Senator Ted Stevens found guilty on corruption charges
October 27, 2008 Alaska Senator Ted Stevens was found guilty on seven counts of corruption. Stevens violated federal ethics laws by failing to report $250,000 in gifts and services related to the renovation of his home. Despite the conviction, the Senator plans to continue his bid for re-election.
Attorney general tightens grip on records
October 26, 2008: Alaska Attorney General Talis Colberg is clamping down on how the state shares information with the public.
He's ordered state commissioners to get the approval of his agency, the Department of Law, before answering public records requests.
In a Sept. 26 letter from Colberg to various state commissioners, which was obtained Friday by the Empire, Colberg wrote that the large number of requests necessitated his office's intervention to make sure that any of the governor's privileges to withhold documents weren't being mistakenly waved. Read the full article here.
Mine foes hit Alaska for withholding public papers
October 22, 2008: Sponsors of an unsuccessful ballot measure that targeted toxic mine pollution are suing to force Alaska officials to release government records that might answer questions about Gov. Sarah Palin's efforts to nix it.
The group Alaskans For Clean Water asked Alaska Superior Court in Anchorage on Tuesday to order immediate release of documents that the state says it can't fully produce until mid-November.
That extension wouldn't allow access to the records until after the Nov. 4 election. Palin is Republican John McCain's vice presidential running mate. The lawsuit alleges illegal failure to meet required timetables, "for the purposes of delay." Read the full article here.
Senator Ted Stevens testifies
October 18, 2008 Alaska Senator Ted Stevens took the stand in his own defense. While on trial for lying on his Senate disclosure form, he is also up for re-election. Stevens is accused of hiding $250,000 in gifts and services.
Want Palin's e-mails? That'll be $15 million
October 17, 2008: Sarah Palin's office has discovered a renewable resource to bring millions of dollars into Alaska's economy: the governor's e-mails.
The office of the Republican vice-presidential nominee has quoted prices as high as $15 million for copies of state e-mails requested by news organizations and citizens. Read the full article here.
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