There was not enough evidence to convict him either way. With Senators, it's politics first, evidence be damned. With the 'NYT' and 'Franken' types', samething. They have the power to ruin anyone, and do. Good example is Dan Quayle.
They ruined Senator McCarthy (Wis)legacy as pointed out by Ann Coulter in her book. Again there, the Senators, played to politics and the power of the democratic media. Yet, there are many to this day that believe the thrash said about him.
Right now they are working over Bush, Mel Gibson, Ascroft etc. After all, it's been said politics is a blood sport. If we're not on our toes, they'll succeed.