Editing Ted Stevens

{{Short description|American politician (1923–2010)}}
{{about|the politician|the musician|Ted Stevens (musician)}}
{{redirect|Senator Stevens}}
{{pp-move}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| image               = Ted Stevens 1997.jpg
| caption             = Official portrait, 1997
| jr/sr               = United States Senator
| state               = [[Alaska]]
| term_start          = December 24, 1968
| term_end            = January 3, 2009
| predecessor         = [[Bob Bartlett]]
| successor           = [[Mark Begich]]
{{Collapsed infobox section begin|Senate positions|titlestyle=border: 1px dashed lightgrey;}}
{{Infobox officeholder |embed=yes
| office1             = [[President pro tempore of the United States Senate]]
| term_start1         = January 3, 2003
| term_end1           = January 3, 2007
| predecessor1        = [[Robert Byrd]]
| successor1          = Robert Byrd
| office2             = [[President pro tempore emeritus of the United States Senate]]
| term_start2         = January 3, 2007
| term_end2           = January 3, 2009
| predecessor2        = Robert Byrd
| successor2          = [[Patrick Leahy]] (2015)
| office3             = [[Party leaders of the United States Senate|Senate Majority Whip]]
| leader3             = [[Howard Baker]]
| term_start3         = January 3, 1981
| term_end3           = January 3, 1985
| predecessor3        = [[Alan Cranston]]
| successor3          = [[Alan Simpson (American politician)|Alan Simpson]]
| office4             = [[Party leaders of the United States Senate|Senate Minority Leader]]
| term_label4         = Acting
| term_start4         = November 1, 1979
| term_end4           = March 5, 1980
| predecessor4        = Howard Baker
| successor4          = Howard Baker
| office5             = [[Party leaders of the United States Senate|Senate Minority Whip]]
| leader5             = Howard Baker
| term_start5         = January 3, 1977
| term_end5           = January 3, 1981
| predecessor5        = [[Robert P. Griffin]]
| successor5          = Alan Cranston
}}
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}
| state_house6        = Alaska
| district6           = 8th
| term_start6         = January 3, 1964
| term_end6           = January 3, 1968
| predecessor6        = ''Multi-member district''
| successor6          = ''Multi-member district''
| office7             = [[United States Department of the Interior#Operating units|Chief Legal Officer]] of the [[United States Department of the Interior]]{{ref|a}}
| president7          = [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]]
| 1blankname7         = Secretary 
| 1namedata7          = [[Fred Seaton]]
| term_start7         = September 15, 1960
| term_end7           = January 20, 1961
| predecessor7        = George W. Abbott
| office8             = [[United States Department of the Interior#Operating units|United States Assistant Secretary of the Interior]] for Legislation
| president8          = [[Dwight D. Eisenhower|Dwight Eisenhower]]
| 1blankname8         = Secretary 
| 1namedata8          = [[Douglas McKay]]<br />Fred Seaton
| term_start8         = June 1, 1956
| term_end8           = September 15, 1960
| office9             = [[United States Attorney]] for the [[United States District Court for the District of Alaska|Fourth Division of Alaska Territory]]
| president9          = Dwight D. Eisenhower
| term_start9         = August 31, 1953
| term_end9           = June 1, 1956<br />{{small|Acting: August 31, 1953 – March 30, 1954}}
| predecessor9        = [[Robert McNealy]]
| successor9          = George Yeager
| birth_name          = Theodore Fulton Stevens
| birth_date          = {{birth date|1923|11|18}}
| birth_place         = [[Indianapolis, Indiana]], U.S.
| death_date          = {{death date and age|2010|8|9|1923|11|18}}
| death_place         = [[Dillingham Census Area, Alaska]], U.S.
| restingplace        = [[Arlington National Cemetery]]
| party               = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| spouse              = {{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Ann Mary Cherrington|1952|1978|end=d}}|{{marriage|Catherine Bittner|1980}}}}
| children            = 6, including [[Ben Stevens|Ben]]
| education           = {{unbulleted list|[[University of California, Los Angeles]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])|[[Harvard University]] ([[Bachelor of Laws|LLB]])}}
| signature           = Ted Stevens Signature.svg
| allegiance          = United States
| branch              = {{tree list}}
* [[United States Army]]
** [[United States Army Air Forces|Army Air Forces]]
{{tree list/end}}
| serviceyears        = 1943–1946
| rank                = [[First lieutenant#United States|First Lieutenant]]
| unit                = 
| battles             = {{tree list}}
* [[World War II]]
** [[The Hump]]
{{tree list/end}}
| module              = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Sen. Ted Stevens on the Rules of Senate Holds.ogg|title=Ted Stevens's voice|type=speech|description=Ted Stevens speaks on eliminating the Senate practice of [[Senate hold|holds]] by passing a law<br/>Recorded November 9, 1997}}
}}

'''Theodore Fulton Stevens Sr.''' (November 18, 1923 – August 9, 2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-stevens-killed-plane-crash-081010,0,1348820.story|title=Former Sen. Stevens killed in plane crash|publisher=KTUU.com|date=August 10, 2010|access-date=December 1, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026025957/http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-stevens-killed-plane-crash-081010,0,1348820.story|archive-date=October 26, 2011}}</ref><ref name=deathreports>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38637072|title=Former Sen. Ted Stevens dies in Alaska plane crash|date=August 10, 2010|work=NBC News|access-date=August 10, 2010|archive-date=November 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109103838/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/38637072|url-status=live}}</ref> was an American politician and lawyer who served as a [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] from [[Alaska]] from 1968 to 2009.

He was the longest-serving [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] Senator in history at the time he left office. Stevens was the [[president pro tempore of the United States Senate]] in the [[108th United States Congress|108th]] and [[109th United States Congress|109th]] Congresses from 2003 to 2007, and was the third U.S. Senator to hold the title of [[President pro tempore of the United States Senate#President pro tempore emeritus|president pro tempore emeritus]]. He was previously [[United States Department of the Interior#Operating units|Solicitor]] of the [[United States Department of the Interior|Interior Department]] from 1960 to 1961.<ref name="biog" >{{cite web|url=https://tedstevensfoundation.org/ted-stevens-biography/|work=Ted Stevens Foundation|title=Ted Stevens' Biography|access-date=2022-06-24|archive-date=June 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624200601/https://tedstevensfoundation.org/ted-stevens-biography/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="apbio" >{{cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/ted-stevens-biography/|title=Biography of Ted Stevens|date=10 August 2010|agency=Associated Press|access-date=2022-06-24|archive-date=June 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624200601/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/ted-stevens-biography/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="leader" >{{cite web|url=https://www.adn.com/ted-stevens-1923-2010/article/mr-alaska-uncle-ted-how-stevens-became-alaskas-most-influential-leader-0/2010/08/10/|first=Donald Craig|last=Mitchell|work=Anchorage Daily News|title=From Mr. Alaska to Uncle Ted: How Stevens became Alaska's most influential leader|access-date=2022-08-13|date=May 13, 2016|archive-date=January 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129141253/https://www.adn.com/ted-stevens-1923-2010/article/mr-alaska-uncle-ted-how-stevens-became-alaskas-most-influential-leader-0/2010/08/10/|url-status=live}}</ref> Stevens has been described as one of the most powerful members of Congress and as the most powerful member of Congress from the [[Northwestern United States]].<ref name="drilling">{{cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/senator-has-long-pushed-for-drilling/|newspaper=[[Seattle Times]]|title=Senator has long pushed for drilling|first=Craig|last=Welch|date=November 3, 2005|access-date=May 6, 2023|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505120740/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/senator-has-long-pushed-for-drilling/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2010/08/stevens-was-larger-than-life-040905|title=Stevens was 'larger than life'|first=Manu|last=Raju|work=[[Politico]]|date=August 10, 2010|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510164753/https://www.politico.com/story/2010/08/stevens-was-larger-than-life-040905|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/08/10/ted.stevens.bio/index.html|title=Ted Stevens a towering figure in Alaska|publisher=[[CNN]]|first=Jim|last=Kavanagh|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510182301/http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/08/10/ted.stevens.bio/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Stevens served for six decades in the American [[public sector]], beginning with his service as a pilot in World War{{spaces}}II. In 1952, his law career took him to [[Fairbanks, Alaska]], where he was appointed [[U.S. Attorney]] the following year by President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]]. In 1956, he returned to Washington, D. C., to work in the Eisenhower [[United States Department of the Interior|Interior Department]], eventually rising to become Senior Counsel and Solicitor of the Department of the Interior, where he played an important role as an executive official in bringing about and lobbying for [[Alaska Statehood Act|statehood for Alaska]], as well as forming the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge|Arctic National Wildlife Range]].

