Tools

Stevens gives last Senate speech as staffers weep

By LAURIE KELLMAN Associated Press Writer

Story Created: Nov 20, 2008 at 12:47 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 12:47 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - In a painfully poignant moment reminiscent of the fall of yesteryear's Senate giants, Republican Ted Stevens has spoken and yielded the floor for the last time.

Staff members wept openly in the Senate gallery as Stevens, who turned 85 earlier this week, gave his swansong talk Thursday. Stevens declared he has no "rearview mirror" and is looking forward to a day when he might be vindicated. He has lost his bid for a seventh term after his convictions in federal court on charges of lying about gifts on his disclosure form.

During Stevens' speech, his colleagues came to the Senate floor, mostly Republicans but also a few Democrats. People gathered on the floor and in the galleries gave a standing ovation - and no senator objected to that.

Stevens lost his reelection bid this week to Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, a Democrat.


(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

WINK News - News, Sports and Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

More On Demand