) was convicted today of making false statements on Senate financial documents and engaging in a scheme to conceal over $250,000 of home renovations and other gifts, which he received from William Allen, former CEO of the now defunct Veco Corporation, an Alaska-based oil pipeline service and construction company. Among the cozy amenities provided gratis by Mr. Allen were a new deck, garage, and Viking grill; information which Stevens, who maintains his innocence, failed to disclose to the Senate. The conviction comes one week before Stevens' bid for re-election against Democratic Anchorage mayor Mark Begich.

Even if corruption is to the District what your mother is to Thanksgiving dinner, presiding over the ceremonies and making sure everyone lucky enough to make it to the table has gotten his plateful, the last person to be charged with a felony while serving in the Senate was convicted twenty seven years ago, in 1981. Thus today's historic verdict, coupled with an election that pundits are calling "the most important of a lifetime" naturally presents the question of whether Governor Palin will put a definitive end to associations of her name with Stevens' (he endorsed her), or if she will stand by her state.

So far, she isn't talking.

But In case you can't read the sweatshirt, it says "Alaska Grown."

For a timeline of the Ted Stevens indictment, trial, and conviction, click here. You can read a description of each of the senator's seven charges and verdict here.