After [[1962 United States Senate election in Alaska|unsuccessfully running to represent Alaska in the United States Senate]], Stevens was elected to the [[Alaska House of Representatives]] in 1964 and became House majority leader in his second term. In [[1968 United States Senate election in Alaska|1968]], Stevens again unsuccessfully ran for Senate, but he was appointed to [[Bob Bartlett]]'s vacant seat after Bartlett's death later that year. As a senator, Stevens played key roles in legislation that shaped Alaska's economic and social development,<ref name="master">{{cite web|url=https://rollcall.com/2010/08/17/ornstein-rostenkowski-and-stevens-were-master-lawmakers/|title=Ornstein: Rostenkowski and Stevens Were Master Lawmakers|work=Roll Call|first=Norman|last=Ornstein|date=17 August 2010|access-date=April 25, 2023|archive-date=April 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425133655/https://rollcall.com/2010/08/17/ornstein-rostenkowski-and-stevens-were-master-lawmakers/|url-status=live}}</ref> with Alaskans describing Stevens as "the state's largest industry" and nicknaming the federal money he brought in "Stevens money".<ref name="life">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38645177|work=[[NBC News]]|title=The life and legacy of former Sen. Ted Stevens|date=August 10, 2010|access-date=May 6, 2023|archive-date=May 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506062553/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38645177|url-status=live}}</ref> This legislation included the [[Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act]], the [[Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act]], [[Title IX]],<ref name="guardianwomen">{{Cite web|url=https://womensenews.org/2010/08/ted-stevens-was-guardian-angel-women-in-sports/|title=Ted Stevens Was Guardian Angel of Women in Sports|first=Donna|last=deVarona|date=17 August 2010|website=Women's eNews|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510170355/https://womensenews.org/2010/08/ted-stevens-was-guardian-angel-women-in-sports/|url-status=live}}</ref> gaining him the nickname "The Father of Title IX",<ref name=fatherix>{{cite news| title=U.S. Senator vows support of Title IX | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=3 February 1995 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1995/02/03/us-senator-vows-support-of-title-ix/1d451912-24dc-4ce8-8ac9-955a302ea31e/ | access-date=10 May 2023}}</ref> the [[Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act]], and the [[Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act]]. He was also known for his sponsorship of the [[Amateur Sports Act of 1978]],<ref>{{cite news | title=Ted Stevens warrants a spot in sports hall of fame | website=Anchorage Daily News | date=25 November 2011 | url=https://www.adn.com/voices/article/ted-stevens-warrants-spot-sports-hall-fame/2011/11/25/ | access-date=10 May 2023 | archive-date=May 10, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510174702/https://www.adn.com/voices/article/ted-stevens-warrants-spot-sports-hall-fame/2011/11/25/ | url-status=live }}</ref> which established the [[United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee]].

In [[2008 United States Senate election in Alaska|2008]], Stevens was [[Alaska political corruption probe#US Senator Ted Stevens investigated, charged, convicted, and verdict vacated|embroiled in a federal corruption trial]] as he ran for re-election to the Senate. He was initially [[Trial of Ted Stevens|found guilty]], and, eight days later, he was narrowly defeated by [[Mayor of Anchorage|Anchorage Mayor]] [[Mark Begich]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/27/stevens.jurors/index.html|work=CNN|title=Stevens says, 'I am innocent' after corruption conviction|date=October 27, 2008|access-date=August 21, 2010|archive-date=August 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820020702/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/27/stevens.jurors/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Stevens was the longest-serving U.S. Senator to have ever lost a bid for re-election. However, when a [[United States Department of Justice|Justice Department]] probe found evidence of gross [[prosecutorial misconduct]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/07/ted.stevens/index.html|publisher=[[CNN]]|title=Sen. Ted Stevens' conviction set aside|date=April 7, 2009|access-date=August 21, 2010|archive-date=August 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820050601/http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/07/ted.stevens/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> U.S. Attorney General [[Eric Holder]] asked the court to vacate the conviction and dismiss the underlying indictment,<ref>{{cite news|magazine=[[The New Yorker]]|first=Jeffrey|last=Toobin|author-link=Jeffrey Toobin|title=Casualties of Justice|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/01/03/casualties-of-justice|date=January 3, 2011|access-date=May 10, 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510161829/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/01/03/casualties-of-justice|url-status=live}}</ref> and Judge [[Emmet G. Sullivan]] granted the motion.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Florida Law Review|first=Nathan A.|last=Frazier|title=Amending for Justice's Sake: Codified Disclosure Rule Needed to Provide Guidance to Prosecutor's Duty to Disclose|volume=63|issue=3|year=2011|url=https://scholarship.law.ufl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1111&context=flr|pages=771–800|access-date=May 10, 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510160327/https://scholarship.law.ufl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1111&context=flr|url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|772}} Stevens died on August 9, 2010, near [[Dillingham, Alaska]], when a [[de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter]] he and several others were flying in [[2010 Alaska DHC-3 Otter crash|crashed]] en route to a private fishing lodge.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Horrible Details Of Ted Stevens Crash Emerge |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2010/08/11/129136684/alaska-ted-stevens-crash-survivors |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=npr |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512131139/https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2010/08/11/129136684/alaska-ted-stevens-crash-survivors |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Early life and career==
===Childhood and youth===
[[File:Ted Stevens as a child.PNG|alt=Toddler Ted Stevens rides on a tricycle; he has a smile. The image is in sepiatone.|left|thumb|upright|Stevens as a toddler, c. 1925]]
Stevens was born November 18, 1923, in [[Indianapolis]], Indiana, the third of four children,<ref name="rootsweb">[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~battle/senators/stevens.htm Theodore Fulton "Ted" Stevens genealogy.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024182519/http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~battle/senators/stevens.htm |date=October 24, 2007 }} Rootsweb.com. Retrieved on May 31, 2007.</ref><ref name="whitney-formative">{{cite news|last=Whitney|first=David|date=August 8, 1994|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-1994-08-18/html/CREC-1994-08-18-pt1-PgS26.htm|title=Formative years: Stevens's life wasn't easy growing up in the depression with a divided family|work=Anchorage Daily News|page=A1|access-date=May 15, 2020|via=Congressional Record|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808010522/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-1994-08-18/html/CREC-1994-08-18-pt1-PgS26.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> in a small cottage built by his paternal grandfather after the marriage of his parents, Gertrude S. Chancellor and George A. Stevens. The family later lived in Chicago, where George was an accountant before losing his job during the [[Great Depression]].<ref name="whitney-formative"/><ref name="Mitchell 2001">{{cite book|last=Mitchell|first=Donald Craig|year=2001|title=Take My Land, Take My Life: The Story of Congress's Historic Settlement of Alaska Native Land Claims, 1960–1971|location=Fairbanks, AK|publisher=University of Alaska Press}}</ref>{{rp|220}} Around this time, when Ted Stevens was six years old, his parents divorced, and Stevens and his three siblings moved back to Indianapolis so they could reside with their paternal grandparents, followed shortly thereafter by their father, who developed problems with his eyes which eventually blinded him. Stevens's mother moved to California and sent for Stevens's siblings as she could afford to, but Stevens stayed in Indianapolis helping to care for his father and a mentally disabled cousin, Patricia Acker, who also lived with the family. The only adult in the household with a job was Stevens's grandfather. Stevens helped to support the family by working as a [[Newspaper hawker|newsboy]], and would later remember selling many newspapers on March 1, 1932, when newspaper headlines blared the news of the [[Lindbergh kidnapping]].<ref name="whitney-formative"/>

[[File:Ted Stevens Graduation photo (cropped 3x4).png|thumb|upright|left|alt=Ted Stevens in the Redondo High School Class of 1942 Yearbook. He has a dark suit, black hair, a neutral expression, and a striped tie.|Stevens in the Redondo High School Class of 1942 Yearbook]]
In 1934 Stevens's grandfather punctured a lung in a fall down a tall flight of stairs, contracted [[pneumonia]], and died.<ref name="whitney-formative"/> Stevens's father, George, died in 1957 in [[Tulsa]], Oklahoma, of lung cancer.<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|220}} Stevens and his cousin Patricia moved to [[Manhattan Beach, California]] in 1938, by which time both of Stevens's grandparents had died,<ref name="leader" /> to live with Patricia's mother, Gladys Swindells.<ref name="whitney-formative"/> Stevens attended [[Redondo Union High School]], participating in extracurricular activities including working on the school newspaper and becoming a member of a student theater group affiliated with the [[YMCA]], and, during his senior year, the Lettermen's Society. Stevens also worked at jobs before and after school,<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|220}} but still had time for surfing with his friend Russell Green, the son of the Signal Gas and Oil Company's president, who remained a close friend throughout Stevens's life.<ref name="whitney-formative"/><ref name="life"/>

===Military service===
[[File:Ted Stevens Military.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Stevens while serving, 1943]]
After he graduated from Redondo Union High School in 1942,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://patch.com/california/redondobeach/redondo-remembers-ted-stevens | title=Redondo Remembers Ted Stevens | date=August 13, 2010 }}</ref> Stevens enrolled at [[Oregon State University]] to study engineering,<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|221}} attending for a semester.<ref name="whitney-formative"/> With World War{{spaces}}II in progress, Stevens attempted to join the [[United States Navy|Navy]] and serve in [[naval aviation]], but failed the vision exam. He improved his vision through a course of prescribed eye exercises, and in 1943 he was accepted into an [[United States Army Air Forces|Army Air Force Air Cadet]] program at [[Montana State University – Bozeman|Montana State College]].<ref name="whitney-formative"/><ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|221}} Stevens said that, after scoring near the top of his class on an aptitude test for flight training, he was transferred from the program to preflight training in [[Santa Ana, California]], and he received his wings early in 1944.<ref name="whitney-formative"/>
[[File:Plaque honoring Ted Stevens' wartime service.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor]] displays a collection of Stevens's wartime photos and souvenirs in connection to his flying supplies to the [[Flying Tigers]]]]
[[File:President George W. Bush and Senator Ted Stevens welcome World War II veterans of the 322nd Troop Carrier Squadron (87).jpg|thumb|right|Stevens and President [[George W. Bush]] with World War{{spaces}}II veterans of the 322nd Troop Carrier Squadron, 2006]]

