Bob McCarty Writes

Sarah Palin

Senator Sarah Palin?  It’s possible if three things take place in the life of Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) during the next few days, weeks or months:

1.  Senator Stevens loses his appeal to have the seven felony convictions handed to him by a jury one week ago overturned;

2.  A judge orders Senator Stevens to serve time in prison or places him on probation after his appeal is denied; and

3.  As a result of being unable to serve in the U.S. Senate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin appoints a replacement (i.e., herself) to serve in place of Senator Stevens until the next election cycle (i.e., 2010).

Despite reports that the jury verdict placed the legendary Republican senator’s re-election hopes in jeopardy, the Alaska Daily News is reporting that he maintained his lead over challenger Mark Begich this morning with 99 percent of the precincts counted in the nation’s 49th state.

Stranger things have happened.

Stay tuned.

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UPDATE/CORRECTION 11/12/08: I learned via this article today that Alaska law requires a special election rather than an appointment by the governor to fill a vacated Senate seat.

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