Palin calls on Stevens to resign

MAT-SU — Gov. Sarah Palin said today convicted Sen. Ted Stevens should resign and allow the state to elect someone else.

In a statement e-mailed to reporters, Palin said she had hoped Stevens would have done the "statesmen-like thing and erase the cloud covering his Senate seat."

"Even if elected on Tuesday, Senator Stevens should step aside to allow a special election to give Alaskans a real choice of who will serve them in Congress," Palin said.

The statement come just one day after Republican presidential candidate John McCain also called on Stevens to resign.

Stevens was convicted Monday on seven counts alleging he hide more than $250,000 in gifts and home improvements provided by Bill Allen, the former CEO of Veco.

Stevens, for his part, has asked Alaskans to stand by him and said he will appeal the verdict.

Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich is running to take Stevens’ Senate seat, which Stevens gave no indication of vacating.

Voters will decide if Stevens should stay or go next Tuesday during the national election.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.