Stevens served in the [[China Burma India Theater of World War II|China-Burma-India theater]] with the [[Fourteenth Air Force]] Transport Section, which supported the "[[Flying Tigers]]", from 1944 to 1945. He and other pilots in the transport section flew [[C-46 Commando|C-46]] and [[C-47 Skytrain|C-47]] [[transport plane]]s, often without escort, mostly in support of Chinese units fighting the Japanese.<ref name="whitney-formative"/> Stevens received the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (USA)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] for flying behind enemy lines, the [[Air Medal]], and the Yuan Hai Medal awarded by the [[Republic of China|Chinese Nationalist government]].<ref name="whitney-formative"/> He was discharged from the Army Air Forces in March 1946.<ref name="whitney-formative"/>

===Higher education and law school===
After the war, Stevens attended the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] (UCLA), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in [[political science]] in 1947.<ref name="whitney-formative"/> While at UCLA, he was a member of [[Delta Kappa Epsilon]] fraternity (Theta Rho chapter).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Presidents {{!}} DKE |url=https://dke.org/presidents/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |language=en-US |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512130843/https://dke.org/presidents/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He applied to law school at [[Stanford Law School|Stanford]] and the [[University of Michigan Law School|University of Michigan]], but on the advice of his friend Russell Green's father to "look East", he applied to [[Harvard Law School]], which he ended up attending. Stevens's education was partly financed by the [[G.I. Bill]]; he made up the difference by selling his blood, borrowing money from an uncle, and working several jobs including one as a bartender in Boston.<ref name="whitney-formative"/> During the summer of 1949, Stevens was a research assistant in the office of the [[United States Attorney|U.S. Attorney]] for the [[United States District Court for the Southern District of California|Southern District of California]] (now the [[Central District of California]]).<ref name="harvardlawreview">"With the editors{{spaces}}..." 64 ''Harvard Law Review'' vii (1950).</ref><ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|222}}

While at Harvard, Stevens wrote a paper on [[maritime law]] that received honorable mention for the Addison Brown prize, a Harvard Law School award for the best student-penned essay related to [[private international law]] or maritime law.<ref name="harvardlawreview"/> The essay later became a ''[[Harvard Law Review]]'' article,<ref name="stevens-lawreview">{{cite journal|last=Stevens|first=Theodore F.|title=Erie R.R. v. Tompkins and the Uniform General Maritime Law|volume=64|journal=Harvard Law Review|pages=88–112|year=1950|issue=2|doi=10.2307/1336176|jstor=1336176|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1336176|access-date=May 10, 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510161852/https://www.jstor.org/stable/1336176|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> and, 45 years later, Justice [[Jay Rabinowitz (jurist)|Jay Rabinowitz]] of the [[Alaska Supreme Court]] praised Stevens's scholarship, telling the ''[[Anchorage Daily News]]'' that the high court had issued a recent opinion citing the article.<ref name="whitney-formative"/> Stevens graduated from Harvard Law School in 1950.<ref name="whitney-formative"/>

===Early legal career===
After graduating, Stevens went to work in the Washington, D.C., law offices of Northcutt Ely.<ref name="harvardlawreview"/><ref name="whitney-roadnorth">{{cite news|last=Whitney|first=David|date=August 9, 1994|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609200111/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22the%20road%20north%20needing%20work%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(all)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22the%20road%20north%20needing%20work%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes|archive-date=June 9, 2011|title=The road north: Needing work, Stevens borrows $600, answers call to Alaska|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]|url-status=dead|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22the%20road%20north%20needing%20work%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(all)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22the%20road%20north%20needing%20work%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes}}</ref> Twenty years earlier, Ely had been executive assistant to [[United States Secretary of the Interior|Secretary of the Interior]] [[Ray Lyman Wilbur]] during the [[Herbert Hoover|Hoover]] administration,<ref name="ely">{{cite web|last=Ely|first=Northcutt|date=December 16, 1994|url=http://www.redlandsfortnightly.org/papers/persgulf.htm|title=Doctor Ray Lyman Wilbur: Third President of Stanford & Secretary of the Interior|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171415/http://www.redlandsfortnightly.org/papers/persgulf.htm |archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=June 5, 2007}}</ref> and, by 1950, he headed a prominent law firm specializing in [[natural resources]] issues.<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/> One of Ely's clients, Emil Usibelli, founder of the Usibelli Coal Mine in [[Healy, Alaska]],<ref name="usibelli">Alaska Mining Hall of Fame Foundation. (2006). [http://alaskamininghalloffame.org/inductees/usibelli.php "Emil Usibelli (1893–1964)."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820161622/http://alaskamininghalloffame.org/inductees/usibelli.php |date=August 20, 2016 }} Retrieved on 2007-06-05.</ref> was trying to sell coal to the military, and Stevens was assigned to handle his legal affairs.<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/>

===Marriage and family===
Early in 1952, Stevens married Ann Mary Cherrington, a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] and the adopted daughter of [[University of Denver]] Chancellor [[Ben Mark Cherrington]]. She had graduated from [[Reed College]] in [[Portland, Oregon]], and during the [[Harry S. Truman|Truman]] administration had worked for the [[United States Department of State|State Department]].<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/>

On December 4, 1978, the crash of a [[Learjet 25]]C on approach at [[Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport|Anchorage International Airport]] killed five of the seven aboard; Stevens survived, suffering a [[concussion]] and broken ribs,<ref name=recrapd>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rhRWAAAAIBAJ&pg=2507%2C1595345 |via=Eugene Register-Guard |location=Oregon |agency=Associated Press |title=Recovery rapid for Sen. Stevens, doctor reports |date=December 6, 1978 |page=5A |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514182403/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rhRWAAAAIBAJ&pg=2507%2C1595345 |url-status=live }}</ref> but his wife, Ann, did not. Stevens would later state in an interview with the Anchorage Times "I can't remember anything that happened." Smiling, he added, "I'm still here. It must be my [[Scottish people|Scots]] blood."<ref name=alsjck>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WuAzAAAAIBAJ&pg=4480%2C3779622 |work=Lodi News-Sentinel |location=California |agency=UPI |title=Alaskan jet crash kills senator's wife |date=December 5, 1978 |page=1 |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602170923/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WuAzAAAAIBAJ&pg=4480%2C3779622 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=ergappcr>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rRRWAAAAIBAJ&pg=5162%2C1367366 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=Oregon |agency=Associated Press |title=Jet crash injures Sen. Stevens, kills his wife, four other persons |date=December 5, 1978 |page=4A |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601153529/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rRRWAAAAIBAJ&pg=5162%2C1367366 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Hosenball|date=August 11, 2010|url=http://www.newsweek.com/blogs/declassified/2010/08/11/ntsb-warned-about-alaska-pilots-risky-ways-and-ted-stevens-argued.html|title=NTSB Warned About Alaska Pilots' Risky Ways – and Ted Stevens Argued|magazine=Newsweek|access-date=August 13, 2010|archive-date=August 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815043411/http://www.newsweek.com/blogs/declassified/2010/08/11/ntsb-warned-about-alaska-pilots-risky-ways-and-ted-stevens-argued.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The building which houses the Alaska chapter of the [[American Red Cross]] at 235 East Eighth Avenue in [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]] is named in her memory; likewise a reading room at the [[Zachariah J. Loussac|Loussac]] Library.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ann Stevens Room & Galleria |url=https://www.anchoragelibrary.org/services/in-the-library/meeting-rooms/meeting-and-event-space/ann-stevens-room-galleria/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=Anchorage Public Library |language=en |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512125306/https://www.anchoragelibrary.org/services/in-the-library/meeting-rooms/meeting-and-event-space/ann-stevens-room-galleria/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Ted & Ann Stevens' wedding.PNG|alt=Stevens and his wife Ann on the day of their wedding, 1952. Stevens is in a suit, and Ann in a traditional bridal dress. Stevens and Ann both have wide smiles as she sits on his lap while he holds her, in what seems to be a car. The image has a light yellowish-sepiatone tint.|left|thumb|upright|Stevens and his wife Ann on the day of their wedding, 1952]]
Stevens and Ann had three sons (Ben, Walter, and Ted) and two daughters (Susan and Elizabeth).<ref>[https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/article/beth-stevens-daughter-sen-ted-stevens-dies/2014/02/27/ Stevens family says goodbye to a stalwart sister] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209132833/https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/article/beth-stevens-daughter-sen-ted-stevens-dies/2014/02/27/ |date=December 9, 2018 }}, ''[[Alaska Dispatch News]]'', Sean Doogan, February 27, 2014.(Updated: May 31, 2016). Retrieved 29 May 2017.</ref> Democratic Governor [[Tony Knowles (politician)|Tony Knowles]] appointed [[Ben Stevens|Ben]] to the [[Alaska Senate]] in 2001, where he served as the president of the state senate until the fall of 2006.

Ted Stevens remarried in 1980. He and his second wife, Catherine, had a daughter, Lily.

