I've been extremely critical for years of corrupt, incompetent Republican political leadership in Alaska. However, I have never included U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens in the corrupt circle. Now with his indictment certain individuals have already convicted our senator before he stands trial. The best example is the incompetent, Florida "Republican" attorney, Vic Vickers, who came north to "stop Alaska's corruption" and soundly lost to Stevens in Tuesday's Republican primary.
Vickers was "hitchhiking" to Alaska when America's finest young men were lost in combat in Southeast Asia. What a man! Stevens, from his time as a young WWII combat aviator, has given more personally and professionally to America and Alaska than any other resident of this state. Stevens is a man of honor, conviction and integrity. Carpet-bagging attacks on him are pure garbage.
And yet, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, Stevens's Democratic opponent in the general election, is now leading the charge against the senator based on the same strategy deployed by Vickers. Begich and Vickers have a unique bond: They are both unfit to serve Alaskans in the U.S. Senate.
Stevens has not been convicted of anything. Poor judgment and trust in his association with former VECO Chairman Bill Allen is Ted's only "grave" error. Stevens never needed Allen for his exceptional political success, a career that was founded in doing what is best for Alaskans, not himself.
But Begich, he says one thing to Alaska media and another to his Democratic East Coast supporters. The mayor has viciously, and very personally, attacked not only Stevens but his son, former state Senate President Ben Stevens. Begich's Washington, D.C., fund-raising is founded in personal attacks on both father and son.
Begich is playing "pretend politics" in Alaska. Why would Begich hold a press conference in front of the Federal Courthouse in Anchorage if his Democratic campaign team was not using Stevens's indictment for political attacks?
Perhaps Begich was celebrating the conviction of his close lobbyist friend. Yes, Mr. Begich's close friend, Bill Bobrick, the convicted felon lobbyist who cut a deal and cooperated with the Feds, just as Allen, Rick Smith and Jim Clark are doing right now. These individuals are bright enough to know their cooperation may spare them years in federal prison.
Begich should be very careful in his East Coast attacks on Alaska's senior senator. The mayor's past and ongoing conduct has, and is, being observed and evaluated by concerned individuals, particularly Alaskans who value truth and ethics in politics.
Begich must be held accountable for all Democratic attacks on Stevens.