The 85-year-old Alaska Republican was convicted late last year on seven felony counts of lying on Senate financial disclosure forms to conceal hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts and home renovations from a businessman.
Stevens has appealed his conviction. Problems with the prosecution angered the judge and made it more difficult for the Justice Department to defend the conviction.
"I always knew that there would be a day when the cloud that surrounded me would be removed," Stevens said in a statement. "That day has finally come."
Justice officials filed papers Wednesday morning asking the judge to dismiss the indictment. If the judge agrees, Stevens' conviction would be vacated. CBS News Story
This whole thing seemed a little fishy from the beginning. There was a major rush to judgment to get him convicted before the election. Democrats pushed for a quick conviction and then got it. After he was out of the picture and they win the seat, the case is being reversed and the Justice Department is dropping all charges. Sounds like a win at all cost for the Democrats.
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she was happy with the news, but troubled by the implication.
"I was pleased with the news that the Justice Department will drop all charges against Senator Ted Stevens, but I am deeply disturbed that the government can ruin a man's career and then say 'never mind.' There is nothing that will ever compensate for the loss of his reputation or leadership to the State of Alaska," she said.
Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, who beat Stevens in the November election, released a statement saying the end to prosecution is "reasonable."
"I always said I didn't think Senator Stevens should serve time in jail and hopefully this decision ensures that is the case. It's time for Senator Stevens, his family and Alaskans to move on and put this behind us," the former Anchorage mayor said. - Fox News
1 comment:
the justice system is evidently more garbled than ever right now; they should simplify the law as much as possible for the sake of average people
Post a Comment