Stevens's last Alaska home was in [[Girdwood, Alaska|Girdwood]], a ski resort community near the southern edge of Anchorage's city limits, about {{convert|40|mi|round=5|spell=in}} by road from [[Downtown (Anchorage)|downtown]]. The home was the subject of media attention after it was raided by FBI & IRS agents in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mauer |first1=Richard |last2=Bolstad |first2=Erika |date=December 21, 2007 |title=Warrant served at Stevens' Girdwood home |url=https://www.adn.com/politics/article/warrant-served-stevens-girdwood-home/2007/12/21/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=Anchorage Daily News |language=en |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512125306/https://www.adn.com/politics/article/warrant-served-stevens-girdwood-home/2007/12/21/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Prostate cancer====
Stevens was a survivor of [[prostate cancer]] and had publicly disclosed his cancer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usrf.org/news/colin_powell.html|title=USRF – Colin Powell: Powell Has Surgery for Prostate Cancer|publisher=USRF|access-date=October 28, 2008|archive-date=January 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125065130/http://usrf.org/news/colin_powell.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Herman |first=Robin |date=1992-03-31 |title=THE CANCER MEN DIDN'T TALK ABOUT... UNTIL NOW |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/wellness/1992/03/31/the-cancer-men-didnt-talk-about-until-now/477e7711-155c-4c49-b667-d7df16ecde32/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724185645/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/wellness/1992/03/31/the-cancer-men-didnt-talk-about-until-now/477e7711-155c-4c49-b667-d7df16ecde32/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was nominated for the first Golden Glove Awards for Prostate Cancer by the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC). He advocated the creation of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program for Prostate Cancer at the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]], which has funded nearly $750{{spaces}}million for prostate cancer research.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://friendsofcancerresearch.org/news/senator-ted-stevens/ | title=Senator Ted Stevens | newspaper=Friends of Cancer Research | date=August 11, 2010 | access-date=May 22, 2023 | archive-date=May 22, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522231527/https://friendsofcancerresearch.org/news/senator-ted-stevens/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Stevens was a recipient of the Presidential Citation by the [[American Urological Association]] for significantly promoting urology causes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auanet.org/content/about-us/awards.cfm?sub=citations |title=Presidential Citations |publisher=American Urological Association |access-date=November 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081114211024/http://www.auanet.org/content/about-us/awards.cfm?sub=citations |archive-date=November 14, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Early Alaska career==
In 1952, while still working for Northcutt Ely, Stevens volunteered for the presidential campaign of [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], writing position papers for the campaign on western water law and lands. By the time Eisenhower won the election that November, Stevens had acquired contacts who told him, "We want you to come over to Interior." Stevens left his job with Ely, but a job in the Eisenhower administration did not materialize<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/> as a result of a temporary hiring freeze instituted by Eisenhower in an effort to reduce spending.<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|222}}

Instead, Stevens was offered a job with the [[Fairbanks, Alaska]], law firm of Charles Clasby, Emil Usibelli's Alaska attorney whose firm (Collins &{{spaces}}Clasby) had just lost one of its attorneys.<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|222}}<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/> Stevens and his wife had met and liked both Usibelli and Clasby, and decided to make the move.<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/> Loading up their 1947 Buick<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|223}} and traveling on a $600 loan from Clasby, they drove across country from Washington, D.C., and up the [[Alaska Highway]] in the dead of winter, arriving in Fairbanks in February 1953. Stevens later recalled kidding Governor [[Walter Joseph Hickel|Walter Hickel]] about the loan. "He likes to say that he came to Alaska with 38 cents in his pocket", he said of Hickel. "I came $600 in debt."<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/> Ann Stevens recalled in 1968 that they made the move to Alaska "on a six-month trial basis".<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|223}}

In Fairbanks, Stevens made contacts within the city's Republican party division. He befriended conservative newspaper publisher C.W. Snedden, who had purchased the ''[[Fairbanks Daily News-Miner]]'' in 1950. Snedden's wife, Helen, later recalled that Snedden and Stevens were "like father and son". However, she would add in 1994 that "The only problem Ted had was that he had a temper", crediting her husband with helping to steady Stevens like you would do with a son, and with teaching Stevens the art of diplomacy.<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/>

===U.S. Attorney===
==== Nomination ====
Stevens had been with Collins & Clasby for six months when Robert J. McNealy, a Democrat appointed as [[United States Attorney|U.S. Attorney]] for Fairbanks during the Truman administration,<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/> informed U.S. District Judge Harry Pratt he would be resigning effective August 15, 1953,<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|224}} having already delayed his resignation by several months at the request of [[United States Department of Justice|Justice Department]] officials newly appointed by Eisenhower. The latter had asked McNealy to delay his resignation until Eisenhower could appoint a replacement.<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|223}} Despite Stevens's short tenure as an Alaska resident and his relative lack of trial or [[criminal law]] experience, Pratt asked Stevens to serve in the position until Eisenhower acted.<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|224}} Stevens agreed. "I said, 'Sure, I'd like to do that,'" Stevens recalled years later. "Clasby said to me, 'It's not going to pay you as much money', but, 'if you want to do it, that's your business.' He was very pissed that I decided to go."<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/> Most members of the Fairbanks Bar Association voiced their disapproval of the appointment of a newcomer, and members in attendance at the association's meeting that December voted to instead support Carl Messenger for the permanent appointment, an endorsement seconded by the Alaska Republican Party Committee for the Fairbanks-area judicial division.<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|224}} However, Stevens was favored by Attorney General [[Herbert Brownell Jr.|Herbert Brownell]], Senator [[William F. Knowland]] of California, and the [[Republican National Committee]],<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|224}} (Alaska itself had no Senators at this time, as it was still a [[Organized incorporated territories of the United States|territory]]). Eisenhower sent Stevens's nomination to the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] on February 25, 1954,<ref name="biog"/><ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|225}} and the Senate confirmed him on March 30.<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/>

==== Career as U.S. Attorney ====
Stevens soon gained a reputation as an active prosecutor who vigorously prosecuted violations of both federal and territorial liquor, drug, and prostitution laws,<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/> characterized by Fairbanks area [[homesteader]] [[Niilo Koponen]] (who later served in the Alaska State House of Representatives from 1982 to 1991) as "this rough tough shorty of a district attorney who was going to crush crime".<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|225}} Stevens sometimes accompanied [[United States Marshals Service|U.S. Marshals]] on raids. As recounted years later by Justice [[Jay Rabinowitz (jurist)|Jay Rabinowitz]], "U.S. marshals went in with [[Tommy gun]]s and Ted led the charge, smoking a stogie and with six guns on his hips."<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/> However, Stevens himself said the colorful stories spread about him as a pistol-packing D.A. were greatly exaggerated, and recalled only one incident when he carried a gun: on a vice raid to the town of [[Big Delta, Alaska|Big Delta]] about {{convert|75|mi|km|0}} southeast of Fairbanks, he carried a holstered gun on a marshal's suggestion.<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/>

Stevens also became known for his explosive temper, which was focused particularly on a criminal defense lawyer named [[Warren A. Taylor]]<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/> who would later go on to become the [[Alaska Legislature]]'s first Speaker of the House in the [[1st Alaska State Legislature|First Alaska State Legislature]].<ref name="vot-taylor">[[Anchorage Times|Voice of the Times]]. (December 31, 2004). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110609200734/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=allfields(%22Warren%20A.%20Taylor%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2004)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2004&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Warren%20A.%20Taylor%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Test your legislative knowledge."] ''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved June 7, 2007.</ref> "Ted would get red in the face, blow up and stalk out of the courtroom", a former court clerk later recalled of Stevens's relationship with Taylor.<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/> Later on, a former colleague of Stevens would "cringe at remembering hearing Stevens through the wall of their Anchorage law office berating clients." Stevens's wife, Ann, would make her husband read self-help books to try and calm him down, although this effort was to no avail. As one observer remembered: "He would lose his temper about the dumbest things. Even when you would agree with him, he got mad at you for agreeing with him."<ref name="leader" />

In 1956, in a trial which received national headlines, Stevens prosecuted Jack Marler; a former [[Internal Revenue Service]] agent who had been indicted for failing to file tax returns. Marler's first trial, which was handled by a different prosecutor, had ended in a deadlocked jury and a [[mistrial (law)|mistrial]]. For the second trial, Stevens was up against [[Edgar Paul Boyko]], a flamboyant [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]] attorney who built his defense of Marler on the theory of [[no taxation without representation]], citing the [[Alaska Territory|Territory of Alaska]]'s lack of representation in the [[United States Congress|U.S. Congress]]. As recalled by Boyko, his closing argument to the jury was a rabble-rousing appeal for the jury to "strike a blow for Alaskan freedom", claiming that "this case was the jury's chance to move Alaska toward statehood." Boyko remembered that "Ted had done a hell of a job in the case", but Boyko's tactics paid off, and Marler was acquitted on April 3, 1956. Following the acquittal, Stevens issued a statement saying, "I don't believe the jury's verdict is an expression of resistance to taxes or law enforcement or the start of a [[Boston Tea Party]]." Stevens then followed "I do believe, however, that the decision will be a blow to the hopes for Alaska statehood."<ref name="whitney-roadnorth"/>

