Alaska Sen. Stevens bids farewell to Senate in emotional speech
Originally published Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 8:05 a.m.
Updated Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 1:43 p.m.
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WASHINGTON -- "Uncle Ted" Stevens, an old-style Senate giant and the chamber's longest-serving Republican, delivered his swan song address and yielded the floor for the final time Thursday. He was saluted by his colleagues as a staunch friend and teacher.
"My mission in life is not completed," Stevens said in his farewell speech on the Senate floor, as perhaps a quarter of the chamber's 100 members gathered to hear him and the gallery filled with his friends and family.
Stevens, 85, made only a passing reference to his felony convictions and the loss this week of his bid for a seventh Senate term.
"I look only forward and I still see the day when I can remove the cloud that currently surrounds me."
Family members and aides wept as Stevens recounted his six Senate terms that began not even a decade after his home state, Alaska, achieved statehood.
"Forty years!" he declared at one point. "I have a really difficult time today articulating my feelings and I hope if I puddle up, as an old friend used to say, I'll be excused."
He had no trouble recounting the struggles that came with advocating for such a wild and faraway place - nor his victories, his many chairmanships and friendships. When Stevens finished, the assembled crowd gave him a standing ovation, a violation of Senate custom. No one objected.
The speech was a poignant coda to the career of one of the chamber's last remaining lions, whose public lives have spanned generations.
Several of them, some retiring, rose to salute their friend.
"More than anyone else, you have taught me the meaning of representing my state," said one, Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M.
"That's right, Ted!" barked yet another long-timer, Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., who turned 91 on Thursday.
Stevens was there when President Richard M. Nixon authorized an oil pipeline across Alaska that secured the new state's economy. And he became legendary for bringing federal dollars, or pork, home to a territory that had yet to be fully settled.
Where there was "nothing but tundra and forest," he said, today is home to ports, roads, water and sewer systems - and the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
"When Alaska needed a strong voice to speak up for its interests, I did my part to the best of my ability," Stevens said.
Stevens lost his re-election bid this week to Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, a Democrat, and is appealing his felony convictions. He has said he's not seeking a pardon from President George W. Bush.
Among the farewells was one from another Republican departing under the cloud of scandal, Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho, who pleaded guilty in a men's airport sex scandal but has denied doing anything wrong.
"Uncle Ted, I'm going to miss you," Craig said. "This Senate will miss you, your state will miss you and America will miss you."
Stevens was one of the Senate's most colorful characters, known for wearing a necktie bearing the Incredible Hulk during appropriations fights and - especially - over his efforts to allow gas and oil exploration in the Arctic.
Other senators rose to share stories of his gruff and tough style that belied a caring and patient friend beneath.
Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said that as a House member he was put off years ago by Stevens' "obstreperous, if not outrageous" behavior during a Republican retreat. Roberts recalled thinking: "'That Ted Stevens fellow is one of the most unique people I've ever met and I'd just as soon not meet him again.'"
It was not to be. Elected to the Senate years later, Roberts recalled meeting Stevens, who walked up and jabbed a finger in the new senator's chest.
"He said, 'I know who you are,'" Roberts recalled of Stevens' remark. "And I said, 'Well, I sure as hell know who you are.' And he said, 'You allegedly know something about agriculture, (former Sen.) Bob Dole told me about you, said you were a standup guy.' I said, 'Thank you.'"
Underneath, Roberts said, Stevens is a teddy bear, even though he's also been called other names.
"Under this great gruff facade - i.e., the mad penguin - here is a passionate, caring, wise and, yes, a man with a very good sense of humor which I have enjoyed immensely," Roberts said.
Community Discussion
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I just watched Sen. Ted Stevens from the well on the floor of the Senate. He gave his farwell speech and it was a very emotional time in that body. I was overly impressed that after his speech, Sen. Harry Reid gave comments, and over his shoulder could be seen....Sen. Robert Byrd wiping the tears out of his eyes. A touching display of emotion from a ranking Democrat and long time adversary of Sen Stevens. It was an interesting bit of our history as a nation, and seeing the Senate saying goodbye to its longest serving Republican. Farwell Uncle Ted, and thank you for your service. Good luck with your appeal, you are going to need it. Good Luck Mark Begich, may you be able to further Alaska's cause and make us proud.
A sad day indeed, I'm sorry that Ted had to suffer through this at the end of his career. My thanks to him for all he has done for Alaska.
Yes! it is an emotional time Senator Ted Stevens. Your service in China, and the Senate will be remembered, and honored a long time.
You said it right when you said your life is in God's hands now! That's a great decision, one of the most important decision one can make.
Thank You Senator Ted Stevens, God be with You!
I did not vote for Stevens and was strongly opposed to him winning another term, but I recognize that it must be emotional to leave after 40 years. Shame he didn't just retire; that would have been a lot easier on him.
