Stupid Politicians-Justice Department indicts Sen. Ted Stevens

Stupid Politicians-Justice Department indicts Sen. Ted Stevens

NBC News
updated 14 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - U.S. officials say the Justice Department has indicted Alaska Senator Ted Stevens on charges related to a long-running investigation of business dealings in Alaska.

Stevens, who has served in the U.S. Senate for 40 years, is up for re-election this year, and Democrats view his seat as one of their top pick-up opportunities.

His Democratic challenger is Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.


However, before the general election, Stevens must survive a GOP primary that occurs on August 26.

The Cook Political Report labels the Alaska Senate race as a "toss up."

Seven other Alaska politicians had previously been indicted in the FBI’s long-running investigation of political corruption, including state Sen. John Cowdery, chairman of the influential Legislative Council Committee. Cowdery resigned last week.

Stevens acknowledged in June 2007 that he was under investigation.

A month later, FBI agents raided his house in Girdwood, a suburb of Anchorage, after a wealthy Alaska businessman told prosecutors that he paid his employees to renovate the house.

Stevens has denied any wrongdoing. He announced last week that he would not attend next month’s Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

NBC affiliate KTUU of Anchorage contributed to this report.