Changes

Ted Stevens was criticized when he attempted to [[earmark]] the "Bridge to Nowhere," a bridge in Alaska which would have connected the town of [[Ketchikan]] (population 8,900) with its airport on the island of Gravina (population 50) at a cost to federal taxpayers of $320 million, by way of three separate earmarks in a highway bill. A ferry service runs to the island, but some in the town complained about its wait (15 to 30 minutes) and fee ($6 per car). The Heritage Foundation maintained that "the Gravina Island bridge project is an embarrassment to the people of Alaska and the U.S. Congress...fiscally responsible Members of Congress should be eager to zero out its funding."<ref>http://www.heritage.org/Research/Budget/wm889.cfm</ref>

Ted Stevens was criticized when he attempted to [[earmark]] the "Bridge to Nowhere," a bridge in Alaska which would have connected the town of [[Ketchikan]] (population 8,900) with its airport on the island of Gravina (population 50) at a cost to federal taxpayers of $320 million, by way of three separate earmarks in a highway bill. A ferry service runs to the island, but some in the town complained about its wait (15 to 30 minutes) and fee ($6 per car). The Heritage Foundation maintained that "the Gravina Island bridge project is an embarrassment to the people of Alaska and the U.S. Congress...fiscally responsible Members of Congress should be eager to zero out its funding."<ref>http://www.heritage.org/Research/Budget/wm889.cfm</ref>

In July of 2008, Stevens was indicted on charges of taking gifts from the oil servicing company VECO and its CEO Bill Allen who benefited from his legislation. Stevens' son Ben, the leader of the state senate, and other state politicians have also been implicated in corruption related to VECO.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/07/31/vo.stevens.court.depart.cnn?iref=videosearch Stevens pleads not guilty]</ref>

In July of 2008, Stevens was indicted on charges of taking gifts from the oil servicing company VECO and its CEO Bill Allen who benefited from his legislation. Stevens' son Ben, the leader of the state senate, and other state politicians have also been implicated in corruption related to VECO.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/07/31/vo.stevens.court.depart.cnn?iref=videosearch Stevens pleads not guilty]</ref>

On October 27th, 2008, Stevens was convicted on 7 counts of corruption, after a highly politicized trial meant to derail his re-election chances.

On October 27th, 2008, Stevens was convicted on 7 counts of corruption, after a highly politicized trial meant to derail his re-election chances.

Stevens, however, vowed to continue his bid.  

Stevens, however, vowed to continue his bid.  

== External links ==

== External links ==