McCain Calls For Ted Stevens To Step Down

In a statement released today, Sen. John McCain has called for recently convicted Sen. Ted "Toobz" Stevens to step down:

Yesterday, Senator Ted Stevens was found guilty of corruption. It is a sign of the health of our democracy that the people continue to hold their representatives to account for improper or illegal conduct, but this verdict is also a sign of the corruption and insider-dealing that has become so pervasive in our nation’s capital.

It is clear that Senator Stevens has broken his trust with the people and that he should now step down. I hope that my colleagues in the Senate will be spurred by these events to redouble their efforts to end this kind of corruption once and for all.

Ted faces up to 5 years in jail for each of seven counts he was found guilty of.

Stevens still claims that he is innocent and vows to keep fighting.

"It’s not over yet!" Stevens said angrily to his wife as he walked from the courtroom Monday afternoon.

"You’ve got that right," Catherine Stevens replied as she reached for him through the crowd of supporters rushing past reporters for the door.

"Not over yet," Stevens said.

Good luck with that Mr. Stevens.

Because Stevens is not required by law to step down, he may choose to remain in the race. Now would be a good time to donate some cash to his Democratic opponent, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.

UPDATE: Palin: ‘He needs to step aside…‘

Obama calls on Stevens to resign:

Yesterday’s ruling wasn’t just a verdict on Senator Stevens – but on the broken politics that has infected Washington for decades. It’s time to put an end to the corruption and influence-peddling, restore openness and accountability, and finally put government back in the hands of the people it serves. Senator Stevens should step down.

But Stevens’ resignation won’t solve anything on its own. It’s clear that if we’re going to put the economy back on track and provide relief to working Americans, we’re going to have to change the way that Washington works. That’s why I’m running for president,” said Barack Obama.