Report: Former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens killed in plane crash

Local media sources are reporting that former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, a Republican, was killed along with an undetermined number of other passengers in a Monday small plane crash in a remote part of southwestern Alaska.

A political force going back to when Alaska was a territory, Stevens was found guilty of not reporting gifts on his Senate disclosure form in 2008. He was defeated in his quest for a eighth term a week later. Stevens, known for his skill in crafting earmarks for the 49th state, was the longest serving GOP senator in history.

Like many politicians in Washington, he didn't know when to retire.

In 1978 Stevens survived a plane crash at the Anchorage Airport that now bears his name, his wife was killed. One of Stevens sons was a passenger in yesterdays crash--his status is unknown.

Stevens' guilty verdict was tossed out by a judge a few months later, prosecutorial misconduct has been alleged.

My favorite Stevens moment was his moving tribute to President Reagan when his body was brought to the Capitol to lie in state.

Rest in peace.

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