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Potential questions for jurors in Stevens case

Posted by Alaska_Politics

Posted: August 19, 2008 - 2:13 pm

From Richard Mauer in Anchorage --

What potential Washington, D.C., jurors know about Alaska, what they think about the oil industry, and whether they have reservations about sending an 84-year-old man to jail are all questions on proposed juror questionnaires submitted for review Monday in U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens’ felony disclosure case.

Prosecutors and Stevens’ defense attorney filed three separate lists of questions to U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan — one they agreed on, and separate additions (government here and defense here) they hoped to convince the judge to use.

Sullivan said he expects to begin seating a jury in Washington on Sep. 22 — though Stevens is still hoping to move the trial to Alaska, where undoubtedly the questions to potential jurors would be quite different.

Anyone who’s served on a jury will be familiar with most of the noncontroversial, joint questions: where do you work, do you know anyone in the courtroom, have you ever been convicted of a crime, can you spare the time to sit in a courtroom (for four weeks), do you understand the presumption of innocence afforded any defendant?

But there were also questions unique to this case: have you ever had a vexing experience with home remodeling? Ever refuse to pay a contractor because the work was lousy? Both sides want to know, presumably because the renovations to Stevens’ Girdwood home starting in 2000 by the oil-field service company Veco are central to the case. The government, in its seven-count indictment, alleged Stevens failed to disclose work and furnishing provided by Veco and its chairman, Bill Allen.

Several joint questions seek to find out if potential jurors are political active or read about politics, especially the insider Capitol Hill publications. Do they listen to talk radio, read political blogs or go to Internet forums? The government, in particular, wants to know if they read the conservative Drudge Report or the liberal Huffington Post online.

Stevens’ lawyers want to know what kind of impression the potential jurors have of Alaska in general. Their answers, by the way, may provide a clue about the harm to Alaska of all the coverage — some involving Stevens — of our famed "Bridges to Nowhere," other earmarks and the corruption investigation.

Stevens’ lawyers are seeking permission to ask a similar question about their impressions of Congress in general.

The government wants to know if the IRS has ever gone after them, in particular for the error of a spouse or tax preparer.

And then there are these proposed questions, also from the government: In your course of employment/business, have you ever given a gift to a vendor? In your course of employment/business have you ever received a gift from another business entity?

And finally, the government wants to know whether Stevens’ age would prejudice the outcome: “Would you have any difficulty finding an 84-year-old guilty of a crime if you knew that a conviction might result in a prison term?”

A hearing will be held at 11 a.m. Washington time tomorrow on Stevens' request to move the trial to Alaska.

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14 August 19, 2008 - 11:36pm | jacander

you make me sick

After all Senator Stevens has done, you ingrates want to tear him down? Alaska wouldn't even be a state without him--show some respect. he hasn't done anything wrong, so grow a backbone and defend him.

August 20, 2008 - 7:42pm | Aklabwalker

You need to cool it. Everyone is entitled to speak their minds

and the character of a person can be found in their responses. There is definitely a quid pro quo between Ted and the voters but he went a little too far and unfortunately he's got himself in a bind. Mind you, none of us have anything to do with it.
If Ted is guilty then I'm sure that's what the jury will find. If not, then the prosecution didn't prove their case. In any event let this be a wake up call to all present and future politicians.

August 20, 2008 - 10:40am | leowassilie

he was in the right place

at the right time. Nothing special.

Anyone could have done the job, and anyone could have done it better over the years.

He is lucky to have had Alaska's vote. Not vice versa.

There is nothing special about him.

August 20, 2008 - 10:37pm | Emperor

I'm not so...

...sure.

Nobody survives in that nest of vipers called the US Senate for as long as Stevens and not have something special about them.

Could some one else done as well or better? Possibly, but Stevens has done very well for Alaska and Alaskans, it wouldn't be an easy feat to repeat or beat.

August 21, 2008 - 12:55pm | akmooster

okay...

then we will just call him special ted from now on.

August 22, 2008 - 1:29am | Gus_Davis

Yeah,

Good 'ol Uncle Shred.

August 20, 2008 - 12:34am | zerocut

HUH? You talkin' to me?

Stevens hasn't denied receiving any of the under-the-table "freebies" from Veco. His only comment on the matter, so far, is that he "paid every bill that was sent to him".

Did Steven's have a contract with Veco or Allen? (Don't think so! ... that would leave a paper trail).

Did Steven's ever question Allen or Veco as to why they were doing all that "free" work ... or that they were doing it without being asked? (Don't think so ..... that would imply that he was aware of the "gifts" he wasn't reporting).

Why didn't Stevens just report the gifts? (Hummmmm.... on it's face, the whole thing looks like influence peddling .... questions would be asked by the Feds).

Which brings up another interesting question ... did TED ever pay INCOME TAX on the value of the "gifts" from Veco???

You say I should RESPECT!!! Respect WHAT??? Respect a guy who is a crook and continually wraps himself in the flag, like the "weasely" hypocrite he is?

