National Public Radio is reporting that the Justice Department on Wednesday asked a federal judge to drop all charges against former Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska. Since his conviction in last fall, charges of prosecutorial misconduct have delayed his sentencing and prompted defense motions for a new trial. U.S. District Court Judge Emmett Sullivan set an April 7 hearing on the motion to dismiss the case.
According to the article:
"With more ugly hearings expected, Holder is said to have decided late Tuesday to pull the plug. His decision is said to be based on Stevens' age -- he's 85 -- and the fact that Stevens is no longer in the Senate. Perhaps most important, Justice Department officials say Holder wants to send a message to prosecutors throughout the department that actions he regards as misconduct will not be tolerated."
There is no need to follow through on the case, the Democrats got what they wanted--the seat in the Senate. I am not accusing Ted Stevens of being the world's most ethical Senator, but this whole thing does not pass the smell test. The trial was planned to run during the campaign season and the conviction came just a few days before the election. There are stories about evidence being withheld from the defense and other irregularities. There does seem to be some doubt about the fairness of the whole trial process. I am concerned that there are elements within our political system who do not care about laws--they want to win at any cost. I hope the people of Alaska pay attention to this when they elect the officials in charge of their justice system; it seems as if this was a total 'set up'.
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