So what if the Stevens and Murkowski families treat Alaska and its resources like their own personal piggybank? If the people of Alaska don't mind getting fleeced by these crime families...they deserve exactly what they get. Knowing how naive and subservient the people of Alaska are, it's a sure bet even Tony Soprano could get elected there without Alaskans raising so much as a peep.

Stevens is just another greedy Republican that has been caught with his hand in the till. If we sit back and watch, the Republicans will be the cause of their own demise.

It is unfortunate that we have to face the fact that our Federal government is corrupt. Emperor Bush and the rest of his mafia are in it for $$ and not for the best interest of the people.

Mr. Jason Ryan needs to get his facts straight on the Bridge to Nowhere. The Knik Arm is a body of water, not a town where 50 people reside. The Knik Bridge would connect Anchorage, AK (pop. 260,283) to Wasilla, AK (pop. 8,471). Many of the people who live in Wasilla work in Anchorage, easily a 45-50 mile commute one way. I believe the bridge Mr. Ryan is referring to would be from Ketchikan, Alaska (pop. 14,500) to Gravina Island (pop. 50) and on the island is Ketchikan's airport, which has six passenger flights most days. And, it is Alaska's one lone (Republican) member of the the lower house of Congress, Representative Don Young who wants it built. Google it!

It couldn't have happened to a kinder, gentler, more compassionate conservative than Ted Stephens.

what a surprise! ....(yawn)...

Isn't this the guy who said the internet was a series of tubes?

What was that again the Republicans MOTTO, FAMILY VALUES Yeah sure.

I'm a republican, but this guy is a complete joke. He's the most corrupt and unapologetic greed man that I have ever known to walk the halls of congress. The rest of his pathetic life in jail wouldn't even be a start to what he deserves!

Another day another Republicrite.

Wag the dog. They are just trying to make Gonzales look sincere since he's in hot water over the firing of US Attorneys who did successfully prosecute Republicans. Unless Stevens is charged with a crime, this is a ruse.

What else is new???...99 percent of all these scum bags are on the take!!! well maybe 80 percent, and it doesn't matter who they are or what party dem or rep!

I'm a liberal. I've taken my cheap shots. I felt I had a right to take a few cheap shots hearing conservatives blame me for all the world's ills. I think Feinstein would be looked it to also. Her husband has made money and Feinstein is on the defense appropriation committee. Switching bandits isn't any solution.

Good, another Republican seat that will be lost come 2008. Finally, they are being caught and exposed for what they really are.

Ted Stevens is a decent family guy. Honest, hard working and honorable..That is why he continues to get re elected each year. so the bridge from Ketchakan to Gravina Island will serve only 50 people (less after the toursist season), maybe we could have given them a new boat each year, winters in Hawaii, free medical care to those who live there full time.
The auto dealers on Ketchakan do a thriving business, and you all wonder if ted doesn't take care of his flock by fleecing the taxpayers!!

I don't care what party a guilty person is with, if he is a crook take him down. Just like William Jefferson of Louisiana (another crook)

No wonder our country is going down the hills,i never knew that in china a represent of the country people will be zble to build a bridge for the convenience of 50 families!
is time to put in jail to this corrupts representants of our decadent socity.

((( GASP!))) Another GOP crook? Wow... this is NEWS! oh wait... strike that... this is DAILY news....

Another Republican oil crook
What a sham this is.
Vote the rest of these Republican perverts out of their money stealing offices!
I am,

George

Welcome to the Untited States of Special Interest!

Any questions???

OH Dear! Who did this guy tick off at the WHITEHOUSE? The OIL corporations? Geesh, bet he or his son and the corupt REPUBICRATS will never see the inside of a prison. Stripes are to busy clashes with the SUV's they drive. He'll get a communte so will his son. Another ruse by the BU$H administration to coral coruption and greed. (YAWN )Enron first there guys.

Same ole thing diffrent day.I want a piece of the pie too.I want to be bought out buy some big money.Maybe than Iwould'nt have to worry about losing my job and starving to death.

Corruption,Corruption, there is a bad apple in every branch; including the Democratic Party. Before you make that presidential vote in 2008, make sure your canidate is a person of action and not a talker.

Just think if he were rising dogs to fight he might see some time like Vick.

Stephen is that you?

Maybe I should send you a copy of my opening breif describing an ethics crisis involving Duncan, Renkes, Stevens, Veco, Adak Fisheries,etc.

What do you suppose is in store for the Alaska Dems?

