From Levi Johnston running for Mayor of Wasilla to Sarah Palin being put in her place in Homer, we’ve covered more Alaska political stories today than you’d expect. Sadly, our third article is tragic: Former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens has died. The 86-year-old political legend and eight others were aboard an aircraft that crashed in southern Alaska last night. Five others are also believed killed. “The family has been notified that Senator Stevens did not survive the crash,” family spokesman Mitch Rose said in response to the tragedy Tuesday. The flight apparently was hampered by rainy and foggy weather in an area of mountains and lakes north of Bristol Bay, according to news reports. Stevens was the longest-serving Republican senator ever until he lost his bid for a seventh term in 2008 after he was found guilty of corruption. R.I.P. Ted Stevens (1923-2010). The case was later dismissed on account of prosecutorial misconduct, but only after the votes had been tallied. Affectionately referred to as “Uncle Ted” by his constituents, the influential politico was equally known for his volatile temper. His corruption trial was primarily sparked by his championing of the infamous “Bridge to Nowhere,” a $400-million pork transportation project designed to connect two remote Alaskan islands – and which Palin notably renounced. Stevens’ first wife, Ann, died in a plane crash in 1978 at Anchorage International Airport, later renamed Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Remarrying in 1980, the Alaskan is survived by his second wife, Catherine, and their daughter, Lily. Three sons – Ben, Walter and Ted – and two daughters – Susan and Beth – survive from his first marriage. May he rest in peace.
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Ted Stevens Killed in Plane Crash