===Department of the Interior===
====Alaska statehood====
[[File:Ted Stevens and Dwight Eisenhower.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Dwight D. Eisenhower, left, in a bright-colored suit, talks to Ted Stevens, right, in a dark colored suit, circa 1958|Stevens with [[Dwight D. Eisenhower|Dwight Eisenhower]] in 1958]]
In March 1956, Stevens's friend Elmer Bennett, legislative counsel in the [[United States Department of the Interior|Department of the Interior]], was promoted by [[United States Secretary of the Interior|Secretary of the Interior]] [[Douglas McKay]] to the Secretary's office. Bennett successfully lobbied McKay to replace him in his old job with Stevens, and Stevens returned to Washington, D.C., to take up the position.<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|226}} By the time he arrived in June 1956, McKay had resigned in order to run for the U.S. Senate from his home state of [[Oregon]], and [[Fred Andrew Seaton]] had been appointed to replace him.<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|226}}<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood">{{cite news|last=Whitney|first=David|date=August 10, 1994|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609200127/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22seeking%20statehood%20stevens%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(all)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22seeking%20statehood%20stevens%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes|title=Seeking statehood: Stevens bent rules to bring Alaska into the union.|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]|archive-date=June 9, 2011|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22seeking%20statehood%20stevens%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(all)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22seeking%20statehood%20stevens%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes|url-status=dead|access-date=June 1, 2007}}</ref> Seaton, a newspaper publisher from Nebraska,<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|226}} was a close friend of ''[[Fairbanks Daily News-Miner]]'' publisher C.W. Snedden, who was in addition friends with Stevens, and in common with Snedden was an advocate of Alaska statehood,<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> unlike McKay, who had been lukewarm in his support.<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|226}} Upon his appointment, Seaton asked Snedden if he knew anyone from Alaska who could come down to Washington, D.C. to work for Alaska statehood; Snedden replied that the man he needed (Stevens) was already there working in the [[United States Department of the Interior|Department of the Interior]].<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> The fight for Alaska statehood became Stevens's principal work at Interior. "He did all the work on statehood", Roger Ernst, the then Assistant Secretary of Interior for Public Land Management, later said of Stevens. "He wrote 90 percent of all the speeches; Statehood was his main project."<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> A sign on Stevens's door proclaimed his office as "Alaskan Headquarters", and Stevens became known at the Department of the Interior as "Mr. Alaska".<ref name="Mitchell 2001"/>{{rp|226}}

[[File:Interior Dept. Secretary Seaton & Solicitor Stevens.jpg|thumb|right|Secretary [[Fred Seaton]] and Solicitor Stevens, 1960]]
Efforts to make Alaska a state had been going on since 1943, and had nearly come to fruition during the [[Harry S. Truman|Truman]] administration in 1950 when a statehood bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, only to die in the Senate.<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> The national Republican Party opposed statehood for Alaska, in part out of fear that Alaska would, upon statehood, elect Democrats to the U.S. Congress, while the Southern Democrats opposed statehood, believing that the addition of 2 new pro-civil rights Senators would jeopardize the Solid South's control on Congressional law.<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> At the time Stevens arrived in Washington, D.C., to take up his new job, a constitutional convention to write an Alaska constitution had just been concluded on the campus of the [[University of Alaska]] in Fairbanks.<ref name="akconvention">{{cite web|publisher=University of Alaska|year=2004|url=https://www.alaska.edu/creatingalaska/constitutional-convention/|title=Constitutional Convention|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105211841/https://www.alaska.edu/creatingalaska/constitutional-convention/ |archive-date=November 5, 2016|work=Creating Alaska: The Origins of the 49th State|access-date=June 21, 2007}}</ref> The 55 delegates also elected three unofficial representatives (all Democrats) as unofficial Shadow congressmen: [[Ernest Gruening]] and [[William Allen Egan|William Egan]] as Shadow U.S. Senators and [[Ralph Rivers]] as Shadow at-large U.S. representative.<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/>

[[File:Ted Stevens 1967.PNG|upright|thumb|left|alt=Ted Stevens lighting a pipe on January 23rd, 1967. He is in a dark room, wearing glasses, a black suit, and a black tie. His head is tilted downwards, and his body is tilted slightly to the right hand side of the photograph.|Stevens in January 1967]]
President Eisenhower, a Republican, regarded Alaska as too large in area and with a population density too low to be economically self-sufficient as a state, and furthermore saw statehood as an obstacle to effective defense of Alaska should the Soviet Union seek to invade it.<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> Eisenhower was especially worried about the sparsely populated areas of northern and western Alaska. In March 1954, he had reportedly "drawn a line on a map" indicating his opinion of the portions of Alaska which he felt ought to remain in federal hands even if Alaska were granted statehood.<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/>

Seaton and Stevens worked with Gen. [[Nathan Farragut Twining|Nathan Twining]], the incumbent [[Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff]], who himself had previously served in Alaska; and Jack L. Stempler, a top [[United States Department of Defense|Defense Department]] attorney, to create a compromise that would address Eisenhower's concerns. Much of their work was conducted in a hospital room at [[Walter Reed Army Medical Center|Walter Reed Army Hospital]], where Interior Secretary Seaton was receiving treatment for reoccurring health issues with his back.<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> Their work concentrated on refining the line on the map that Eisenhower had drawn in 1954, one which became known as the PYK Line after three rivers (the [[Porcupine River|Porcupine]], [[Yukon River|Yukon]], and [[Kuskokwim River|Kuskokwim]]) whose courses defined much of the line.<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> The PYK Line was the basis for Section{{spaces}}10 of the [[Alaska Statehood Act]], which Stevens wrote.<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> Under Section 10, the land north and west of the PYK Line{{snd}}which included the entirety of Alaska's [[Alaska North Slope|North Slope]], the [[Seward Peninsula]], most of the [[Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta]], the western portions of the [[Alaska Peninsula]], and the [[Aleutian Islands|Aleutian]] and [[Pribilof Islands]]{{snd}}would be part of the new state, but the president would be granted [[emergency power]]s to establish special national defense withdrawals in those areas if deemed necessary.<ref name="alaskastatehoodact">Statehood Act, Pub. L. 85-508, 72 Stat. 339. July 7, 1958. Codified at [https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode48/usc_sup_01_48_10_2notes.html 48 U.S.C., Chapter 2.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026061522/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode48/usc_sup_01_48_10_2notes.html |date=October 26, 2011 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.eisenhowerfoundation.net/sites/default/files/psl_media_files/AL16_memo%252CfromTedStevensREAlaskaStatehoodAct%252C7_4_58.pdf Eisenhower Foundation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520155210/https://www.eisenhowerfoundation.net/sites/default/files/psl_media_files/AL16_memo%252CfromTedStevensREAlaskaStatehoodAct%252C7_4_58.pdf |date=May 20, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.seniorvoicealaska.com/story/2015/07/01/columns/alaska-wins-battle-for-statehood-in-1958/809.html | title=Alaska wins battle for statehood in 1958 | access-date=May 20, 2023 | archive-date=May 20, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520155219/https://www.seniorvoicealaska.com/story/2015/07/01/columns/alaska-wins-battle-for-statehood-in-1958/809.html | url-status=live }}</ref> "It's still in the law but it's never been exercised", Stevens later recollected. "Now that the problem with Russia is gone, it's surplusage. But it is a special law that only applies to Alaska."<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/>
[[File:Ted Stevens 1977.jpg|thumb|upright|Stevens's Congressional portrait for the [[95th United States Congress]], 1977]]
Stevens, illegally, also took part in lobbying for the statehood bill,<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> working closely with the Alaska Statehood Committee from his office at Interior.<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> Stevens hired Marilyn Atwood,<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> daughter of ''[[Anchorage Times]]'' publisher Robert Atwood,<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> who was chairman of the Alaska Statehood Committee,<ref name="robert-atwood">University of Alaska. (ca. 2004). [http://www.alaska.edu/creatingalaska/StatehoodFiles/whoswho/alaskans/atwood.xml "Alaskans for Statehood: Robert B. Atwood."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060908193213/http://www.alaska.edu/creatingalaska/StatehoodFiles/whoswho/alaskans/atwood.xml |date=September 8, 2006 }} ''Creating Alaska: The Origins of the 49th State'' (website). Retrieved on June 21, 2007.</ref> to work with him in the Interior Department. "We were violating the law", Stevens told a researcher in an October 1977 oral history interview for the [[Eisenhower Presidential Center|Eisenhower Library]]. Stevens explained in the interview that they were violating a long-standing statute against lobbying from the executive branch. "We more or less masterminded the House and Senate attack from the executive branch."<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> Stevens and the younger Atwood created file cards on Congressmen based on their backgrounds, identity and religious beliefs, as he later recalled in the 1977 interview. "We'd assigned these Alaskans to go talk to individual members of the Senate and split them down on the basis of people that had something in common with them."<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> The lobbying campaign extended to presidential press conferences. "We set Ike (Eisenhower) up quite often at press conferences by planting questions about Alaska statehood", Stevens said in the 1977 interview. "We never let a press conference go by without getting someone to try to ask him about statehood."<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/> Newspapers were also targeted, according to Stevens. "We planted editorials in weeklies and dailies and newspapers in the district of people we thought were opposed to us or states where they were opposed to us." Stevens then added "...Suddenly they were thinking twice about opposing us."<ref name="whitney-seekingstatehood"/>

The [[Alaska Statehood Act]] became law with Eisenhower's signature on July 7, 1958,<ref name="alaskastatehoodact"/> and Alaska formally was admitted to statehood on January 3, 1959, when Eisenhower signed the Alaska Statehood Proclamation.<ref name="akstateproclaim">University of Alaska. (ca. 2004). [http://www.alaska.edu/creatingalaska/StatehoodFiles/infodocs/pictures/statehoodproclamation.xml "Signing of the Alaska Statehood Proclamation, January 3, 1959."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060912232953/http://www.alaska.edu/creatingalaska/StatehoodFiles/infodocs/pictures/statehoodproclamation.xml |date=September 12, 2006 }} ''Creating Alaska: The Origins of the 49th State'' (website). Retrieved on June 21, 2007.</ref>

