McConnell Calls on Stevens to Resign
- By John Stanton
- Roll Call Staff
- Oct. 28, 2008, 9:41 p.m.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called for embattled Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to resign from his seat Tuesday evening, joining a growing chorus of Republican lawmakers seeking the ouster of the convicted felon.
During a campaign stop in Elizabethtown, Ky., McConnell was asked about Stevens’ case and said that he believes “he should resign” following his conviction on seven counts of failure to disclose gifts on his financial disclosure forms.
Stevens, who like McConnell is up for re-election next week, has vowed to remain in the Senate through the election and, if he wins, beyond, as well as appeal the court’s decision.
McConnell is the third vulnerable Republican lawmaker this cycle to call for Stevens’ resignation, joining Sens. Norm Coleman (Minn.) and Gordon Smith (Ore.). The GOP presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), and vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, have also called on Stevens to resign, as has Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.).