I hope the Feds dig deeper into Stevens's background..... once a rat, always a rat...... he didn't just start being "on the take" on his 80th birthday!

Lastly, my friend, I am not an "ingrate".... I just have the common sense to know that "if it quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, ............. ".

13 August 19, 2008 - 8:19pm | Bill508

What would Thomas Jefferson think?

All those who defend old millionaire Ted Stevens would be considered scum by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson had some fine thoughts on crooked politicians and career politicians. As you consider yourselves "Americans" remember Thomas Jefferson would think you otherwise.

August 19, 2008 - 9:10pm | LilysDaddy

Well, actually,

rumor has it that VECO came in and raised Monticello and added a new first floor. With a "repurposed" gas grill thrown in, too; gratis.

Bill Allen was *much* younger then.

12 August 19, 2008 - 8:47pm | hey_georgie_girl_98

And finally

Would you have any difficulty finding an 84-year-old guilty of a crime if you knew that a conviction might result in a prison term?

Yes. As for home remodeling projects in general, I have experience dealing with the process, especially when these projects are ongoing with seasonal help over years.

Then again, if I were asked to serve on a jury of an aged hippie growing pot for personal consumption/cash to supplement their pension or annuity or just to make ends meet, I would not want to see him/her spend the rest of their life in prison, either.

As for Ted Stevens: I would do my best to convince the lawyers to allow me to sit on the jury so I waffle on the age question.......well I'm over 50 and they say to not trust anyone over 50.

If Theodore Stevens gets a break for being an aged senior citizen then so should all non violent offenses committed by senior citizens.

My career involves working with seniors on a daily basis so I'll close saying everyone who voted for Ted Stevens or anyone who benefitted from his works in Congress owe him simply this. It's our responsiblity to find him safe landing and I sincerely hope he gets to keep his pension and retirement package he's earned as US Senator in Congress. And finally, his politics and mine have never agreed so I don't vote Ted Stevens and I have my share of Ted Stevens replys to letters I've written or POMs, etc.

My opinion is worth as much as yours which is less than two cents' worth.... ;)

11 August 19, 2008 - 6:01pm | akmooster

some of you just don't make sense....

ted, took gifts that are probably in the 100K to 250k range, and his lifelong friend helped him get in on a great deal. (Where is the quid pro quo for the latter?) Having said that, let me be clear, this is enough for me to throw him out and into jail.

What doesn't make sense is why these same people aren't more outraged at begich? mark, as mayor, intervened on a land deal for his friend and business partner jon rubini. The result was rubini fraudulently made about $2,000,000 more on the deal and mark's friends at a non-profit got $400,000, that mark negotiated for in the deal. That is a much bigger ethical lapse/illegal act than what ted did. Where is your outrage? You d's lose so much credibility when you are only outraged at crooks from the opposite party.

August 19, 2008 - 7:05pm | wolfvorkian

Good questions- Fair questions

How about all the moral outrage over lying about a blowjob? A non-event when it comes to ethical lapses compared to the Alaska politicians.

Incidentally if I had my way Willie Jefferson would share a cell with Ted too.

August 20, 2008 - 11:33am | akmooster

don't buy into the leftist....

revisionist historian mantra.

It was never about a blow job, it was never about sex at all.

It was ALL about a sitting president lying under oath at a legal proceeding. Thus breaking the law and showing contempt for the constitution, which he swore to defend and protect.

For that he was impeached and disbarred.

As for being and adulterer he should have been found unworthy to continue serving as commander and chief - the same standard that all the men and women serving under him are held to. To those serving, they are discharged from the service for this offense. Yet this commander and chief was allowed to stay on. That was wrong.

10 August 19, 2008 - 4:51pm | leowassilie

He already has the Ruedrich crowd

apologizing for all these misunderstandings. You see, everyone volunteers a little bit of time to clean his yard and house, plant flowers, mow the lawn, and help touch up the sentor's home.

That includes doubling the square footage. You see, it's called "volunteering." No need for bills or receipts.

That's why the Senator is innocent. Some volunteer screwed up when adding on another whole floor to his house, so hence, he had to allow his best buddy and biggest campaign contributor to finish the job.

It's his tax accountant's fault for not catching this volunteered "In-Kind" service value for reporting to the IRS.

And we know how the Senator handles little gifts like the Lake Illiamna fishing trips from Gilliam. You see, it's called "retroactive reimbursement."

Yep, solid defense alright.

August 19, 2008 - 5:18pm | HumpyMcSaddle

I'd volunteer

If I could, I'd drive to Girdwood right now and jack the man's house up and build a third floor under it!

This guy has dedicated his life to his fellow Alaskans. He could have declined to run in 01 and immediately become the highest paid lobbyist on the planet, but instead chose to serve the public. If he needs help mowing the lawn, shoving the snow, etc while he's off in DC representing us, I'll gladly lend a hand.

August 20, 2008 - 10:43am | leowassilie

let me guess

the 3rd floor would be surrounded by a bunch of bars?

He would have to wait a year at least to become a lobbyist. Maybe that's just State of Alaska rules, therefore congress may be higher.

