Republican Corruption Scandal
Engulfs Alaska

• Ted Stevens and others are under federal investigation
• Embattled and under an ethical cloud, Ted can’t deliver

Since the summer of 2006, Alaskans have been rocked by one of the biggest political earthquakes in state history. The Republican corruption scandal continues and threatens to bring down Ted Stevens and Don Young, among others known to be under federal investigation.

The corruption trial of former Alaska House Speaker Pete Kott, R-Eagle River, in September, 2007 implicated Ted Stevens, his son Ben Stevens, and Alaska Congressman Don Young. Kott was convicted in September of bribery, extortion and conspiracy.

The federal investigation has brought forth criminal confessions of bribery from a long-time close associate and business partner of Ted Stevens, former VECO executive Bill Allen. Allen admitted in federal court in Kott’s trial that VECO employees gave Ted Stevens free labor for his home remodel. Allen is one of the VECO officials who pled guilty to bribing Ted Stevens' son and other Alaska lawmakers.

New information about the scandal continues to emerge. News outlets across the country reported Sept. 21, 2007 that former VECO chief Bill Allen, cooperating with the FBI, secretly recorded phone conversations with Ted Stevens. A construction worker who oversaw the renovation of Stevens’ home said VECO also paid him to help run fundraisers for Stevens. [source: Associated Press, 9/21/07]

The flow of unsavory news is not likely to stop soon. Two other former Alaska lawmakers - Rep. Vic Kohring and Rep. Bruce Weyhrauch - await trial on corruption charges. Ted’s son Ben and others close to them are under federal investigation.

Another former Alaska legislator, Rep. Tom Anderson, has been convicted.

Meanwhile, the national earmark scandal, with Ted in the front row, has become a congressional symbol of shame. Ted Stevens has become, to his colleagues and to the nation, a symbol of waste and corruption.

The situation has gotten so bad that even prominent Republicans are calling on Ted Stevens to step down.

Embattled and under an ethical cloud, Ted can’t deliver. And Alaska suffers.

Republican leaders call on Stevens to step down

Fairbanks Republican lobs bomb at GOP leadership
Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Fairbanks, asked Sen. Ted Stevens to stop down and not seek reelection next year.

Gov. Palin says change in Alaska's Congressional leaders is inevitable Alaska must change its image to win trust of rest of United States.