Alaska's New Dem Senator: Don't Put Stevens In Jail

Politico:

Mark Begich, Alaska's incoming senator, knocked off Ted Stevens largely because of the senator's corruption conviction. But now Begich has a message for the judge in the Steven's trial: Don't throw Uncle Ted in jail.

While Begich stopped short of saying Stevens should be pardoned by President Bush, the mayor of Anchorage and soon-to-be senator said putting the 85-year-old in the slammer would be "wrong."

"I think for an 85-year-old man to serve time in jail, that's not the appropriate thing to do," Begich said in an interview with Politico. "There are some real bad characters in there. There are sex offenders and people convicted of doing some pretty terrible things.

Read the whole story: Politico

Comments

[jsgaetano]

If Stevens wants clemency, he needs to admit his wrongdoing, and give us the full story. And apologize.

He's done neither, so deserves nothing. This is SO Nixonian, it makes me want to puke.

[CR46]

Ted Stevens has shown no remorse over his illegal activities. Maybe if he had shown and admitted his wrong doing house arrest would be fine, but no one is ever parolled or given a lesser sentence without regretting their actions. By this standard alone Stevens should serve time. I wonder if Alaskans are just trying to sent a precident of no time served before Palin is convicted on like charges in the near future?!

[Village]

We like our political crooks to go to jail. Too bad we can't get Dick and W.

[ATruthBeKnown]

oh by the way, I'd want him to meet my best friend Bubba....

[ATruthBeKnown]

Putting him in jail would be wrong.

News Flash !!!!!! WRONG !!!!!

Send him to jail !!!!!!

[noralou]

so, because he is an old man he shouldn't go to prison because he might be harmed there? What about other non-violent offenders serving time and facing the dangers of prison? That is okay? He belongs in prison. That being said, our prison system is in need of a big change. No-one should face danger while in the government's custody, not just old white men.
Wake up America, we send in people who did non-violent offenses all the time. That doesn't mean that they should face the threats of sodomy and beatings while serving their time. We send in folks and they come out having learned (in self defense) that violence is the answer. Great job, justice system!

[1003]

It's ok when you are a crook in a suit, than a crook in sweat pant!

[rhubardpi]

What a shock......the new crook on the block wants a cushy break for the old crook on the block.

[Academic]

My sentiments entirely. What is this guy hiding? And why should some people be above the law. Seems to me they're all crooks together those who infest the Alaska political scene.

Professor Dr. Stanley Collymore.

[starfire426]

I'm certain there's a Wal-Mart somwhere in AK that's in dire need of a greeter this time of year OR the Salvation Army might just need an extra bell ringer!!!

[SoD1]

Those sort of arguments, are a cheap excuse, as there evidentially will come 'many' more.
If Stevens was not to old to be Senator, he is not to old to be in jail clearly! Punishment of Crime has NO upward Age restriction.
If someone murdered another person even at the age of 100,what would be unusual but still
she/he still would “deserve” the very same general punishment agreed on by LAW for every Adult.
Age is no excuse, neither is reputation nor "the good" he has done in his Past.
Otherwise, every one else "MIGHT" be able to commit a similar "crime" as Stevens and EXPECT
absolute the very same punishment from "Justicia", hm?!

[ddanimal]

The government doesnt seem to have a problem putting 80 year old medical marijuana users in jail. It doesnt seem to have a problem with mandatory minimum drug sentences, no matter how wacko they are. Politicians love to be "tough on crime" as long as the crime is not selling influence and poitical bribery. This bullshit makes me have little respect for the law, for the sick government we have been cursed with, and most of all, little respect for the arrogant, asinine politicians who make the decisions.

FU Begich. What you are really saying is that he shouldnt go to jail because he is a senator. This is a nation of laws, not men.

Stevens should go to jail, absolutely. He is a convicted felon. If you disagree, then change the law. Thats what people I know who have been convicted of crimes have been told.

[SoD1]

Crime has NO upward Age restriction. If some one murdered anther person at the age of 100,
she/he still deserves the very same general punishment agreed on by LAW.
Age is no excuse, neither is reputation nor "the good" he has done in his Past.
Otherwise, I "MIGHT" be able to commit a similar "crime" as Stevens and EXPECT
absolute the very same punishment from "Justicia", hm?!

[imsosure]

Not requiring him to be accountable is not going to improve anything, it'll be more of the same double standards and no very impressive at all of how our criminal justice system works or does not work I guess would be more appropriate in this case. Face it, the man is what he has been proven guilty of and that criminal label of felon has required repercussions, he ought to be held accountable just like all citizens who break the law should be. Not expecting him to due his time for his crime is not acceptable, it's that kind of thinking that has helped to topple our economy too. Enough already, how much more serious do things need to get before people will understand?

[DoctorWhoDat]

They could put him in a Under funded inner city convelescent home.

[Littlewords]

Well ok, make him give back his new found home, pay massive restitution (include future income sources generated from books, speaking, etc if he lacks the fines of several million), ban him from lobbying congress for anything ever, move him into a trailer, and give him 5 yrs of house arrest.

I'd be ok with that alternative to public jail/prison. The reality is he needs to pay for his crimes but it does not need to be stuff him into a prison. However money, luxury, and fun lifestyle need to be removed for an extended period of time from this corrupt and unrepentant politician.

Bush will likely pardon him anyway so this is all likely moot.