Why earn a bunch of money that's tax reportable when you can get a bunch of services and bribes thrown in for free (assuming he didn't get caught)?

August 19, 2008 - 7:05pm | brianmccarthy

Let me design the stairs to the basement

Application for structural alterations, Girdwood.

Conflicting applications for construction apply for alterations on a 3rd floor, and addition of a daylight basement.

While still under construction and federal indictment, the chalet in Girdwood 'certificate of occupancy' is up for review Sept. 22nd, Federal Court, Washington DC.

9 August 19, 2008 - 4:35pm | wassilie

Senator or age

Crime is a crime, even in his eyes as he was going through his term with the rest of the political crooks in alaska. if he is to be different, then lets let all first timers have a first chance too. I would say prosecute to the fullest like everyone else.

8 August 19, 2008 - 4:24pm | tlpass

Age is not an issue in this case

Yes, by all means let's make age an issue in this case. If he gets no time due to his elderly age then we are going to see a sudden surge in crimes by elders across the nation. People are getting desperate in these desperate times. You really think the elderly are above pushing when they get shoved? Not when they have nothing left to lose. If we could send Papa Pilgrim to prison then we can send Stevens in a heart beat.

Can we request jury duty? I wish!

7 August 19, 2008 - 4:13pm | kphillips4

Another possible question for the jury

If remodeling your house, would you go with a residential contractor, or an oil field services company?

August 19, 2008 - 4:22pm | dogone

And don't forget to let the restaurant owner in on it !

HILARIOUS !

6 August 19, 2008 - 3:58pm | Observermp

Wow

Four of the first six people posting below misunderstood the premise of the age question, some even after being reminded twice that it was a prosecution issue dealing with empathetic or sympathetic feelings toward the elderly.

How can you be so confused by such a basic and simple point?

Would you want people as confused as you on a jury of your peers?

August 20, 2008 - 12:10am | zerocut

Observermp ...... (:0)}------8

I did not "misunderstand the premise". I am merely pissed that either side would even bring this issue up, since the "premise" is so wrongheaded, and nobody else in our state or country is immune from the penalties of the law. I'm sure the defense would want to know the answer to this too, but that would be just as wrongheaded and inappropriate.

Age shouldn't be a factor at all in the trial..... it shouldn't even be mentioned.

August 19, 2008 - 8:00pm | Aklabwalker

For the most part the responses

are exactly what the prosecution is looking for. Would it be helpful for you to instead cite an 84 year old lawyer?

5 August 19, 2008 - 3:24pm | Aklabwalker

Old enough to do the crime but

too old to do the time? Boy do we need a change election!

4 August 19, 2008 - 3:01pm | sam_haney

Zerocut, I agree.

Age should have nothing to with the outcome of a criminal proceeding. Then again, neither should social status, government position, race.

But they do!

The lawyers are just trying to get a feel for how the jurors think.

And remember, The prosecution is looking for people that react the same as you. They are the ones that WANT stevens in jail. They asked that question.

3 August 19, 2008 - 2:56pm | mail287p

Age discrimination

If you can't send an 84 old man to jail then you certainly shouldn't send him to Congress to be your representative

2 August 19, 2008 - 2:39pm | zerocut

AGE!!??

What in God's name does Stevens's age have to do with anything in this case??? Is it now going to be OK if I wait until I'm 85 to rob a bank? If the judge allows the jury to be questioned concerning Stevens's age, that will be a good hint as to whether or not this trial is rigged!

The cops won't even give a common man a break on a damn traffic ticket.... why should SENATOR Stevens get a free pass on a bunch of felonies?

August 19, 2008 - 3:02pm | kjwells

The age question

will be posed by the prosecution. They will seek to disqualify people if they are sympathetic to the plight of an aged person. You are blaming Steven's defense for posing this question. I believe your understanding is exactly backwards.

1 August 19, 2008 - 2:39pm |

AGE!!??

October 13, 2008 - 6:39pm | megal_11

howabout this ...

tod converter can convert TOD files to other video formats, such as AVI, Mpeg, DivX, VOB, WMV, MP4, etc, with high out-put quality and fast converting speed.

August 19, 2008 - 2:43pm | Emperor

The prosecuters are...

...the ones that want to know if a prospective juror would have trouble convicting an 84 year old man. It's a good question for the prosecutor to ask, since they don't want anyone on that jury that wouldn't send an 84 year old to jail.

August 19, 2008 - 11:58pm | fred_watson

stevens

i live in bush alaska...and have benefitted from the congressional prowess of ted stevens..but i also believe that a crime is a crime....no matter what good u have done in your past....if u commit a crime u must pay the price...having said that......i also believe that our judicial process states that guilty until proven innocent will prevail..does it always...no...but the process must go on...do i believe ted commited a crime? it is not up to me to decide..i have my belief...and it is mine...many think that he did and in the end will be found innocent or pardoned by word make up artist BUSH...but that again is not my decision nor can i do anything about that...until found guilty..he has my vote and support....as do all charged with a crime and not found guilty..

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