July 10, 2008

Alaska Democratic Party Statement on Indictment of John Cowdery

From an Alaska Democratic Party press release:

The Alaska Democratic Party today issued the following statement about the indictment of State Sen. John Cowdery, an Anchorage Republican:

"It's another sad day for Alaska because it shows the extent to which our system has been corrupted by special interests," said Alaska Democratic Party Chair Patti Higgins. "The Alaska Democratic Party does not condone corruption in any form. All those responsible should be brought to justice. This is another example of the Republican culture of corruption and shows very clearly why it's time for change in Alaska."

Doug Van Etten, the Democratic candidate for the State Senate seat in mid-town Anchorage that Cowdery is vacating, called for Cowdery's immediate resignation.

"Cowdery should resign," Van Etten said. "He has breached the public trust in a serious way. Our legislators do not need this distraction as they try to move forward with the important energy issues now pending in the Special Session."

Former state senator Ben Stevens was once again implicated in today's indictment as part of a conspiracy by VECO to bribe Alaska legislators. U.S. Senator Ted Stevens remains under investigation for a number of alleged improprieties including funneling federal dollars to his son Ben and his clients and his own relationship with VECO.