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Begich Obstinate; First Steps on Road to New Election

Alaskans are pretty upset, both at the Bush DOJ for prosecutorial misconduct, and at Mark Begich for not resigning in the face of what was obviously a misbegotten election:

Outrage in Alaska is building over the Justice Department?s apparent mishandling of its prosecution of Ted Stevens, the state?s former Senator, prompting calls for a new election to give Mr. Stevens, 85, a chance to get his old seat back without a legal cloud hanging over his head.

As I noted in this post and in the comments to that post, I think it's only reasonable and honorable that Begich resign to force a new election or Gubernatorial appointment. Begich, however, is refusing:

Mr. Begich responded, in so many words, that he had no intention of stepping aside and does not expect a new election to be held.

?I got into the senate race long before Senator Stevens? legal troubles began because Alaskans were looking for a change and a senator as independent as Alaska,? he said in a statement.

But that's clearly misleading, and Begich is digging a deeper hole for himself. Alaskans were looking for a change? Even though they voted overwhelmingly for McCain and Palin? And Don Young? Doubtful.

No one disputes Begich was in the race before Stevens was indicted; the problem is that he wouldn't have been elected if Stevens were acquitted back in October, instead of being wrongly convicted of seven felony counts.

Fortunately, it looks like there may be a legal avenue to remedy the situation to give Stevens a chance to win the seat back:

?If he thinks it should be done, I think it can be done,? Mr. Shea said. ?From the things that have come out, from Eric Holder and Judge Sullivan, there certainly were enough corrupt practices by the prosecutors and F.B.I. agents to influence the results of the election and that?s all you need to overturn an election in the state of Alaska.?

Good. Let's hope it comes to fruition.

I realize the temptation for Democrats is to avoid giving back a hard fought seat in the Senate. But I think we can at least agree that there are higher priorities. Alaska should have the right to pick a Senator on the basis of a fair electoral process.

And if Begich wins that race, more power to him. In fact, it would probably help his re-election chances in 2014 -- which will look pretty dismal if he remains obstinate when it comes to who should fairly represent Alaska.

Full post as published by Expressio Unius on April 02, 2009 (boomark / email).