==== Solicitor of Interior ====
On September 15, 1960, George W. Abbott resigned as Solicitor of the Interior to become Assistant Secretary, and Stevens became Solicitor. He stayed in this office until the [[Presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower|Eisenhower administration]] left office on January 20, 1961.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1960-09-15 |title=SEATON AIDE NAMED; TWO ENVOYS RESIGN |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/15/archives/seaton-aide-named-two-envoys-resign.html |access-date=2023-02-24 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223071445/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/15/archives/seaton-aide-named-two-envoys-resign.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In his position as the highest attorney in the Interior Department, he authored the order that created the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]] in 1960.<ref name="drilling"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.audubonofkansas.org/prairie-wings.cfm?fx=XJHK1ACMSK0OFPDI|title=A Kansas Native Led the Politically-Challenging Campaign to Create the Arctic Wildlife Range/Refuge|website=audubonofkansas.org|date=Winter 2012|author=Dick Seaton|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=June 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630194537/https://www.audubonofkansas.org/prairie-wings.cfm?fx=XJHK1ACMSK0OFPDI|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="greenpeace">{{cite web|url=https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/wp-content/uploads/legacy/Global/usa/planet3/PDFs/ted-stevens-chronology.pdf|title=Ted Stevens chronology|website=greenpeace.org|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=April 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420152237/https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/wp-content/uploads/legacy/Global/usa/planet3/PDFs/ted-stevens-chronology.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Return to Alaska and service in the Alaska House of Representatives===
After returning to Alaska, Stevens managed [[Richard Nixon]]'s [[1960 United States presidential election|1960]] campaign in [[1960 United States presidential election in Alaska|Alaska]]. Nixon lost the election narrowly to [[John F. Kennedy]], but won Alaska, which was unexpected due to Alaska's [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] lean.<ref name="race60">{{Cite journal |last=Chinn |first=Ronald E. |date=1969 |title=The 1968 Election in Alaska |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/446336 |journal=The Western Political Quarterly |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=456–461 |doi=10.2307/446336 |jstor=446336 |issn=0043-4078 |access-date=May 19, 2023 |archive-date=February 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210050556/https://www.jstor.org/stable/446336 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Shortly after, Stevens founded Stevens & Savage, a law firm in [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]]. Stevens was then joined by [[H. Russel Holland]], who later became a federal judge on the [[United States District Court for the District of Alaska|U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska]], and the firm's name changed to Stevens, Savage & Holland.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gardner |first1=Darrel J. |title=Senior Judges Section – Hon. H. Russel Holland |journal=The Federal Lawyer |date=September 2017 |pages=58–60 |url=https://www.fedbar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Hon-H-Russel-Holland-pdf-3.pdf |access-date=6 May 2022 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407230947/https://www.fedbar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Hon-H-Russel-Holland-pdf-3.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Stevens became a member of Operation Rampart, a group in favor of building the [[Rampart Dam]], a hydroelectric project on the [[Yukon River]].<ref>Coates, Peter A. ''The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Controversy''. University of Alaska Press, 1991. Page 143.</ref> Elected to the [[Alaska House of Representatives]] in 1964, he became House Majority Leader in his second term.<ref>[https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDOC-110sdoc4/pdf/CDOC-110sdoc4.pdf Archived copy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905134257/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDOC-110sdoc4/pdf/CDOC-110sdoc4.pdf |date=September 5, 2022 }}</ref> In this position, he helped push through the repeal of a law that the Governor must appoint a U.S. Senator of the same party as their predecessor when filling a Senate vacancy, benefitting from this law change the next year when [[Bob Bartlett]] died.<ref name="riseandfall">{{Cite web|title=The rise and fall of Sen. Ted Stevens|url=https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/article/rise-and-fall-sen-ted-stevens/2008/11/19/|access-date=2023-05-28|website=adn.com|archive-date=May 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528014407/https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/article/rise-and-fall-sen-ted-stevens/2008/11/19/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==U.S. Senator==
===Service===
[[File:Ted stevens 1962.jpg|upright|thumb|left|Stevens in 1962, the year of his first run]]
Stevens's service as a United States Senator was, at first, marked with instability and controversy. [[Mike Gravel]] stated that he had no issue with Stevens being the senior senator, because he was seven years Stevens's junior, and Stevens had been in public service for longer than he had.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Project Jukebox {{!}} Digital Branch of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Oral History Program |url=https://jukebox.uaf.edu/interviews/851 |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=jukebox.uaf.edu |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512140812/https://jukebox.uaf.edu/interviews/851 |url-status=live }}</ref> Even after losing the [[1968 United States Senate election in Alaska|1968]] Republican primary, Stevens embarked on a state-wide campaign for the Republican nominee, [[Elmer Rasmuson]], attacking Gravel on his time as [[Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives]]. When they were being sworn in together in 1969, Stevens approached Gravel and apologized, asking if they could "let political bygones be bygones", so that they could work together. However, Gravel replied "I don't want to be your friend, Ted. I didn't appreciate you going around the state and lying about me." Gravel and Stevens never recovered, with Gravel later recalling "We'd talk about things. I'd joke with him. He's got a sense of humor." However, Gravel would add "He didn't use it on me unless I was the butt of it."<ref name="leader" />

[[File:Jay Greenfield, Ted Stevens & Emil Notti, 1969.jpg|thumb|Stevens (centre) with Jay Greenfield (left) and AFN President [[Emil Notti]] (right) discussing [[Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act|ANCSA]] in 1969]]
During the inaugural meeting of the [[United States Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies|Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs]] during the [[91st United States Congress]], Stevens commandeered the meeting, booming: "The first priority has to be settlement of Alaska Native land claims. This committee hadn't had the guts to do it at statehood." By the end of the meeting, Stevens and Gravel had ended up in a shouting match, constantly interrupting and disrespecting each other, boiling out into the hallway, fists raised, giving statements to the press in a makeshift conference before Chairman [[Henry M. Jackson|Henry "Scoop" Jackson]] interrupted and broke up the fight.<ref name="leader" /> In one incident, Stevens began lecturing Jackson, the chairman. Jackson put his foot down, stating "Now just a minute. You're new here and I want to tell you how these things are handled." Ed Weinberg would recall that Jackson treated Ted Stevens like he was a rebellious schoolboy and, as such, would make him "sit in the corner with a dunce cap on." "Jackson wasn't about to let Ted Stevens take over the hearings and the framing of this legislation."<ref name="leader" />

Following the [[1974 United States Senate election in Alaska|1974]] campaign, where Stevens begrudgingly campaigned for the Republican nominee, leading John Birch Society member C.R. Lewis, Stevens again tried to put their rivalry aside, sending a letter inviting Gravel and his wife to a "nice dinner" with him and his wife. However, Gravel turned it down, later recalling he showed Stevens that he "didn't want to socialize with him." Gravel felt Stevens did not behave appropriately during the campaign, adding "I wanted nothing to do with him socially."<ref name="feud">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1979/09/30/the-great-alaska-feud/58a42ecf-d387-4815-9b1b-4afd3ae120c9/|first=Nicholas|last=Lemann|date=September 30, 1979|newspaper=[[Washington Post]]|title=The Great Alaska Feud|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326031547/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1979/09/30/the-great-alaska-feud/58a42ecf-d387-4815-9b1b-4afd3ae120c9/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 13, 1978, the last day of the second sitting of the [[95th United States Congress|95th Congress]], the [[Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act]], an act to conserve around a third of Alaska as 'America's last huge, untouched wilderness', an act which Stevens championed after providing a compromise with [[Mo Udall]], was killed by Gravel. One theory why was that Gravel killed the bill in an attempt to spite Stevens, but it is more widely accepted that Gravel had killed the bill as part of his 1980 re-election campaign. The day before, Gravel had written to Stevens that he 'supported Stevens' and was reconsidering his opposition of any attempt of a compromise.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-27 |title=Mike Gravel, former US senator for Alaska, dies at 91 |url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mike-gravel-alaska-government-and-politics-49428bf81c2081f064d1fa8fd05a26a1 |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=AP NEWS |language=en |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512140805/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mike-gravel-alaska-government-and-politics-49428bf81c2081f064d1fa8fd05a26a1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="feud"/> On the day, the bill was granted an extension for a year by the House, but when the Senate debated the extension, Stevens did not present Gravel's objections to the Senate. In response, Gravel stood up and killed the extension, stating that astounded him how members of Congress could "meet so much on a subject" that "affected someone else's state." Gravel would then add that he "had been willing to rise above this and work on the compromise", even though he believed the bill "...was anathema to what I thought was right and in the best interests of Alaska..."<ref name="feud"/>

[[File:President Gerald Ford stands with Don Young and Ted Stevens.jpg|thumb|left|Stevens with then-President [[Gerald Ford]] and U.S. Representative [[Don Young]] in 1975]]
[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] [[New Hampshire]] Senator [[John A. Durkin]] rose. "The whole chamber knows what the senator is up to. He is out to torpedo this bill!" Gravel rebutted "I will not admit that!", continuing to speak until [[Party leaders of the United States Senate|Senate Majority Leader]] [[Robert Byrd]] took the bill off of the floor. The Senate descended into rage, Gravel unsuccessfully trying to talk over the Senators' angry commotion. Stevens then rose and stated that "I feel like a father who has just arrived at the delivery room and found out his son has been stillborn." He accused Gravel of lying, adding Interior Secretary [[Cecil Andrus]] and President [[Jimmy Carter]] would take away 'millions of acres of Alaska from development'. Durkin then rose again; "We worked out an extension to protect Alaska, and he is torpedoing that now. I hope the press is listening, as well as every village in Alaska, so when the secretary (Andrus) invokes the Antiquities Act there will be no ticker-tape parade." Hard to hear over the anger of the Senate, Durkin then finally added that Alaskans should know that the compromise "foundered on two words, after forty-seven markups, and those two words are 'Mike Gravel.'"<ref name="feud"/> Gravel argued that Stevens was selling out, and, in rebuttal, Stevens told the press that Gravel had broken his word, adding "Gravel is an international playboy who needs psychiatric help.", following "I'm not even sure if God could fathom his thinking."<ref name="feud"/>

