Valley laments the loss of Ted Stevens; Palin, others comment

WASILLA — With Ted Stevens reported to have died in a plane crash near Dillingham, Valley politicians are lamenting the loss of a man who, in his time, was a political force of nature in the state.

Stevens, 86, was one of Alaska’s two senators for 40 years before he lost his most recent re-election bid in 2008. He was the longest serving Republican senator in the nation’s history.

“He brought a wealth of information and insight that few could ever match,” state Rep. Mark Neuman said about working with Stevens on energy issues. “He was a big proponent of trying to use Alaska resources to create more jobs,” Neuman said.

State Senator Linda Menard also said she felt Stevens’ loss.

“What words can I use that won’t already be spoken over this tragedy?” Menard said in a statement. “It just saddens me that such a statesman had to leave this world by a tragic death in a plane crash.”

Wasilla Mayor Verne Rupright said that without Stevens and the work he did in the Senate, Alaska, at least as we know it, would not exist. Stevens opened the state up to development, work Rupright said is still ongoing but which would not have progressed nearly as far without Stevens.

“He spanned a good chunk of the first 50 years of this state’s existence as a state,” he said. “Uncle Ted’s hand was in it all.”

Former Alaska Governor and vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin issued the following statement shortly after news confirming Stevens death was announced.

"I am so sorry to hear of this great loss. Ted Stevens was a great Warrior for Alaska's interests over so many years. This decorated World War II pilot was a true champion of America's security, too.

"In 40 years of service in the U.S. Senate, he fought tenaciously for our future. Alaskans know how much we owe to Senator Stevens, but all Americans owe him a debt of gratitude for his leadership on the crucial energy issues that fuel American prosperity. Two years ago, he sat at my Wasilla kitchen table over a salmon lunch, and we talked about our long anticipated Alaska natural gas pipeline and our mutual commitment to have the Last Frontier’s rich resources contribute to America’s quest for energy independence.

"Our Senator was also known for spearheading efforts to ensure equality in education, and his Title IX legislation allowed girls to be on a level playing field in the athletic arena.

"Ted visited the Mat-Su Valley quite often and commented to me many times about the hard working colonists and pioneers who built our communities here. Our Valley communities join the rest of Alaska in mourning the loss of this warrior. Our prayers are with his family."