Some Thoughts on the Cowdery Indictment

1. The Governor was rather fast in asking Cowdery to step down. He won't. This will make him even more solid in his resistance to AGIA in the Special Session.

Governor Sarah Palin: “It was disturbing to learn that another public official has been charged with violating the public trust.

"I urge Senator Cowdery to step down, for the good of the state.

“Today’s news is a good reminder that we must continue to be vigilant in defending Alaska's sovereignty against those who would undermine it in an attempt to sell out Alaskans."

2. The Democrats have been very quick to respond to this turn of events. The State Democratic Party, Doug Van Etten - who is running as a Democratic Party candidate or Cowdery's seat, and Erick Cordero - who is running as a Dem for the seat now held by Lyda Green - have all released statements on the indictment:

The Democratic Party: “It’s another sad day for Alaska because it shows the extent to which our system has been corrupted by special interests,” said Alaska Democratic Party Chair Patti Higgins. “The Alaska Democratic Party does not condone corruption in any form. All those responsible should be brought to justice. This is another example of the Republican culture of corruption and shows very clearly why it’s time for change in Alaska.”

Doug Van Etten: “Cowdery should resign. He has breached the public trust in a serious way. Our legislators do not need this distraction as they try to move forward with the important energy issues now pending in the Special Session.”

Erick Corduro: "The indictments show that now, more than ever, it’s time for new leadership in our state legislature. We need Representatives and Senators who will stand up for Alaskans, not negotiate behind closed doors with lobbyists and executives.”

3. According to one of my informants, ex-Alaska State Senate President Ben Stevens is fishing in Bristol Bay.

4. Senator Ted Stevens is scheduled to address the Special Session at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow. Here's a comment from the AP article on this: "If he's not arrested first, that is. There's a special on seniors this week down at the Anchorage federal court."

5. Democratic Party State Senator Donny Olson is probably not going down. Olson's lawyer has stated that he has a written agreement, and has cooperated with the Feds for some time.

6. Mark Begich probably can't wait to take another poll, but is probably having to wait and see if Ben is scarfed up. According to another of my informants, there doesn't appear to have been a Federal grand Jury today.

image of Federal agents, removing documents from Sen. Ben Stevens' office