conviction on 7 felony counts as election loomsfrom reuters: Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska was convicted of corruption on Monday [Oct27], a verdict that could endanger the Republican's political future and help Democrats expand control of the Senate in the November 4 election.
Stevens, 84, was convicted on all seven counts of lying on Senate disclosure forms by failing to report more than $250,000 in home renovations and other gifts from an oil executive.
Stevens vowed to return to Alaska on Wednesday and resume campaigning for re-election against his Democratic challenger, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. "I will fight this unjust verdict with every ounce of energy I have," he said in a blistering statement issued after the verdict.
"I ask that Alaskans and my Senate colleagues stand with me as I pursue my rights. I remain a candidate for the United States Senate."
The loss of Stevens' seat could help Democrats control 60 seats in the 100-seat chamber, enough to overcome potential Republican roadblocks.
The Senate could vote to expel a convicted felon with a two-thirds vote, but no action is expected before next week's election. Since 1789, the Senate has expelled only 15 members.
full list of charges & verdicts in stevens trial
sen. stevens found guilty of series of crimes
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