Stevens Yields the Floor a Last Time

Alaska Republican closes 'privileged' 40-year tenure
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 20, 2008 1:03 PM CST
Stevens Yields the Floor a Last Time
Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, leaves the Senate chamber after making his last formal speech on the Senate floor and listening to tributes from his colleagues today.   (AP Photo)

Ted Stevens said goodbye to colleagues in the US Senate today, ending a 40-year career after losing his Alaska re-election bid and being convicted on corruption charges, the Anchorage Daily News reports. “I really must pinch myself to fully understand that I’m privileged to speak on the floor of the United States Senate,” Stevens said, surrounded by family, friends, and staff.

Stevens said he hoped to clear the “cloud” over his head, referring to his conviction, but otherwise did not mention recent events. “I have two homes. One is right here in this chamber and the other is my beloved state of Alaska. I must leave one to return to the other,” Stevens said in finishing to a standing ovation. (More Ted Stevens stories.)

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