I did not vote for Ted and it was a difficult decision for me because I have admired him, but in the end I thought it was time for a change and not because of his legal troubles. Watching him speak today I almost wish I had. All Alaskans owe Ted a debt of gratitude for all of the things he has done for our state in his long career. I hope that Ted is vindicated and I hope that he does come home to AK and enjoy his retirement.
Thanks Ted I voted for you since am 18 now am 43 and a Democrat and from bush Alaska. Thank you for helping us on Water,sewer,Health care and I could go on and on A BIG THANK YOU
Haste and lack of consideration when filling out recurring necessary paperwork is something that many, many people are guilty of. I do not feel that he had any criminal intent, and forgive him this indiscretion.
Senator Ted Stevens and the efforts that he has put forth on behalf of this state and nation deserve our undying respect and gratitude. I look forward to shaking his hand and thanking him, given the chance,.
Remember, it may have been a long time ago that you learned it, but it still applies in instances such as this... If you do not have anything good to say, then it is best to not say anything at all.
Thank you Senator Stevens for your service to Alaska, and to America!
Thank you Senator Stevens.
Our state has suffered a great loss. You will be missed Ted. Thank you for everything you have done for us.
I wish he had resigned this summer so we could have thrown a parade for him. His double-or-nothing bet has turned sour. Still, I wish the best for him. I trust prison will cure a lot of his arrogance.
Sad to see you go senator. Corrupt or not you've done a lot for Alaska.
Now I hope Beigich remembers that he was voted into office by people who still love the second amendment, and the concept of small government, and if he votes poorly he will be a one term Senator.
Thank you, thank you Ted for all your service to this state, to America, and every individual you helped quietly, asking no recognition,...they are many.
Thanks Uncle Ted...wanna go fishing this summer? You fought long and hard for this state, 'bout time you got to enjoy it.
MrsS...I may be a girl, but I can still out fish you.
I remember meeting Sen. Stevens in the 90's as a teenager in Washington DC - he was so very gracious and wanted to let me see ALL of what his responsibilites were so that I could understand the nature of his work for Alaska. I voted for him this time and while I am optimistic about the good that I think Begich may be able to do, it is still the end of an era. I wish Ted all the best and send him a warm thank you for his service to our state and the nation over the past 40 years. God Bless, Ted.
The great comedian Johnny Carson left his career when he was at the top of his game. Carson knew that if he had stayed longer than he would not be leaving looking his best. Ted Stevens and others in power who want to hold their seats until their dying breaths do themselves and their constituents a disservice.
Our founding fathers never intended that America have a professional class of privileged politicians.
Term limits would certainly go a long way towards setting America back on the right course.
I was overcome with emotion too! In gonna have a Margarita and celebrate our "loss" of one more "old timer" from our government! Let us all look to the future of success in Alaska and peace and tolerance among our citizens. Too bad Young didnt go with him!
Senator Ted Stevens have served all Alaskans for 4/5 of the time this became a State. Regardless of the what he face with the appeal, I think it would be in order for the State of Alaska, and communities to throw the biggest party in honor of Senator Stevens. Be it during the 50 year celebration and/or during this coming year.
Thank You.
Happy Retirement! Old Don is next!
Good bye and good riddance. He represented what was wrong with Washington DC and the Republican party.
allen and roadtrip, You know, I am upset at the current group of politicians, I think all of America is. But getting past the emotions, Uncle Ted has done more for Alaska than any other human being!! We should give him his due over that. Yes, he is in trouble now, but he has already earned his place in Alaska's history!
Uncle Ted; Many thanks for all you've done for the state of Alaska particularly for the military. You've never forgotten what it was like. And thank-you for your personal help, which I will never forget. Good luck with correcting the unjust you received at the end of your career.
We are up to our armpits in debt and sinking fast due in part to the attitude of give me, give me, give me. Republicans will not lead again until they learn to act like conservatives, that means government provides only the services that cannot be efficiently provided by the private sector. For example, military, limited police, utilities, roads, and limited regulatory agencies. Republicans are supposed to oppose pork and Stevens was the king of pork.
Barack Hussein Obama,in the hotseat! Biden, President? >
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Suprem...
roadtrip is quite confused. Last I heard he wasn't voting for him but then when the juror ended up going to the races instead of attending a dying father he found that a reason to vote for Ted. I still don't understand the thinking there but knucklewalker logic is tough to grasp.
roadtrip is mean-spirited too. Bad mouthing the old gentleman after all he has been through.Shame on you.
dog
It's a sad day for the state of Alaska and her people.
Correction to above ^
"It's a sad day for republicans in Alaska."
Thanks Opsamk. ;-)
I can't count the number of times I listened to Ted Stevens call anyone in Alaska who had the slightest concern about the environment some of the meanest names in the book. He couldn't wait to vent his vituperation on us and it didn't matter if we had been in Alaska longer than him or not. As far as he was concerned we were the scum of the earth.
