Convicted, defeated, Alaska's Sen. Ted Stevens yields the floor after 40 years

Alaska's long-serving raker-in of federal money narrowly lost his bid for a seventh term in the U.S. Senate this week, after losing his bid to defend himself against seven federal felony corruption counts in a trial this fall.

So today the 85-year-old Ted Stevens made his farewell speech to the exclusive club of 100 where he has served since 1968. (Watch video below.) He sounded mildly defiant, saying he was sure his name would be eventually cleared and that God would give him a new way to serve.

He said his motto had always been: "To hell with politics. Just do what's right for Alaska." He said he would pray for the success of his successor, Democratic Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.

And Stevens asked God to bless Gov. Sarah Palin, President George W. Bush and every member of the Senate. (No mention of the House.)

He got a standing ovation. See news video below.

-- Andrew Malcolm

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Comments

[Frank Smith]

Stevens was only tried for those offenses that could be adjudicated in Washington, D.C. He retained enough support, particularly with religious conservatives, that a conviction would have been unlikely in Alaska. However he and his son were engaged in far more criminality than has been prosecuted. His son should be indicted in the near future.

Stevens was a Harvard Law graduate. He ran in a state where Republicans outnumber Democrat registrants five to three. He was beaten by the very competent mayor of Anchorage, Alaska, a high school graduate without a college degree.

[Michael Mortimer]

Well, I no longer care what happens to him on the criminal case. I was only concerned that if the Senate expelled him that that whack job Palin might run for and win his Senate seat.

Since Begich won, that made my concerns vanish.

If Stevens wins a new trial: I don't care.

If Stevens' conviction stands and he gets probation ONLY: I don't care.

If Stevens simply fades away: I don't care.

Is Stevens get away with other crimes? I don't care.