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Begich To Alaska GOP: Yeah, Right!
We told you how the Alaska Republican party earlier today reacted to the news that the Justice Department is dropping the charges against Ted Stevens by absurdly calling for the resignation of Sen. Mark Begich, the Democrat who beat Stevens last fall.
Well, now Begich has put out a statement in response:
I got into the Senate race long before Senator Stevens' legal troubles began because Alaskans were looking for a change and a senator as independent as Alaska. Today, with our country in a severe recession, it's more important than ever that we have a senator focused on fixing our economy so Alaskans have the jobs they need to support their families. That is my job in the Senate, and I'm honored to serve Alaskans for the next six years.
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Josh
Zachary
Well, that's a pretty milquetoast statement. Just say he was clearly guilty and got off only because the Bush DOJ handled the prosecution with it's usual attention to the law.
April 2, 2009 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly, a procedural defect in the prosecution DOES NOT mean the defendant is innocent of any wrongdoing.
Republicans can be breathtakingly ignorant.
April 2, 2009 7:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wrong word. Breathtakingly arrogant. As well as self-centered, egotistical and self-righteous.
C
April 3, 2009 12:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
True. But isn't Begich saying he's 'above all that'. Or at least, it's irrelevant. Stephens' legal troubles didn't effect the procedural legitimacy of the election. He's got the correct tone for the high ground.
If an election were held as soon as they could make it happen, Begich would wipe the floor with him. Stephens is dirty and he stinks.
April 2, 2009 8:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Begich is wise to focus on the fact that his service as a Senator is the legitimate result of a fair election.
Stevens doesn't get a do-over because the DOJ mishandled his case. And Begich's ability to serve is not dependent on Stevens' legal status. It would be foolish of Begich to link his service to Stevens and his problems.
April 3, 2009 10:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
Precisely. Making it about the case at all is taking the bait. In reality this is just of a piece with national GOP sore-loserism and whining.
Here's the statement I would make. "There was an election. I won. Get the fuck over it and go away; I've got actual work to do."
Begich came reasonably close to that.
April 3, 2009 12:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
That also applies to Ted Stevens. Pardon my v/ph error.
April 2, 2009 9:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Begich can afford to take the high road. If the GOP thought they had a legal leg to stand on they'd be filing suit to get a new election. He's got six years for everybody to forget Stevens.
April 3, 2009 9:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
yes, exactly. There was no misconduct in the election, so there is no way they can force Begich to step down, it's just smoke. So Begich doesn't have to stoop to responding to them, all he has to do is laugh at their call for him to resign. It would be different if his own party was asking for his resignation on the basis of his own misconduct.
April 3, 2009 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm waiting for John Cornyn to threaten "World War III" if Alaska doesn't hold a new election. It should speak volumes if the idea is too stupid for even Cornyn to cheer for it.
April 3, 2009 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Let them call for Rove testify openly under-oath....
April 3, 2009 11:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Republicans have no sense of proportion, no ethical sensibilities, and no sense of shame. Which is more absurd, the call for a do-over after Stevens lucked out of his felony convictions, or Karl Rove decrying President Obama for being "political". Even after all these years, it's amazing and breathtaking.
April 3, 2009 12:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Well, that's a pretty milquetoast statement."
Not really. His statement was actually a very polite and eloquent way to say to Gov. Palin and the Alaska GOP:
"Resign? Kiss my ass!"
April 3, 2009 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Shades of Ollie North.
April 3, 2009 1:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
As long as we're all moving to fantasy island territory, I'd like a do-over on the 2000 presidential election.
April 3, 2009 2:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Chock-Full-O-Nuts!!
April 3, 2009 2:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, let's do over 2000 now that we know for sure that Al Gore never said he invented the internet - and that he realy was Erich Segal's model for Oliver in "Love Story." .
April 3, 2009 2:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
As usual, republican liars are trying to hoodwink the public into believing in something ridiculous. The Dem won, it's over, go away !!!
April 4, 2009 10:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
OK, before anyone accuses me of being a troll please look at my previous posts.
I think the Repubs have a valid complaint here. Not that it will do them any good, mind you. But, as we all know, the Justice Dept handbook clearly states: no prosecution shall be undertaken immediately prior to an election if it is reasonably assured to have an effect on that election.
Plain and simple. He was indicted in July and the election was in Nov. Unless there is a specific time period spelled out in the handbook (which I don't think there is) and the indictment was outside that time period, then Repubs have a legitimate claim.
Remember folks, we're the ones that believe in the rule of law. ;-)
April 4, 2009 7:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let me clarify: They have a legitimate claim to be pissed off... not to have a do-over. The election is done... So sorry... Go home.
April 4, 2009 7:10 PM | Reply | Permalink