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Originally Posted by dannyboy  She was only indicted on Tuesday, 10/28, so it's not like she hung on to any grand plan to try to hold on to her seat for long. She also was pressured out by fellow Massachusetts Democrats, who thankfully don't want her as part of the party ticket. Condemnation came swiftly and surely.
That does stand in contrast to Stevens, who received his party's endorsement when under indictment, and continues to hold on to his seat and try to be re-elected even after his conviction in a jury trial. |
Yes. . .the state Demsocrats and the state Republicans asked her to step down and end her campaign. But it is my understanding that it was her supporters in the black community churches that gave her the ultimatum to step down and stop her write-in campaign, that finally led to her actually doing it. They gave her 15 miuntes to decide, according to reports, or they were going to publicly denounce her.
She has had many past problems though. She was found guilty of tax evasion in 1997. The bar association in her state filed perjury charges against her in Oct 2008 regarding her testimony in 2005 in her nephews manslaughter trial. She also has been fined for ethics violations in 2001 and 2005.
I don't see where the condemnation came "swiftly and surely" in any of these earlier convictions and accusations. I think we saw it this time because it is a high profile election year and because she is caught on tape.
That all being said. . .she's an embarrasment to the Democratic Party and I'm glad she is finally being held accountable for her actions.
ETA: I have mixed feelings about Stevens stepping down. I'm not sure how Alaskans really feel about it. Sometimes it is hard to give up a senior senator just becuase of the power and influence they have in the interest of your state. Norm Dicks is my senator. I don't agree with him on many things, but it is nice to know that he has been there long enough to have built up some influence in regards to things that matter to your district. Personally I think Stevens should step down. Maybe Alaskans won't vote for him because of this scandal, but given the choice between a freshman Dem and a freshman Repub, they will probably choose the Repub.