Murkowski: Colleagues Will Wait to Expel Until Stevens Appeals

KTUU

November 17, 2008

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- As Sen. Ted Stevens' fate unfolds on two fronts -- the election, and his status among Senate colleagues -- he's asking fellow senators to give him the benefit of the doubt.

In the wake of his conviction on seven felony counts for lying, Stevens is facing expulsion from the Republicans Conference, something that's scheduled to be discussed further by the group, and in private, next week.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski says Stevens has been on the phone, assuring his colleagues he plans to fight the verdict, and urging them to hold off taking any action until he goes through that process.

"The members that I have spoken with seem to share my support that Senator Stevens be allowed to fully pursue his right to appeal," Murkowski said.

South Carolina's Jim DeMint is calling for the vote on Stevens' ouster.