STEVENS GUILTY!!!
Hello, everybody. When you pick up the papers here in Alaska first thing tomorrow morning, those two words above will be the banner headline, as U.S. Senator Ted Stevens was found guilty today on all seven counts of corruption charges.
But as he immediately stated, "I will fight this unjust verdict with every ounce of energy I have." And with the election now a week away, this could be one last chance to redeem himself as Democrat Mark Begich has been doing everything in his power to dethrone him. Speaking of which, he had something to say about the Stevens verdict: "This past year has been a difficult time for Alaskans, but our people are strong and resilient and I believe that we will be able to move forward together to address the critical challenges that face Alaska."
Don't expect Begich to break out the bubbly just yet, because Stevens may have enough energy in his 84-year-old body to be re-elected. But like I said almost three years ago when I commented about the no-confidence vote the Canadian Parliament had that forced then-Prime Minister Paul Martin to call an election for January 2006 (which led to the Conservative Party taking minor power), many Alaskans have had no confidence at all in Stevens and probably Don Young.
Sure, Ted Stevens may be found guilty and won't face any jail time, but the ultimate test for him will be next Tuesday when we and the rest of America head to the polls. And if Stevens does happen to win, it would take only a two-thirds vote by the Senate to throw him out and put Begich in. Maybe they could follow the beauty pageant rule that if for any reason the winner couldn't fulfill the duties during his or her reign, then the first runner-up takes the title.
Now with one week to go, Barack Obama and John McCain are at the final stretch. And now comes what appears to be very bad news for McCain: First, "The View's" Elisabeth Hasselbeck made some very scathing remarks on Sarah Michelle Palin's $150,000 wardrobe bill at a campaign rally in Florida. And secondly, believe it or not, the "Anchorage Daily News" has had enough of kissing Palin's ass and is endorsing Obama!!! The latter alone -- even though McCain will easily win Alaska -- could pretty much give Obama the edge.
Meanwhile, Obama rented out a prime spot in Chicago for what could be his victory (or concession) speech next Tuesday night: Grant Park, where events over the years ranging from visits by Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II among others have drawn upwards of 250,000 people. The election night rally may pack in 75,000, perhaps even more; can you say 100,000?
McCain will be home in Phoenix and the Biltmore Hotel where he may be given the last rites of his campaign. And Palin will be back home in Alaska; dunno if she'll be either in Anchorage or Juneau crossing her fingers.
Whichever way goes, one of those two men will be given the ultimate promotion after next Tuesday. So long and stay strong.
Hello, everybody. When you pick up the papers here in Alaska first thing tomorrow morning, those two words above will be the banner headline, as U.S. Senator Ted Stevens was found guilty today on all seven counts of corruption charges.
But as he immediately stated, "I will fight this unjust verdict with every ounce of energy I have." And with the election now a week away, this could be one last chance to redeem himself as Democrat Mark Begich has been doing everything in his power to dethrone him. Speaking of which, he had something to say about the Stevens verdict: "This past year has been a difficult time for Alaskans, but our people are strong and resilient and I believe that we will be able to move forward together to address the critical challenges that face Alaska."
Don't expect Begich to break out the bubbly just yet, because Stevens may have enough energy in his 84-year-old body to be re-elected. But like I said almost three years ago when I commented about the no-confidence vote the Canadian Parliament had that forced then-Prime Minister Paul Martin to call an election for January 2006 (which led to the Conservative Party taking minor power), many Alaskans have had no confidence at all in Stevens and probably Don Young.
Sure, Ted Stevens may be found guilty and won't face any jail time, but the ultimate test for him will be next Tuesday when we and the rest of America head to the polls. And if Stevens does happen to win, it would take only a two-thirds vote by the Senate to throw him out and put Begich in. Maybe they could follow the beauty pageant rule that if for any reason the winner couldn't fulfill the duties during his or her reign, then the first runner-up takes the title.
Now with one week to go, Barack Obama and John McCain are at the final stretch. And now comes what appears to be very bad news for McCain: First, "The View's" Elisabeth Hasselbeck made some very scathing remarks on Sarah Michelle Palin's $150,000 wardrobe bill at a campaign rally in Florida. And secondly, believe it or not, the "Anchorage Daily News" has had enough of kissing Palin's ass and is endorsing Obama!!! The latter alone -- even though McCain will easily win Alaska -- could pretty much give Obama the edge.
Meanwhile, Obama rented out a prime spot in Chicago for what could be his victory (or concession) speech next Tuesday night: Grant Park, where events over the years ranging from visits by Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II among others have drawn upwards of 250,000 people. The election night rally may pack in 75,000, perhaps even more; can you say 100,000?
McCain will be home in Phoenix and the Biltmore Hotel where he may be given the last rites of his campaign. And Palin will be back home in Alaska; dunno if she'll be either in Anchorage or Juneau crossing her fingers.
Whichever way goes, one of those two men will be given the ultimate promotion after next Tuesday. So long and stay strong.
