Changes

Begich defeated incumbent [[Republican]] [[Ted Stevens]] in 2008 after he was falsely indicted by a federal grand jury for failing to report gifts received from the VECO Corporation. All charges against Stevens were dismissed after prosecutorial misconduct.

Begich defeated incumbent [[Republican]] [[Ted Stevens]] in 2008 after he was falsely indicted by a federal grand jury for failing to report gifts received from the VECO Corporation. All charges against Stevens were dismissed after prosecutorial misconduct.

==Begich Honors socialist Niilo Koponen==

==Begich Honors Socialist Niilo Koponen==

[[Socialist]] Niilo Koponen was honored at Democratic State Central Committee gala October 15, 2009.

[[Socialist]] Niilo Koponen was honored at Democratic State Central Committee gala October 15, 2009.

Niilo, Fred Brown and Barry Jackson were honored at the Democratic State Central Committee gala held  at the Morris Thompson Center. There was a good turnout, including Sen.[[ Mark Begich]].<ref>[http://koponenalaska.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/niilo-honored-at-democratic-state-central-committee-gala/Koponen News blog, Niilo honored at Democratic State Central Committee gala]</ref>

Niilo, Fred Brown and Barry Jackson were honored at the Democratic State Central Committee gala held  at the Morris Thompson Center. There was a good turnout, including Sen. [[Mark Begich]].<ref>[http://koponenalaska.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/niilo-honored-at-democratic-state-central-committee-gala/Koponen News blog, Niilo honored at Democratic State Central Committee gala]</ref>

On Dec. 6, 2013, U.S. Senator Mark Begich issued a statement  about the passing of former state legislator and [[Democratic Socialists of America]] member Niilo Koponen.

On Dec. 6, 2013, U.S. Senator Mark Begich issued a statement  about the passing of former state legislator and [[Democratic Socialists of America]] member Niilo Koponen.