Did anyone look in the freezer? Maybe Alaskan Republicans use the same hiding place the Louisiana Democrats use. ... . All politicians are subject to corruption, it’s too easy and too tempting. Those who don’t take bribes might own or have a past history with a company. Cheney, Hilary Clinton and Lyndon Johnson come to mind quickly. My mayor and sheriff take local bribes and I suspect one of my Arkansas senators gets money from Tyson. Jimmy Carter was the most honorable man to reside in the White House in my lifetime. Not a great president but he’s honest to core. A truly honorable man. The late Governor Huey Long of Louisiana ran on the platform of theft and corruption. He promised he would steal less than his opponent. He built roads, schools, and did more for the poor in his state than any governor in US history. Claimed he was stealing every day. ... . It’s not a question of who is corrupt and who isn’t. It’s a question of who gets more done for the people and who does more for themselves and their rich friends at the expense of the people. There is corruption on both sides of the aisle. The problem today is that we focus more on catching our politicians than looking at issues. I don’t take sides, I just call ‘em like I see ‘em.

It is a shame. Elderly people all over this country are wondering how to pay for medicine - food- gas and the people who are elected to represent us are wondering who they can squeeze to get their house remodeled. I am just a 45 year old cafeteria worker. Helping my mom pay bills while her spouse is dying of lung cancer and I still have a child in school. I am so grateful I have a 25,000 a year job and a husband to help.
Where is the justice in America?
And whatever really happens to the people who cheat the citizens they are supposed to represent?
Welcome to America-
Land of opportunity?

Prison! 20yrs hard labor for all involved in wasting my tax money. I didn't get any tax refund this year though I work a regular 9-5 job at less than 40K a year and I'm taxed at around 30% like every other shmoe but these super rich dirtbags sure know how to work the system. Now the treasury secretary wants to up the debt limit another 780 billion dollars! We need Ron Paul!!!

Eric...there's a senator from West Virginia that might disagree with you...last name of Byrd

Did anyone look in the freezer? Maybe Alaskan Republicans use the same hiding place the Louisiana Democrats use. ... . All politicians are subject to corruption, it’s too easy and too tempting. Those who don’t take bribes might own or have a past history with a company. Cheney, Hilary Clinton and Lyndon Johnson come to mind quickly. My mayor and sheriff take local bribes and I suspect one of my Arkansas senators gets money from Tyson. Jimmy Carter was the most honorable man to reside in the White House in my lifetime. Not a great president but he’s honest to core. A truly honorable man. The late Governor Huey Long of Louisiana ran on the platform of theft and corruption. He promised he would steal less than his opponent. He built roads, schools, and did more for the poor in his state than any governor in US history. Claimed he was stealing every day. ... . It’s not a question of who is corrupt and who isn’t. It’s a question of who gets more done for the people and who does more for themselves and their rich friends at the expense of the people. There is corruption on both sides of the aisle. The problem today is that we focus more on catching our politicians looking at issues. I don’t take sides, I just call ‘em like I see ‘em.

Wow, the book is thrown at him here at teh ultra-lib ABCNEWS. Innocent until proven guilty?? Not here......FBI raided his home because of his SON. He had HOUSEWORK DONE, which he said HE paid for out of his own pocket. Lets wait and see what happens, instead of raking him over the coals. Its not like he had money in the freeeeeeeezer

The problem of corruption is huge and it is not just Republicans. Democrats are just as bad. The new congress who was supposed to save the world from corruption is already refusing full disclosure. The system is broken.

Commute whatever sentence he will/should receive now! The Libby defense stratagem.

Well this comes as no surprise. I think if the FBI and IRS dig deep enough they may find this kind of arrangement between more of our political leaders and the oil industry. One could potentially argue that it could lead all the way up into the White House. Pure speculation on my part but not that far fetched. Now wouldn't that be a story...

Would be nice to see all the Rep vs Dem stuff stop. Just shows how the two parties have most people sucked in.

THERE ARE ALL CORRUPT! The Rep's and Dem's feed at the same trough.

HELP SAVE THE US... Never reelect an incumbent.

I'm surprised how much confidence Americans have in the power of vote. Basically as someone was saying here, you are just changing the crooks. There are crooks in both parties. Presidents of both parties lied. Both parties have corruption issues. Both parties went overboard in coming up with Patriot act and going to war with Iraq. Politicians on both sides are interested in making money first and serving people second. That said at this time I see more and more Republicans being corrupt and are liars, despite their Family values pitch. There are no good options. Good luck Americans!

This is NOT a Republican issue with corruption in the Government. There have actually been more Democrats charge with corruption then Republicans, but it is not the way the media reports about it. Please stop trying to make this a Partisan issue and report about all levels of it happening and maybe the public will wake up to it.

