The Flyover View, Uncle Ted's Sad Fate

The day after Alaska GOP Sen. Ted Stevens' conviction on seven corruption charges, national reporting has focused on what, if any, effect the case will have on Stevens' reelection and -- by extension -- the Democrats' chance to secure a filibuster-proof majority in the U.S. Senate. In AK, however, the local press is documenting the story's more personal angle. Voters across the political spectrum expressed sadness and disappointment about the fate of "Uncle Ted." Stevens' earmarking ability is the stuff of legend in the Senate and all that pork made for a grateful constituency that's not ready to gladly send him off on an ice floe.

The Alaska Public Radio Network tells the story of how one Anchorage resident took the news. APRN reporter Ellen Lockyer told local Robin Dillard of the conviction -- which came at noon Alaska time -- while she was out walking her dog. Her reaction:

Dillard: "Oh, no...he has? [I feel] really sad. Yeah, I liked the man. I don't think they should do anything to a man of his age and his stature in Alaska.

The Anchorage Daily News caught up with workers at Anchorage's Dimond Center Mall. Their reaction to the verdict:

Clarice Hardy: "I’m actually kind of glad they convicted him because it serves him right. ... I was not planning to vote for him, so I’m kind of excited now."

Marty King: "It doesn’t change my opinion of him. I still have a lot of respect for what he’s done for the state."

In the island port town of Kodiak, independent voter Jessica Wolf found out about the Stevens conviction from an APRN reporter while she was eating lunch. Wolf said she had already cast a ballot early, and she backed Stevens, despite voting for Dems for other offices. She said she didn't regret her vote for the AK senator:

Wolf: "In the whole scheme of things, no I don't think [Stevens' crime] was [that serious]. $250,000 over a lifetime is nothing. I figure they're stealing that much and more every day in Washington."

What should happen next to Stevens? His Democratic opponent in the Senate race hasn't called for him to resign. And even ex-GOP state Rep/ex-Palin opponent/'08 liberal political blogger Andrew Halcro isn't calling for Stevens' resignation the way media and pundits "in the lower 48" have. From his blog:

I for one have given Senator Stevens the benefit of the doubt, but it's time to acept the fact that a jury of twelve, took less than four hours after a new juror was seated to find Stevens guilty on all seven counts ... It is a tragic way for the 40 year political career of man who has done so much for Alaska to end, however the Republic must roll on.

But APRN captured a conversation between two Anchorage men that might illustrate well that Alaskans are torn about the court's ruling and Stevens' actions. From the convo between Dan S. and Burt S., captured by APRN's Lockyer:

Dan S.: "I think Stevens is all about himself now. You know just like that commercial says -- "

Burt S.: "He cares about the people, though -- "

Dan: "No, No. .. He's worried about himself now. I mean he just got convicted on seven felony counts -- "

Burt: "-- He did do a lot for Alaska, though."

Dan: "Yeah, but his time is over now -- it's time for a change."

Burt: "Yeah, it's time to move on."

(EVAN McMORRIS-SANTORO)