politics

Why did Craig support

Alaskan senator?

On July 31 the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 (S1) passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming majority of 411-8. Our representative, Bill Sali, voted with the majority.

The bill then moved to the Senate. It is aimed at curbing the influence of big money special interests, primarily lobbyists.

At a closed-door luncheon of Senate Republicans that same day the Honorable Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, told the gathering that he disagreed with some of the provisions of the bill and might put a hold on it. That could prevent the bill from coming to a vote.

Coincidentally, the Honorable Mr. Stevens was under investigation by the FBI and IRS for possible corruption. An oil services company executive in Alaska has already pleaded guilty to bribery charges.

Implicated in his activities are Mr. Stevens, his son Ben, who was president of the Alaska senate at the time of the bribery, and Alaska Rep. Don Young. Bad timing for disagreement with an anti-corruption bill.

A "hold" is an informal process of the Senate that enables any member to delay a bill by notifying the majority leader. It can be done secretly or publicly. However, the majority leader has the discretion to ignore it.

Ted Stevens is considered one of the most powerful members of the Senate, having served longer than any Republican in history.

Another element makes this story interesting. Senator Larry Craig, R-Idaho, came out in support of Mr. Stevens, saying that there could be "a lot of holds on this bill" from senators who object to various provisions. No other member of the Senate has yet publicly come out in support of the Alaska senator.

On Aug. 2 both men voted to support of the bill and it passed 83-14. I guess they decided it's better to switch than fight.

BOB WYNHAUSEN

Sandpoint