Posted on 11/02/2008 3:32:02 PM PST by pabianice
Reid Says Stevens Cannot Serve
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) was forced into the middle of Sen. Ted Stevens’ (R-Alaska) re-election bid late Saturday night after a senior Senate Democrat endorsed Stevens and called on voters to disregard his seven-count felony conviction.
In a bluntly worded release from his office, Reid warned that Stevens would not only face an ethics investigation but also expulsion proceedings regardless of his efforts to appeal the convictions.
Reid’s decision to jump into the Alaska Senate race with both feet marks the first time a leading national Democrat has explicitly warned that Stevens’ ouster from the Senate would be sought. GOP leaders including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) have already called for him to step down or face expulsion.
Reid also rebuffed comments made by Sen. Daniel Inouye (Hawaii), one of the chamber’s senior Democrats who had previously endorsed Stevens, and who has reaffirmed that sentiment since his conviction last month.
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.
But Reid rejected that reading of Senate history and chastised Stevens for using his friend in a political campaign.
“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.
“This is not a partisan issue and it is unfortunate that Senator Stevens has used his long time friendship with Senator Inouye for partisan political gain,” he added.
Stevens is locked in a tight race with Democratic Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.
THIS IS A GREAT REASON TO VOTE STEVENS!
Palin’s Pick will be next....
—and there is of course, the yet unconvicted Charles Rangel to be reckoned with-—
That should not be a bad thing - Alaska’s governor appoints a replacement to serve until the next congressional election, when they’d have a special election to complete the term... Sarah could appoint herself. :)
Reid, head of the Gestapo, threatens to get rid of his opposition
If the convictions aren't overturned a special election can be held.
This is a typical Democrat tactic, our guys have to resign, theirs never do.
Reid my lip's, no more political promises from democrats and all will be well.
Exactly what I was going to say. Stevens SHOULD be gone, but the Democrat eternal double standard never fails to demonstrate its unbridled arrogance.
Remember Congress is sworn in on January 3rd. The President is sworn in on the 20th. If McCain wins Palin could still act as governor until the 20th and pick a replacement and still be VP.
Well if a lying rapist can remain in the Office of the Presidency....I’d guess a convicted felon could also remain in office.
Why would she want that job in the new Senate after this election?
You are dead wrong on both counts. Sarah will be busy as VP and second, Alaska's governor does NOT appoint senate replacements. What gave you this idea?
Years and years ago, I remember being surprised that Washington State’s in-state tuition was $200 per quarter at UW. Then I learned about this and that expense, or lack thereof, business subsidies, contracts, etc.
It was because of Warren Magnusen. With his ouster, WA state lost lots and lots of money. I have always attributed Ted Swimmer’s reelection success to The Big Dig money for Massaschusetts.
Ted Stevens must be much the same, except for one thing....with Republicans, it’s about getting them out no matter what. Tom DeLay moved and isn’t just out of the spotlight; he’s out of politics. Newt Gingrich writes and is active on the sidelines, but he’s out of power. I have always thought DeLay’s case was a setup, pure and simple.
Harry Reid, on the other hand, can be part of bank failures and real estate corruption, but no one says boo. Pelosi’s husband can reap millions for solar energy and she can hold 10s of thousands in CLNE stock & options, but there’s no collusion against oil.
I do wonder how they keep travertine so clean in DC with all the crap that goes on.
Good. But while your at it Harry why not expel Senator Byrd, former KKK terrorist.
Stevens is scum but terrorism is worse than sticky fingers.
The First Dude might make a good Senator!
Don’t you get. Sarah gets to appoint (or the L.T) another Republican.
Kick Ted ‘the swimmer’ Kennedy out too, while you’re at it...
I won’t side with Steven’s HOWEVER, Reid, you twit, you cannot do that.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.