Fortunately, all is not lost, because this weeks election resulted in a significant number of democrats being elected into senate, which would likely create a difficult road for Stevens if he tried to keep his seat.  The Washington post says it best:

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said this week that even if Stevens wins his race, he shouldn’t expect to keep his job on Capitol Hill. “The reality is that a convicted felon is not going to be able to serve in the United States Senate,” Reid said. “And as precedent shows us, Senator Stevens will face an ethics committee investigation and expulsion, regardless of his appeals process.”

Of course, this is where it gets entertaining.  As we all know from other articles, Sarah Palin has some lipstick and $150,000 in clothing (when are they going to donate those clothes?) that might just help her become the frontrunner if any special election should be called.  Sounds like bad news for the Democratic challenger, Mark Begich, and bad news for Alaska.  Of course, this is the same state that’s considering a convicted felon a viable candidate for office – maybe they’ll get what they deserve.

Ranter

Starbucks, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, to name a few, have all offered incentives to voters just to vote – to do their patriotic duty.  Unfortunately, some state laws consider these incentives illegal.  Georgia, for example, has it written into their law:

“Any person who gives or receives, or offers to give or receive, or participates in the giving or receiving of money or gifts for the purpose of registering as a voter, voting, or voting for a particular candidate in any primary or election shall be guilty of a felony.”

Makes me grateful that I live in the United States while making me think – some lazy ass people need an incentive to get out of bed – what’s wrong with giving them a cup of coffee for the trouble of voting, too?  Because you have to chose a party, I understand why incentivizing registration would be illegal, and I get that we can’t buy votes, but sometimes people need a kick to get them to vote – why is this so wrong?

Fortunately, Tara Darrow, spokeswoman for Starbucks, has come out to say “to ensure we are in compliance with election law, we are extending our offer to all customers who request a tall brewed coffee.”  In recognition for their effort I bought my regular drink and a bit more, too.  Thanks Starbucks for trying to do the right thing and then standing up and doing the right thing when your decision was questioned.  I don’t like everything you guys do, but agree with your decisions here.

Krispy Kreme didn’t have a statement that I could find as to how they might change things, although considering the cost of a doughnut I’m sure they will do the right thing too.  Ben & Jerry’s site simply says that everyone is getting a free scoop of ice-cream, so I guess it’s safe to say that they’re doing the right thing, too.  Thank you all.

Ranter