People it's time to get angry. You need to get all over your congressman about this. Congress can spend 350 million dollars of your money to build a bridge in Alaska for 50 people. And can spend 13 billion dollars a month on wars. But they cant spend a measly 10 billion dollars for one year to provide health care coverage for poor American children. The future of America.

You Know ????

Maybe it is time for term limits on Senators and Reps

Just another crooked rep who preaches one way and lives another

He didn't say he paid for the construction. He said in PURE Politico I paid every bill that was sent to me with our money. All of the bills were sent to VECO, checked and who knows which were sent to him from there. As far as this innocent until proven guilty. I am not a court of law. I don't ignore evidence, cute lawyer tricks don't work on me. Until I see evidence to prove he didn't do it. I have seen enough to think he did.

I wonder why Democrats are not given top headlines when they commit crimes. William Jefferson is STILL sitting in Congress and the Dems act like nothing happened.

The biggest gang I know is called the government.

Are you kidding me?! There are actually people out there in cyberland that think this is only a Republican problem? Let's not be so quick to hop on our morally superior Democrat horses here. This is not about partisan politics. It's about greed, that's it. This type of thing happens on BOTH sides of the isle. They are ALL crooks. Wake up.

Unfortunately, it appears that this is a Republican only problem. Since January 1, 2000 - Federal level and state governors, the count is Convicted: 102 Republicans. 1 Democrat Indicted: 5 Republicans. 1 Democrats
Confessed under grant of Immunity: 1 Republican. 0 Democrats. Under investigation: 21 Republicans. 1 Democrat. implicated: 75 Republicans. 0 Democrats
Total: 204 Republicans. 3 Democrats.

You all miss the point. If public officials have to accept bribes to expand their houses (or even just to send their kids to college in the case of Tom Ridge, the first Director of the Dept. of Homeland Security), they are obviously not being paid enough. Senators and Representatives make less than mid-level managers at most companies, even though they control trillion-dollar budgets. The naivety of the American public is costing us billions. Remember the Savings and Loan scandal? It cost each of us over $2,000., and was never investigated properly, because Congressmen of both parties relied on the S&L contributions. The cost of increased salaries would be a few bucks.

Corruption is everywhere nowadays republican democrat etc and it is a really sad fact that money is being wasted in cases that only benefit the crooks and corrupt. I am only 25 years old and these older "leaders" are supposed to be our examples of what we as Americans are supposed to strive to be. We really need to vote more often and vote in an educated way not just partisan.

I think, judging by the comments herein, that most people have finally figured out that our politicians are just like ordinary people. They get up in the morning and pull on their pants, one leg at a time, just like I do! They are also inclined to be greedy and materialistic.......just like me.....if I could! Thankfully, we live in a country that has a system in place that identifies this wrongdoing and punishes accordingly. Republicans, democrats, ordinary working class citizens, it makes no difference. Do the crime and you will do the time.

I love how the Democrats dog pile when it's a Republican in trouble and the Republicans do the same in return. How about if we do away with the party system and vote for the best person for the job. They would get a report card and if they aren't performing well, they get the boot. In any other job, if you have the chance of losing a gravy job, you tend to stay on your toes.

Isn't this the same guy that 'earmarked' millions of dollars to Alaska's "bridge to nowhere"?

It cost each of us over $2,000., and was never investigated properly, because Congressmen of both parties relied on the S&L contributions. The cost of increased salaries would be a few bucks..

Are you serious? What % of the time do
they spend working on their current salaries? Do you work for the Congress Union or something ? Please!

The Republicans are not the only politicians bought by big money, look at George Soros, his money only goes to libs.

Democrats or Republicans they are all corrupt. They are the haves and we are the not's. If we limit the terms these knuckleheads are in office and limit campaign funding then this problem would go away.

In 1776 we divested ourselves of duplicitous officials. Only to inaugurate the American Aristocracy. Once employed by government they,their relatives and their descendants never leave the public dole. Like hogs they swill and root for whatever they can get and true to swine nature digging finds them bathed in manure and dirt. Washington refused public office after three terms because he foresaw the creation of such an aristocracy. We are fed the myth of 'The American Dream' but in truth the minuscule successes of acquiring 'the dream' are flouted loudly to drown out the drone of those who have never known nor will ever know it's benefits.

First, if you walked into the Capitol Building in Washington, DC, while congress is in session, you could not sling a cat by the tail without hitting a crook. God Bless all those saintly Democrats in Washington. We all know they are 100% honest 100% of the time. NOT! Come on people.

