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What to do About Ted Stevens?

Former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens (R) was convicted of corruption just 41 days before his failed re-election bid after being in the Senate more than 40 years, having been there longer than any other Republican Senator at the time. He was convicted of concealing gifts he had allegedly received in the form of free or very cheap home improvements worth several hundred thousand dollars. He had an answer for everything. One “gift” was actually a loan. He assumed his wife had paid for another. Another item he claims was donated to his foundation, though it was unclear why it was at his house.

However, the zealous prosecutors messed up. They failed to disclose that a key witness gave a second interview with them which contradicted some of what he later said in court. Oops. It took an FBI agent to blow the whistle on these guys, and the judge has held them in contempt. Oh yeah, there was also an alleged “inappropriate relationship” between a star witness and one of the FBI guys.

Now Stevens is going back to court and has moved for his conviction to be thrown out. Will that likely happen? Yes. Does that mean he is innocent? Probably not. But all reasonable doubt has to be removed for a criminal conviction, and this contradiction from a key witness seems to be enough to create reasonable doubt. Now the bigger question. Some are suggesting they should “redo” the election and give him another chance. That’s about as likely as Sarah Palin not running for President…