Senate Leaders Emphasize "Dignity of the United State Senate," "Public Trust" After Stevens Conviction

The Senate's leadership has weighed in on the conviction Monday of their colleague Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). The Democratic and Republican leaders are not calling for Stevens to resign, but they also are not encouraging him to stay.

Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) says Stevens should keep the dignity of his fellow senators in mind. "This verdict is a personal tragedy for our colleague Ted Stevens," Reid said in a statement, "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 State Senate."

A felony conviction does not disqualify someone from serving in the Senate, though pressure could intensify for the Senate to expel Stevens if he wins re-election next week and does not resign. The Senate has not expelled a member since the Civil War, according to the Senate's Web site, though the threat of expulsion has forced some members to resign, most recently Bob Packwood (R-Ore.) in 1995.

The office of Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) released this statement about Stevens: "This is a sad but serious day. Sen. Stevens was found guilty by a jury of his peers, and now must face the consequences of those actions. As a result of his conviction, Sen. Stevens will be held accountable so the public trust can be restored."

Comments

[Linder]

The Republicans in the Senate won't lose their filibuster ability if Stevens steps down. He will only step down if he wins the election, and his replacement will then be named by the Republican governor of Alaska pending a special election.

[JT]

In a perfect world, the Senator would step down, but this will be a true test of Republican principles. Will they allow the Senator to step down if it means they will lose their filibuster ability?