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Stevens Won't Rule Out Pursuing Prez Pardon

Convicted senator may seek clemency from Bush

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Nov 27, 2008 11:44 AM CST
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(Newser) – Even as Ted Stevens appeals of his seven-count felony conviction, the disgraced senator isn't ruling outthe possibility of seeking a pardon from President Bush, the Anchorage Daily News reports. "If I were counsel to him, I would encourage him," says Alaska's former US attorney, a Stevens supporter. "I strongly believe President Bush should pardon Senator Stevens."

President Bush has generally avoided high-profile pardons and has granted just 171—less than half President Clinton's total. If Stevens plans to press him before they both leave office, it apparently won't be through conventional channels: Stevens "hasn't submitted an application for any sort of clemency," a Justice Department rep says. And White House spokeswoman Dana Perino says, "We never comment on pardons."

Stevens and his daughter Beth walk through the US Capitol after he spoke on the Senate floor for possibly the last time.
Stevens and his daughter Beth walk through the US Capitol after he spoke on the Senate floor for possibly the last time.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Ted Stevens leaves the Senate chamber after making his last formal speech on the Senate floor and listening to tributes from his colleagues on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008.
Ted Stevens leaves the Senate chamber after making his last formal speech on the Senate floor and listening to tributes from his colleagues on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
When asked if he'd consider seeking a pardon, Stevens initially said, No, no, no, then backtracked to say he hasn't ruled it out.
When asked if he'd consider seeking a pardon, Stevens initially said, "No, no, no," then backtracked to say he hasn't ruled it out.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Bush pardons turkeys and more this week, but it's not clear whether he'll bend his rules to free Stevens.
President Bush pardons turkeys and more this week, but it's not clear whether he'll bend his rules to free Stevens.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Guest
Dec 1, 2008 1:05 AM CST
I strongly believe that Stevens should be pardoned. Ok, now tell me a good reason WHY...........
Shannonals
Nov 30, 2008 10:00 PM CST
You have to be kidding
Guest
Nov 28, 2008 2:34 AM CST
Yell, let them all go free.....

Tax evasion, bank embezzlement among Bush's forgivables
New York Times

Other possible pardon candidates
Medill Reports

Stevens in a 'big game of words' on pardon
Mudflats

 
Congress • Alaska • Republican • corruption • presidential pardon • Ted Stevens • pardon • senator • George W. Bush

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