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

[Alaskan99577]

Of course she's not asking him to step down. She's going to be a full-time governor in Alaska in a week and it is political suicide to speak out against Stevens in this state.

[Speakupper]

Perhaps she is reluctant to call for his resignation because her own ties to this crowd have not yet come to light. I suspect the other shoe that's waiting to drop is not a Jimmy Choo.

[pineapplegal]

Course not - she'd have to heed her own advice when Troopergate hands her their verdict. Abuses of power in every part of the Republican camp.

[girlak]

Don't forget, the people who are investigating Troopergate are her employees.

[ddemos]

The lovely Elizabeth Hasslebeck said today that Palin was calling her shoes 'Johnny' Choo. How quaint...o­r disingenuo­us...

[Perry Clease]

Supposing he doesn't drop out of the Senate race. Can any Alaskans comment on his chances of being reelected, is there a strong contender?

[proggirl]

Doesn't matter. There was a California senator about to be indicted for murder a few years ago. IIRC, he was re-elected.
Corrections welcome.
the point is that once you're a sitting Senator, you have more than a 90% chance of re-election.

[janinei]

huh?? link please????

[Alaskan99577]

Begich is a very strong contender and even a few points ahead right now. But don't forget, we are the "pork state" and the idea of our Senator taking gifts in return for all of the "gifts" that he has funneled our way isn't necessarily something that we are going to think is all that wrong. We are the ones who sent you Sarah Palin... Ethics aren't that high on our priority list.

[jlarue]

Youngish former mayor of Anchorage named Mark Begich....­..he is about even in polls I think but with some help he could win. But Stevens is really powerful..­....brings home lots of pork to Alaskans..­.you can donate to him on that web site the is trying to turn states blue.....I would not be surprised if the hicks of Alaska did not re elect him. It is all about oil up there and Ted is in bed with big oil.

[Alaskan99577]

Current. Begich is the current mayor of Anchorage.

[Ohg]

We remember back when a Congressman here in Missouri got himself killed in a plane crash. The Governor was of the other Party and appointed someone of his own - That Governor is now a Senator. Party allegiance can pay off. But we think we will vote for obama anyway. ..........­..........

http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/10/26/missourians-for-obama/

[peacegurl48]

More Palin hypocrisy.

How could Palin call on him to resign when she's been found guilty of abuse of power and violation of ethics?

[HOPE/CHANGE]

Disgusting­...