Second, if 50 people get the benefit of $213,000,000, that's $4.62 Million per person. (Referring to the bridge in Alaska) Where's mine?

So well said, "r.dogood"

To all you people who keep saying Democrats are as bad as Republicans (you're obviously Republicans)...maybe you should go back and read John stickers post. FOR EVERY ONE CORRUPT DEMOCRAT THERE ARE SEVENTY CORRUPT REPUBLICANS. So...nope...Republicans are totally corrupt and the Democrats only slightly. Sorry to confuse you with facts.

How about giving a republican Administration, and a Republican attorney Generals office in bringing these corrupt Republican congressman to justice? Seems like Bush is deserving some credit here but that would be asking for fairness ,, too much to ask here I know :P

wilder5121, read Dick Morris' new book and then re figure your numbers. Congress is corrupt, party lines are irrelevant.

What? The former President Pro Tempore of the Senate is involved in scandal? How ironic...we are supposed to trust these people to investigate scandal in the executive branch? Go figure!

Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy.

What a creep.

I love hearing the right, the party of high moral values, try and justify the likes of Stevens by saying "your party is just as corrupt as ours". Nice logic. Tell these dolts you oppose abortion and they'll keep voting you back no matter how much you steal.

I love the F.B.I. Its time to take on the "Untouchables" Our country is to great to let a couple of punks destroy it.

Talk about bias, making a comment that Alaskan deserve this sort of skulduggery. Obviously people who would make this sort of inane statement have no idea about Alaskans. Remember this is the state that assisted the military to carve out a communications system for the Dew line, the early warning system. during WW2. And one citizens of one of the Aleutian chain Islands confronted an armed Japanese pilot whose plane was downed, to take over the village the Japanese pilot had tried to hold at gunpoint. Nothing stupid about Alaskans at all. I challenge this guy to take his big mouth to the far North country and see how he makes out in such extreme conditions. When he lives there for years and years and has no problems, then and only then does he have a right to criticize the wonderful people of Alaska

I am absolutely shocked.

Ealier a comment was made that Senator Stevens is Alaska's problem. It is this nations problem,for millions of dollars are wasted like the $200 million bridge to an Island with an population of 50. If we canceled all Senatorial earmarks, and applied it to health care for our citizens, then we would be better off.

People like Senator Byrd and Senator Stevens should stand trial for fleecing the American public, and made to pay every cent back due to their corruption.

Listening to all the comments,makes it enough to go throw up. When is the last time a President didn't lie, and when is it are job to police the world. We have problems of our own and they are being ignored, because as the Bush people say, it is not politically expedient, that is why 8 good attorneys for the justice department were fired.

How come the people see all this corruption, lies, and deceit, and the people we elected don't?

Please people proof read before you hit the send button. Some of you need some spelling lessons or something!!! and yes a crook is a crook no matter what party they belong to!!!!

Republicans need to stop pointing to that Democrat in Louisiana with the cold cash in his freezer when they want you to believe that "everyone does it". You KNOW if there truly are a lot of crooked Democrats out there that Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh would be blaring their names all over the airwaves, and they're not. Even Rush can't come up with anything significant, and he LIES!! (Remember libel, Rush).

All Republicans needs and atitude ajustment in the worst sort of way.... say Impeach Bush The "Decider: Impeach Cheney and throw all the Republicans in prison for a long stay, and take all their money and give it to the people who need it most the young people who need to be educated, elderly who are suffering and dying because of Bush and the Republicans policies for the last 15 years, the down trodden, the sick and ill in our social climate, and all others who have suffered at the hands of these elite rich fascist corrupt Republicans. They are all hypocrites, cheats, and unamerican to the bone. Most are nothing more than educated fools and lawbreakers. IMPEACH BUSH & CHENEY and throw the Republican out and sent them to Irag to walk the streets and then maybe they want want war no more. William in Alabama.

The amazing thing in Alaska is tha the Judges are in cahoots for these types of money crimes for the :major good ol boy system.: Take a look at all that donated to Stevens thru APOC and you will find an interesting list of those donating to the Stevens and the favors they have received. John Haxby is a great one Lists a $48,000 incoe but lies in a 400,000 house, drives Mercedes, has hotels on C Street that have special lease rates and zoning requirements. The system is sick and corrupt.

Please look up APOC, the Alaskan contributors for Ben and Ted Stevens and let the public know what you find. Alaska is the good ol' boy system where a man can donate, put his income at 60,000 and take advantage of women, children and the judicial system.

Please go through the Pete Kott case and look up people like the Haxby's and Tiger trust systems and report to Americans how rich men get away with lying.