=== 1978 plane crash ===
[[File:Ted stevens aug 12th 1983.jpg|upright|thumb|Stevens in 1983]]
On December 4, 1978, Stevens had a meeting in [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]] with executives of the major pro-development lobby "Citizens for the Management of Alaska's Lands". On the same day, Governor of Alaska [[Jay Hammond]], would be sworn in for a second term in Alaska's capital, [[Juneau, Alaska|Juneau]]. [[Langhorne A. Motley|Tony Motley]], the Chair of CMAL, arranged for a friend's private plane to pick them up after the inauguration had finished, and then fly them from Juneau to Anchorage so Stevens could attend the meeting. During takeoff from [[Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport|Anchorage International]], the plane had risen only a few feet above the runway when it was hit by a sudden, strong gust of wind, which flipped the plane around and pointed it straight up in the air. In an attempt to re-orient the plane, the pilot pulled back the throttle, but the plane stalled and crashed violently into the ground. Out of the seven people on board, including the pilot, only Stevens and Motley survived the crash. The other five passengers, a group which included Ann Stevens, who was Stevens' wife of {{frac|2|1|2}} decades, died on impact.<ref name="feud"/>

[[File:Bob Dole shaking hands with Ted Stevens.jpg|thumb|left|Stevens with [[Bob Dole]] and [[Arlen Specter]] in 1984]]
Stevens's wife's death hit him very hard. On the day of the crash Gravel was on a trip to Saudi Arabia, but he flew back to attend Ann's funeral. Afterwards, Gravel asked a Stevens aide if he could express his condolences personally, but he was informed that Stevens didn't want to see him. Upon Stevens' return, he seemed "bitter and in terrible emotional pain", hinting in both Alaska and D.C. that he believed that the only reason he made the flight was that he had to rebuild the effort for a land bill back together, and that thus the primary reason was Mike Gravel killing the bill. Most of his remarks were not printed by reporters, who saw them as statements of someone "half-crazy with grief".<ref name="feud"/>

[[File:Senator Ted Stevens speaks during the commissioning of the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS ALASKA (SSBN 732).jpg|thumb|upright|Stevens speaking at the commissioning of the [[USS ''Alaska'' (SSBN 732)|USS Alaska]], 1986]]
However, on February 6, 1979, Stevens spoke to the [[United States House Committee on Natural Resources|House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs]], which Udall chaired, which had just begun to debate the new edition of the lands bill, and he brought up the plane crash. "It was on that trip to Alaska to reconstitute the efforts for the coming year that I and Tony Motley, who passed away ... were involved in an accident", he said, the fact that Motley had survived seemingly lapsing his mind. "The trip was neither spur-of-the-moment nor stopgap. It was and is to me the beginning of this year's effort to achieve an acceptable D2 lands bill. As I am sure you realize, and many of you can imagine, the solution of the issue means even more to me than it did before." He shortly talked about the bill, before finally adding: "I think if that bill had passed, I might have a wife sitting and waiting when I get home tonight, too."<ref name="feud"/><ref name="authentic">{{cite magazine | url=https://newrepublic.com/article/77016/ted-stevens-authentic-alaska-senator | title=The Jerk | magazine=The New Republic | date=October 10, 2007 | last1=Crowley | first1=Michael }}</ref>

[[File:Appropriations Chair, Ted Stevens, in 1997.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Stevens as Appropriations chairman, 1997]]
In 1979, Stevens began to recruit primary challengers for the Democratic nomination to Gravel for his re-election campaign [[1980 United States Senate election in Alaska|the following year]]. After some courting, Stevens decided to back [[Clark Gruening]], the grandson of Ernest Gruening, who Gravel had defeated in the primary 12 years prior. Stevens had also reportedly (and unsuccessfully) attempted to court [[Langhorne A. Motley|Tony Motley]], the other survivor of the 1978 crash to run as the Republican nominee, but Motley stated he had only briefly touched upon entering the race with Stevens and that he was not a candidate.<ref name="feud"/> The junior Gruening would defeat Gravel in the primary by a margin of 11 points.<ref name="Primary1980">{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.alaska.gov/results/80PRIM/80prim.pdf|title=State of Alaska Official Returns by Election Precinct|website=www.elections.alaska.gov|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919234201/http://www.elections.alaska.gov/results/80PRIM/80prim.pdf|archive-date=September 19, 2017}}</ref> Gruening would then lose the election to banker [[Frank Murkowski]] by 7 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/1980election.pdf|title=Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 1980|website=clerk.house.gov|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320200405/https://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/1980election.pdf|archive-date=March 20, 2022}}</ref>

== Early legislative achievements ==
[[File:Ted Stevens (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Stevens in 2004]]
Stevens's fiery attitude greatly assisted him in pushing the highly controversial nomination of Alaska Governor [[Wally Hickel]] to the office of [[United States Secretary of the Interior|Interior Secretary]] through the workings of the Senate, as well as passing numerous major bills, such as the [[Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act]] in 1971, [[Title IX]] in 1972, the [[Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act]] in 1973, something which endeared the Senator to President [[Richard Nixon]], and, an act which Stevens had picked as his key legislative achievement in 2006,<ref name="legisachi" >{{cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/2013648561/|title=Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK)|author=Library Of Congress|website=[[Library of Congress]]|access-date=2022-08-13|archive-date=August 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813040916/https://www.loc.gov/item/2013648561/|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act]], along with Washington Senator [[Warren Magnuson]]. Stevens's ability to do so helped propel him in popularity, allowing him to easily win re-election in [[1970 United States Senate special election in Alaska|1970]] in an upset. Stevens would continue to win re-election easily until his defeat in [[2008 United States Senate election in Alaska|2008]] by [[Mayor of Anchorage|Anchorage Mayor]], [[Mark Begich]], the son of former U.S. Representative from [[Alaska's at-large congressional district|Alaska]] [[Nick Begich Sr.]].<ref name="leader" />

=== Pork barrel spending ===
Throughout his career, Stevens would bring in billions of dollars of pork barrel funding for Alaska, something which Stevens was unapologetic for, once stating "I'm guilty of asking for pork, and I'm proud of the Senate for giving it to me."<ref name="king" >{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129122667|title=Stevens Leaves Behind 'King Of Alaska' Legacy|author=NPR|website=[[NPR]]|access-date=2022-08-13|archive-date=August 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813040917/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129122667|url-status=live}}</ref> Stevens was nicknamed the "King of Pork" by [[CBS News]]<ref name="cbspork">{{Cite web |date=2007-10-12 |title=The Senate's King Of Pork – And Fish |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-senates-king-of-pork-and-fish/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=May 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510175935/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-senates-king-of-pork-and-fish/ |url-status=live }}</ref> & [[NBC News]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-12-20 |title=Even in minority, Republicans dish out the pork |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22342743 |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=May 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510175935/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22342743 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2007, [[Texas]] received approximately $98 per person in federal appropriations, with a similar share accorded [[New York (state)|New York]], while [[Alaska]] came in a far first place, receiving $4,300 per person. In his final year in the Senate, Stevens secured $469 million for Alaskan projects. Citizens Against Government Waste stated that Stevens had secured over a billion dollars in federal funding for Alaska from 1991 to 2000.<ref name="forbespork">{{Cite web |last=Wingfield |first=Brian |title=Ted Stevens, Earmarker Extraordinaire |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianwingfield/2010/08/10/ted-stevens-earmarker-extraordinaire/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=May 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510183622/https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianwingfield/2010/08/10/ted-stevens-earmarker-extraordinaire/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Adams |first=Richard |date=2010-08-10 |title=Ted Stevens: Alaska's stalwart uncle |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/richard-adams-blog/2010/aug/10/ted-stevens-alaska-plane-crash |access-date=2023-05-19 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=May 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510183622/https://www.theguardian.com/world/richard-adams-blog/2010/aug/10/ted-stevens-alaska-plane-crash |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Elections===
After practicing private law for a year, Stevens ran for the [[U.S. Senate]] in 1962 and won the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nomination, defeating only trivial opposition. Stevens was considered a long-shot candidate against the popular former Governor and incumbent [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] U.S. Senator [[Ernest Gruening]], and he lost in the general election by a 16-point margin, a margin which was much closer than expected, considering Bartlett's 27-point win in the prior election, the stronghold of the Democratic Party in Alaska, and the long service of Gruening.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38645177|newspaper=NBC News|title=The life and legacy of former Sen. Ted Stevens|date=August 10, 2010|access-date=February 16, 2015|archive-date=October 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020211121/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/38645177/ns/politics-capitol_hill/t/life-legacy-former-sen-ted-stevens/#.VOI5d_nF-uo|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="leader" /> In 1968, Stevens once again ran for the U.S. Senate, but lost in the Republican primary to Anchorage Mayor [[Elmer E. Rasmuson]]. Rasmuson lost the general election to Democrat [[Mike Gravel]]. In December 1968, after the death of Alaska's other senator, Democrat [[Bob Bartlett]], [[Governor of Alaska|Governor]] [[Walter Joseph Hickel|Wally Hickel]] appointed Stevens to the seat.<ref name="officialbio">{{cite web|access-date=May 31, 2007 |url=http://stevens.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorStevens.Biography |title=About Senator Stevens" (official biography) |publisher=United States Senator Ted Stevens (official website) |archive-date=May 30, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070530190831/http://stevens.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorStevens.Biography |url-status=dead }}</ref> Since Gravel took office ten days after Stevens did, Stevens was Alaska's [[senior senator]] for all but ten days of his forty-year tenure in the Senate. However, on the account of Stevens's long career in public service, and age, Gravel took no issue with the situation.

