They see the world very simplistically (Us vs them)

I feel extremely sorry for the folks in your area who had to deal with officers and/or prosecutors who apparently cared little for the principles they supposedly upheld. They were not well served.

I, too, have worked with law enforcement at various times. My experience was significantly different than yours. While pragmatism played a role in decisions it was, with very few notable exceptions, not allowed to overrule a sense of justice. I have seen cases tried that were “unwinnable” because the attempt had to be made. I have seen plea bargains err on the side of compassion because the felon or circumstances didn’t deserve the full penalty that could have been levied at them. And I have rarely seen any situation that was simplistic or treated as such.

I don’t think #1 will happen, but #6 is nearly guaranteed at this point. She honestly thinks she is fit to be president.

They see the world very simplistically (Us vs them) anyone that is accused of a crime is usually guilty. Why not play games with the system to “Get a win”?

1) Get Steven’s re-elected.
2) He goes to jail and resigns OR is kicked out by the Senate.
3) By Alaskan LAW a replacement ELECTION has to be called.
4) Palin runs and wins.
5) Palin WOWS Washington till 2012.
6) Palin runs for PRESIDENT IN 2012.
7) Palin WINS! The Godless Socialist hoards have been slain. The world is once again safe for Democracy and Wars without End! America is saved.
9) Me and millions of other Americas flee to Canada. Ah…fresh air at last!

I gotta get me another scotch – 18 year old single malt, please. AH – now I feel better.

… Are you fucking kidding?

She worked for his 527.

That’s a pretty strong connection.

“…Tying Stevens to Palin might be tricky. She backed his unsuccessful challenger in the Republican primary this year…”

That’s pretty inside baseball Jay Tea, I doubt if many of our voters realize that. We’re talking about an electorate of whom 12% believe Obama is a Muslim.

Obviously, since she is still the governor.

J.

Well, that’s what I mean. Associations, etc.

Duros: “Isn’t it easier to link Stevens to Palin? Get more traction out of the news cycle that way.”

Linking him to Palin would be linking him to McCain.

Duros: “Question: Does his name stay on the ballot? Is it conceivable that Alaskans will re-elect him while he’s doing time?”

He has to stay on the ballot. And yes it is conceivable, but unlikely.

No exceptions.

Yes, there’s a good chance he could still be re-elected. Never underestimate the number of intelligent people that stay home, and the dimwitted that vote.

Ted Stevens has brought home the bacon for 40 years, and many Alaskans will look past anything he does to hold on to that.

Isn’t it easier to link Stevens to Palin? Get more traction out of the news cycle that way.

Question: Does his name stay on the ballot? Is it conceivable that Alaskans will re-elect him while he’s doing time?

Ask them what criteria do you use in pressuring a case? I can bet that 9 times out of ten you will hear “A case we can win” some where in there. Guilt or innocence will almost never be mentioned.

That’s somewhat oversimplified (To be fair, so was my original proposal.) since the cases they can win skew toward those where they actually have decent evidence that the accused is guilty.

At this point, I’d settle to just have him removed as my Senator.

Normally, I’d agree with Grumpy on prosecutorial misconduct, but considering that 1) that is the only reason Bill Ayers didn’t go to jail (in his own words, “guilty as hell, free as a bird!”) and B) my instinct is when members of Congress are involved, they’re guilty until proven innocent.

In this case, considering his age and probable medical conditions, I’d agree with no prison time, but as a plea bargain — resignation, no running for office ever again, fine, and probation.

Stevens is gone. Again, good riddance.

When the hell does William Jefferson go on trial, anyway?

J.