Verdict reactions
Published: October 27th, 2008 10:19 PM
Last Modified: October 28th, 2008 02:11 AM
“I am obviously disappointed in the verdict but not surprised given the repeated instances of prosecutorial misconduct in this case. ... I will fight this unjust verdict with every ounce of energy I have. I am innocent.”
-- Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens
“The verdict shines a light on the corrupting influence of the big oil service company that was allowed to control too much of our state. ... I’m confident Senator Stevens will do what is right for the people of Alaska.”
-- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin
“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.”
-- Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich
“A Republican before a D.C. jury is a terrifying thing. It’s more than guilt or innocence in that setting. They hate Republicans there. I think he’s still going to get elected. I think it’s going to be harder on Don Young than it is on Ted Stevens.”
-- Clem Tillion, former state Senate president and longtime Stevens friend
“Oh, he is guilty and it is time we change the face of Alaska’s politician. ... Shame, shame. Go down with the rest of them, I guess.”
-- Dave Thibault of Wasilla, a North Slope oil worker
“I’m deeply disappointed. It surprises me. I don’t think he had a jury of his peers. ... This is a trumped up charge. If you look at not reporting, supposedly gifts — he reported everything he got. I think it was wrong when they prosecuted him on this issue.”
-- Alaska Rep. Don Young
“Ted Stevens has done a tremendous amount for this state. His family has done a tremendous amount for this state. This is a day to think about him. Tomorrow we need to think about where Alaska is going to go and how best to get there. ... For someone who’s given 40 years of service, this is a terrible way to be summed up. He’s much more than this ... set of convictions.”
-- Ethan Berkowitz, former member of the state House and challenging Don Young for his seat in the U.S. House
“I’m actually kind of glad they convicted him because it serves him right. ... I was not planning to vote for him, so I’m kind of excited now.”
-- Clarice Hardy, who works at a Dimond Mall kiosk
“Ted has asked for Alaskans and his Senate colleagues to stand with him as he pursues his legal rights. He stood with Alaskans for 40 years, and I plan to continue to stand with him.”
-- Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski
“This verdict is a personal tragedy for our colleague Ted Stevens, but it is an important reminder that no man is above the law. Senator Stevens must now respect the outcome of the judicial process and the dignity of the United States Senate.”
-- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
“This is a sad day for the United States Senate. Ted Stevens served his constituents for over 40 years and I am disappointed to see his career end in disgrace. Sen. Stevens had his day in court and the jury found he violated the public’s trust — as a result he is properly being held accountable. This is a reminder that no one is above the law.”
-- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
“ It doesn’t change my opinion of him. I still have a lot of respect for what he’s done for the state.”
-- Marty King, who was pushing a cart of maintenance supplies at Dimond Center
“Senator Stevens’ felony convictions are very serious and he should immediately resign from the United States Senate. He knew what he was doing was wrong, but he did it anyway and lied to Alaskans about it.”
-- Patti Higgins, chair of the Alaska Democratic Party
“We need to continue to support Sen. Stevens. We need to vote for him because a vote for him is a vote for a conservative candidate, a Republican who best represents the interests and beliefs of Alaskans. ... We don’t know what happens in the future. But if you don’t want Mark Begich, you vote for Ted Stevens.”
-- McHugh Pierre, spokesman for the Alaska Republican Party.
“This has been a long and hard fought trial. ... This investigation continues, as does our commitment to holding elected officials accountable when they violate our laws.”
-- Matthew Friedrich, head of the Justice Department’s criminal division
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