So pardon me if I feel no remorse or sadness at his well-deserved defeat and soon-to-be incarceration (one can only hope). He brought it all on himself; he knew what he was doing. He's history.
To Ted Stevens I say goodbye and good riddance! Alaska may yet be saved from being the paved-over, oil-industry-owned scenario he envisioned it becoming through his efforts.
Even Old Yeller, for all the good dog he was, had to be shot when he went mad from rabies. As far as I'm concerned we just got rid of a oil-rabid politician. Next time, Don Young.
Haha, good point, dobieman. The second time I watched Stevens' speech I noticed that he even mentioned "extreme environmentalists" there...he just had to get in one last zinger. Same with Don Young; when I visited Young's office as a student he made personal slights on several senators (including John Kerry, who was running for president at the time) who opposed drilling in ANWR. That disdain for the environment is one of many reasons I didn't vote for Stevens or Young, but you have to admit that after 40 years in the Senate he's leaving quite a legacy and people rightfully admire parts of it.
Ive met Senator Stevens and his wife, they are both amazing people. Thank you Ted for everything you have done for Alaska. I voted for you!
When my daughter was young she went on a class trip to Washington DC and there was some confusion in getting the passes to get into the Capital. Ted went out of his way to stop, go with them, and take care of it then and there. "These are my constituents from Alaska they need to get in." And in they went. In his decades of having to play Washington politics he did not forget us here in Alaska.
I got the privilege of voting for Ted when I turned 18 and this year my daughter got a chance to vote for the first time. I can't tell you for sure how she voted - but I have a pretty good idea.
Thanks Ted for your years of service!
Ted Stevens, and the great Alaskans who have worked for him these many years, did so much not only to build this great state, but also to faithfully serve his individual constituents. I've only lived here 36 years, but I know dozens of individuals that got actual assistance fighting the "machine".
In this modern age of "who is prettiest on the t.v.", the Senator may have lacked charisma. His public speaking could be harsh and offsetting, but I've seen him guest speak at a half a dozen union functions, and every audience member was mesmerized by his blunt honesty. He would always tell you the truth, even if it wasn't pretty. I admire that in a politician.
Dobie and WDB, Sorry you missed it. Sorry that you are so blind.
I hope that Senator Stevens gets to enjoy the rest of his life. I hope that Bush pardons him, and the partisan Democrats just, for once, shut the hell up.
I really hope that the Senator has time to write his memoirs. I cant wait to read them.
Wow. It's not very often that you see roadtrip slip out of character...
/The guy is brilliant.
The only people who threaten our freedom more than Republican politicians are Democrat politicians. If I were a Dem I would not be to cocky. The Dems took congress and a 16 months later the financial market collapsed, thanks. Since Obama got elected and the dems got total control investors grabbed what they could carry and ran like hell for the door. The only people left in the market are the ones who don't know how to get out, thanks again. Obama's only chance at not taking the blame for the impending depression is to lead like the right of center tax cutter he pretended to be. If the liberals get what they want, carbon taxes, central planing through a federal regulation czar, taxes on all profitable transactions, disarmament, then god help us.
Fools!
Wow: WDB, Dobieman, roadtrip. I can't even find the words.....
Uncle Ted was not perfect, nobody is, but the guy gave his life away for us. He did what he thought was right and best for Alaskans. You can disagree with him, but you shouldn't dishonor him. He deserves a respectful departure. I wish we could have had one more term to ensure the last bit of resource development necessary to get us to the green energy stage and keep the economy in Alaska strong....
I guess we'll see if Mr. Begich can get anything done or if we'll be thrown under the bus by the folks in Washington......
Regarding his legal issues, he's either:
a. A good old guy with a ton of power that got caught pinching relative nickles and dimes when he could have taken hundreds, and is now getting severely punished (and us with him).
or
b. A good old guy with a ton of power that was careless with paperwork and didn't realize he was getting so much more than he paid for and is now getting screwed over by an old "friend", the justice department, and a bunch of his lifelong constituents.
Time will tell and either way, he doesn't really deserve the kind of criticism, condemnation, and disrespect he's been getting from a lot of folks on here.... I'm guessing most of the folks that are speaking out as such have never given decades of their life in service to anything..... so they just don't get it and must be forgiven their ignorance.....
Thanks Uncle Ted, I appreciate the decades of service. I truly hope you're vindicated (or at least only justly punished if you really blew it) and find some peace during your final years here on earth.
Peace.
but you shouldn't dishonor him : I wont he did that on his own. Why do we forget that our elected officials work for us, it is their JOB to serve us, and we pay them well for what should be a part time job, and be limited how long they serve. What other convicted felon still has the right to vote? Will he recive his pay for the rest of his life? Be careful Mark, we will be watching you. Don, pack your bags.
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