Palin Reserved In Reaction To Stevens' Verdict

WASHINGTON — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who has crafted a corruption-busting image as part of her Republican vice presidential campaign, wasn't talking tough Monday after Sen. Ted Stevens was convicted in a corruption case.

Palin did not call on Stevens to resign or drop out of his tight re-election race.

"I'm confident Senator Stevens will do what's right for the people of Alaska," Palin said in a statement.

Just weeks ago, when John McCain tapped her to be his running mate, Republicans trumpeted her ability to stand up to her own party. They said that proved she could stand up in the face of crisis.

"If you can take on Ted Stevens and that crowd in Alaska, you can handle the Russians," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C, told ABC News.

But Monday, Palin wasn't taking on Stevens. She said it was a sad day for Alaska and said it highlighted the corrupting influence of Big Oil in Alaska.

Stevens was convicted of seven counts of lying about $250,000 in home improvements and other gifts from oil contractor Bill Allen.

"I will carefully monitor this situation and take any appropriate action as needed," Palin said. "In the meantime, I ask the people of Alaska to join me in respecting the workings of our judicial system."

Stevens has not said what he plans to do and Palin's reluctance to call on him to step down may reflect just how powerful the Alaska senator remains. He is still popular and could win re-election.

Comments

[PT6]

She can NOT raise the issue of being FOUND GUILTY!

Clearly Palin can NOT set a High Standard for Staying in Office!

Then she would also have to step down!

[SimonNZ]

One Bush pardon coming right up..................

[Emlyn]

And I wonder how many more Bush pardons will come forth before 20 January 2009?

[Vindictive502]

I always say that actions speak louder than words. McCain/Palin say that they will stand up to member of their own party. But their actions say otherwise. Senator Stevens was found guilty of accepting bribes from big oil companies. Instead of standing up to him and suggesting he resign, Gov. Palin is asking her supporters to "trust the judicial judicial system" Is she serious?? You have to wonder that if a senator in Illinois or Delaware had been found guilty of these same crimes, do you think Palin or McCain would be saying the same thing? Not at all. I agree with SUSANINCOLUMBIA: In Palin's world, it's only corrupt, illegal or unethical when a Democrat does it.

[LiberalBuzz]

The most amazing thing is that Stevens for all of his crookedness could STILL be elected. WHAT is wrong with voters in Alaska?

Between them and the voters of CT, ya gotta wonder why people keep voting in the people who keep kicking them in the head???

[cheerleaderBush]

Let's look at the scoreboard, Palin: 1) found to be guilty of corruption, 2) in lock-step with Stevens (convicted of corruption) and his cronies, 3) and husband ardent supporters of successionists, 4) Christian fundamentalist, 5) etc., etc.

Sounds like she meets the job description for a Republican politician... the only thing she's lacking is some sort of perversion charge related to a public restroom.

[rjbIowa]

So if he would happen to get re-elected, his case is upheld in appeals and he is thrown out of the Senate, could Palin appoint herself as his replacement or do they have to have an election? By keeping quiet is this her way of looking for that next step on the golden ladder?

[donttasemebro]

I would like to know whether she is planning on voting for or against Ted Stevens. If he wins and is forced to resign, she gets to appoint his succesor. Would she vote for a convicted felon for the sake of political expediency?

[fcsakes]

Why would one corrupt politician call for another corrupt politician to resign?

[2876]

I'll second that

[Toonadude]

Sarah:

If you loan Ted your sword make sure you get it back before November 4th.
You'll be needing it yourself.

[gwismyhero]

Throw the bums out...Palin, Steven, Bush, etc.
Man, I'm so sick of these money grubbing, cr00ked politicans. They complain about socialism and stealing from the rich to give to the poor while they rob us blindly and socialize wall street's losses. In the meantime, they convince us to fear the politicians that want to help the majority of us. Now I don't know that Obama will follow through with his promises, but it's better than giving the job to McCain who has PROVEN that he won't be helping the average American. If the man can't even help veterans, a group he supposedly advocates and fights for (take a good, hard look at his voting record), then why should I trust him?

We need to do some "autumn cleaning' and throw out every single member of congess who has had his/her own interests at heart rather than those of the American people. This means democrats and republicans.

[Squigibo]

What happened to being all Mavricky? First chance to show off her Maverick side and she pulls an utter FAIL.

"Sad for Alaska" go get em Sarah you tough talker. Go get some new shoes or something.

[BigHeadTodd]

Maybe Sarah can siphon off some of the Big Oil bucks from the shills who bankrolled Stevens and get herself and her growing family a really kick-your-you-know-what "RNC-owned" mansion built for her in Alaska.

[NJmikeV]

Palling around with felons.

[gwismyhero]

*Palin around with felons!

[truthyguy]

"I will carefully monitor this situation and take any appropriate action as needed," Palin said.

TRANSLATION: Let's kick the can down the road until after the election. If Stevens is defeated, then I will not have to make a decision. If he wins and the case is overturned, I will not have to make a decision. And if he wins reelection and the lower court decision is affirmed, he will automatically be thrown out, so I will not have to make a decision. In short, I will not have to make a decision, which is what I do best - and this suits me fine since I can then call on Stevens in the future for his support.

[boing007]

truthyguy

"I will carefully monitor this situation and take any appropriate action as needed," Palin said.

TRANSLATION: Let's kick the can down the road until after the election. If Stevens is defeated, then I will not have to make a decision. If he wins and the case is overturned, I will not have to make a decision. And if he wins reelection and the lower court decision is affirmed, he will automatically be thrown out, so I will not have to make a decision. In short, I will not have to make a decision, which is what I do best - and this suits me fine since I can then call on Stevens in the future for his support.

She's not a Maverick, she's devious.

[DavidK08]

Her statement said that this type of thing is what she was voted in to reform. And she is all but giving it the official "OK".