Palin, Stevens and business as usual

While retirements and the like often signal the end of something, the close of state Sen. Ben Stevens' legislative tenure presents an opportunity for a new beginning for the state's Republican Party - both in Juneau and among the party infrastructure.

The controversial and embattled son of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens announced Wednesday that he is withdrawing his re-election bid. Trotting out the well-worn explanation of politicians everywhere who see their stars fading, Stevens, through Republican mouthpiece David Dittman, cited the need to spend more time with his family as the reason behind his decision.

But it is hard to believe that Stevens did not see some foreboding writing on the wall. Facing two challengers from his own party and the relentless pursuit of former Republican legislator Ray Metcalfe, whose campaign to recall Stevens has shed less-than-favorable light on the Anchorage senator, Stevens had to figure his days as an elected official were numbered.

In fairness to Stevens, despite being fined by the Alaska Public Offices Commission for a conflict-of-interest-based disclosure impropriety, substantial charges have yet to stick to him. Irrespective of the fact that state ethics laws, penned by legislators, are shamefully vague and toothless, Stevens' demise is largely attributable - as is often the case in politics - to perception becoming reality. And the perception was growing that Stevens, with his $300,000-plus per year &#8220consulting” contracts with oil and fisheries interests, was not putting the interests of Alaskans first in his work in the Senate.

So will Stevens' decision be seized by Republican leaders as an opportunity to proclaim a new beginning and put distance between themselves and some of the ethical shortcomings of recent history? Or will it be business as usual in Juneau next session?

Only time will tell, although early indications do not show that the growing number of disaffected Republicans will be comforted by the direction their party officials choose.

At the state level, ethically challenged party boss Randy Ruedrich continues to rule the roost with the support of most local operatives, district chairs and elected officials. Instead of embracing the gubernatorial candidacy of Sarah Palin and her emphasis on honest transparent government, these party hacks, including Stevens, continue to try to marginalize her and pooh-pooh her urgent and vital message.

In a press release Wednesday decrying dirty politics against her campaign, Palin said, &#8220It appears to be the good old boy network doing business as usual.” In her case and beyond, it is hard to disagree.

Minority leaders in the Legislature have indicated their hope that Stevens' departure might bring an end to bitter partisanship in Juneau. Again, opportunity awaits. But again, early signs do not indicate good news for the people of Alaska.

Mat-Su Sen. Lyda Green, who rode shotgun for Stevens for much of the last legislative session and has repeatedly proven she is not above political gamesmanship or putting party interests over the interests of the people of Alaska, appears to be a leading contender to wield the Senate president's gavel in January.

Business as usual is the last thing Alaskans need. We continue to support Palin's attempt to get this message out. In the absence of official party recognition of that message, we are hopeful that, come August and November, voters will reinforce it.