Sen. Stevens worried about his ‘employment potential.’

[babylonsister]

:rofl:

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/07/09/sen-stevens-worried-about-his-employment-potential/

Sen. Stevens worried about his ‘employment potential.’

The FBI is currently questioning Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) as part of “a public corruption investigation that has led to charges against state lawmakers and contractors.” The AP reports today that Stevens, who is 83 years old, is worried that it may hamper his re-election efforts:

The worst thing about this investigation is that it does change your life in terms of employment potential. It doesn’t matter what anyone says, it does shake you up. If this is still hanging around a year from November, it could cause me some trouble.

[aquart]

1. Or he could just...retire. On his Senate pension.

Which is more, I'm guessing, than most Americans will ever see.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

8. Roughly estimated, he'll get a starting annuity of around $120K per year

Pensions are figured on a formula calculated on age, length of service, and prior service in the military or other government agencies. According to Wikipedia Stevens was appointed to the Senate in 1968 by a GOP governor after the death of a Dem senator. Since he is past retirement age and is the longest-serving GOPer in the Senate, he is eligible for the largest pension available. Doing rough math with the info provided here, I came up with a conservative figure befitting a conservative pissant whose "freezer savings" doubtless make William Jefferson's pale by comparison.

Since I have never earned a salary exceeding $100K, his retirement income looks pretty good to me.

[Vincardog]

2. What will a conviction do to them?

[NC_Nurse]

3. He's a complete jerk.

That'll hurt your employment potential too.

[MADem]

4. Even if this weren't an issue, he's still one of the VULNERABLE 22

He could be as pure as the driven snow, he'd still have a tough run.

All this does is give his opponent some very juicy, smelly and OBVIOUS fodder to toss at him, in addition to debating him on his halfassed, screwy positions on issues.

[Vanje]

5. Yeah .Its hard to run re-election campain ...

...from a jail cell.

Though it has been done. In the 1970's In Idaho. Hanson (R, duh) the jailed congressman WON!

[tanyev]

6. Oh, come on. There's always a job for savvy internet experts, Senator.

:rofl:

[rateyes]

7. I hear that the Wal-mart in Anchorage...

is looking for some greeters, Sen. Stevens. But, don't expect any benefits, you sorry fuck.

[Blue_In_AK]

9. More from today's Anchorage Daily News

Forecast for Young, Stevens clouds up

CONGRESSMEN: Increasing national scrutiny makes pair take notice of political winds.

By STEVE QUINN
The Associated Press

Published: July 9, 2007
Last Modified: July 9, 2007 at 02:26 AM

JUNEAU -- They are, by their own admissions, feisty and cranky, with tempers that underpin their reputations as old-school -- yet effective --members of Congress. They have more than 70 years of service on Capitol Hill between them and aren't ready to call it quits.

But Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, 83, and Rep. Don Young, 74, have also found themselves under increasing national scrutiny while their Republican party -- which staunchly supports them -- tries to mount a comeback to regain majority status in Congress.

The two men are being pushed on legal and ethical grounds for various cozy relationships with influential businessmen.

Yet neither plans to soften the tone or approach that enabled them to direct millions of federal dollars to Alaska.

Both are seeking another term next year, undaunted by the growing scrutiny and with hopes the Republicans will be back in power.

"People don't understand; if you don't establish yourself as the biggest dog in the yard, you're going to be chased out," Young said. "No one has been able to do that to me."

<snip>

http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/9118345p-9034682c.html


We have FOUR great potential Democratic candidates for these slots, although only Diane Benson so far has announced (for Young's seat). Keep your fingers crossed for Alaska.

[Melynn]

10. An 83 year old guy is worrried about employment potential?

Strange statement. I wonder if Sen. Ted is losing it.

[babylonsister]

11. THAT is what I found so hilarious! nt