In a [[1970 United States Senate special election in Alaska|special election in 1970]], Stevens won the right to finish the remainder of Bartlett's term. He won the seat in his own right in [[1972 United States Senate election in Alaska|1972]], and was reelected in [[1978 United States Senate election in Alaska|1978]], [[1984 United States Senate election in Alaska|1984]], [[1990 United States Senate election in Alaska|1990]], [[1996 United States Senate election in Alaska|1996]] and [[2002 United States Senate election in Alaska|2002 elections]]. His final term expired in January 2009. Since his first election to a full term in 1972, Stevens never received less than 66% of the vote before his 2008 defeat for re-election.<ref>{{cite news|first=Aaron|last=Blake|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/946-begichs-entry-tees-up-first-tough-reelection-race-in-stevenss-career/|title=Begich's entry tees up first tough reelection race in Stevens's career|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116150552/http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/1137-begichs-entry-tees-up-first-tough-reelection-race-in-stevenss-career |archive-date=November 16, 2012|work=The Hill|date=February 27, 2008|url-status=live|access-date=July 18, 2016}}</ref>

When asked if he would hypothetically accept the 2008 Republican vice presidential nomination if offered, Stevens replied "No. I've got too many things that I still want to do as a senator. Plus, I don't like the idea of a job where you sit around and wait for someone to die."<ref name="vice">{{cite news|first=Hill|last=Staff|url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/senators-say-whether-theyd-agree-to-be-vice-president-2008-05-12.html|title=Senators say whether they'd agree to be vice president|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517001022/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/senators-say-whether-theyd-agree-to-be-vice-president-2008-05-12.html |archive-date=May 17, 2008|work=The Hill|date=May 12, 2008|access-date=May 28, 2023}}</ref>

Stevens lost his [[2008 United States Senate election in Alaska|Senate re-election bid in 2008]].<ref>{{cite news|first=John|last=Nichols|title=Ted Stevens – and Senate GOP – In Trouble|url=http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/07/31/2889|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708214843/http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/07/31/2889/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 8, 2008|work=[[The Nation]]|date=July 30, 2007|access-date=March 17, 2014}}</ref> He won the Republican primary in August<ref>Kim Murphy, [http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-alaska27-2008aug27,0,4017397.story "Alaska: Sen. Stevens wins; Rep. Young in tight race"]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830044300/http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-alaska27-2008aug27%2C0%2C4017397.story |date=August 30, 2008 }},|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 27, 2008|</ref> and was defeated by Anchorage Mayor [[Mark Begich]] in the general election.<ref>{{cite news|title=Senator predicts Democrats will win Alaska Senate race|url=http://juneauempire.com/stories/072408/sta_309065755.shtml|agency=Associated Press|publisher=[[Juneau Empire]]|date=2008-07-24|access-date=July 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006163136/http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/072408/sta_309065755.shtml|archive-date=October 6, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He was the longest-serving U.S. Senator in history to lose re-election, beating out [[Warren Magnuson]], who had served over 36 years before his defeat to [[Slade Gorton]] in [[1980 United States Senate election in Washington|1980]].

Stevens, who would have been 90 years old on election day, had filed to run for a rematch against Begich in the [[2014 United States Senate election in Alaska|2014 election]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adn.com/2009/04/08/753646/stevens-files-candidacy-for-2014.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820073808/http://www.adn.com/2009/04/08/753646/stevens-files-candidacy-for-2014.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 20, 2010 |title=Stevens files candidacy for 2014 election &#124; Ted Stevens |publisher=ADN |date=April 8, 2009 |access-date=November 5, 2012 }}</ref> but he was [[2010 Alaska Turbo Otter crash|killed in a plane crash]] on August 9, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.ktuu.com/2010-08-10/jim-morhard_24129288 |title=Ted Stevens killed in plane crash |publisher=ktuu.com |date=August 10, 2010 |access-date=November 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724100000/http://articles.ktuu.com/2010-08-10/jim-morhard_24129288 |archive-date=July 24, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Dan S. Sullivan|Dan Sullivan]] would defeat Begich in the election by a margin of 3.1%.

===Committees and leadership positions===
[[File:Ted Stevens as Assistant Minority Leader, 1977.jpeg|upright|thumb|left|alt=Stevens in 1977 as Assistant Minority Leader. He is seated on some steps, looking up, with black hair and glasses, wearing a Senator's usual suit and tie. He is holding a sheet of paper.|Stevens in 1977 as Assistant Minority Leader.]]
Stevens served as the Assistant Republican Leader ([[Whip (politics)|Whip]]) from 1977 to 1985. Stevens served as Acting Minority Leader during [[Howard Baker]]'s 1980 run for president during the [[1980 Republican Party presidential primaries|1980 Republican primaries]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110745483/|title=The Courier-Journal from Louisville, Kentucky|website=Newspapers.com|date=November 2, 1979|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312060714/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/110745483/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1994, after the Republicans took control of the Senate, Stevens was appointed chairman of the [[United States Senate Committee on Rules and Administration|Senate Rules Committee]]. Stevens became the Senate's president pro tempore when Republicans regained control of the chamber as a result of the 2002 mid-term elections, during which the previous most senior Republican senator and former president pro tempore [[Strom Thurmond]] retired.

After [[Howard Baker]] retired in 1984, Stevens sought the position of Republican (and then-Majority) leader, running against [[Bob Dole]], [[Richard Lugar|Dick Lugar]], [[James A. McClure|Jim McClure]] and [[Pete Domenici]]. As Republican whip, Stevens was theoretically the favorite to succeed Baker, but lost to Dole in a fourth ballot, by a vote of 28–25.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://cgi.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/candidates/republican/dole/political.career/|agency=CNN|title=Political Races|access-date=May 25, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609175523/http://cgi.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/candidates/republican/dole/political.career/|archive-date=June 9, 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Byrd-stevens-supp-mark-web.jpg|thumb|right|Stevens with U.S. Senator [[Robert Byrd]] in 2003]]
Stevens chaired the [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|Senate Appropriations Committee]] from 1997 to 2005, except for the 18 months when Democrats controlled the chamber. The chairmanship gave Stevens considerable influence among fellow Senators, who relied on him for home-state project funds. Even before becoming chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Stevens secured large sums of federal money for the State of Alaska.<ref name="hurt">{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/29/stevens.history/|title=Stevens' Senate career hurt by 'bridge to nowhere'|first=Ed|last=Hornick|publisher=[[CNN]]|access-date=2022-09-01|archive-date=August 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831234209/https://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/29/stevens.history/|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to Republican Party rules that limited committee chairmanships to six years, Stevens gave up the Appropriations gavel at the start of the [[109th United States Congress|109th Congress]], in January 2005. He was succeeded by [[Thad Cochran]] of Mississippi.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Appropriations Committee |first=U.S. Senate |date=January 3, 2005|title=U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations |url=http://appropriations.senate.gov/ |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee for the 109th Congress |archive-date=2016-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210082930/http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/ }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-19 |title=Departing Appropriations Chairmen Set to Reap Omnibus Bounty |url=https://www.rollcall.com/2018/03/19/departing-appropriations-chairmen-set-to-reap-omnibus-bounty/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=Roll Call |language=en |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621082240/https://rollcall.com/2018/03/19/departing-appropriations-chairmen-set-to-reap-omnibus-bounty/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Conglomerate Blog: Business, Law, Economics & Society |url=https://www.theconglomerate.org/2006/07/index.html |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=www.theconglomerate.org |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525153008/https://www.theconglomerate.org/2006/07/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Stevens chaired the [[United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation]] during the 109th Congress, becoming the committee's ranking member after the Democrats regained control of the Senate for the 110th Congress. He resigned his ranking-member position on the committee due to his indictment.<ref name="cqpolitics">{{cite web|url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docid=news-000002929015 |title=Stevens Surrenders Committee Posts |publisher=Cqpolitics.com |author=Kathleen Hunter |access-date=October 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030021522/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docid=news-000002929015 |archive-date=October 30, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

At various times, Stevens also served as chairman of the [[United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs|Senate Governmental Affairs Committee]], the [[United States Senate Select Committee on Ethics|Senate Ethics Committee]], the Arms Control Observer Group, and the Joint Committee on the [[Library of Congress]].

Due to Stevens's long tenure and that of the state's sole congressman, [[Don Young]], Alaska was considered to have clout in national politics well beyond its small population (the state was long the smallest in population and is currently 48th, ahead of only [[Wyoming]] and [[Vermont]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US States - Ranked by Population 2023 |url=https://worldpopulationreview.com/states |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=worldpopulationreview.com |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324055635/https://worldpopulationreview.com/states |url-status=live }}</ref>

Stevens was strongly considered for [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] in the [[Presidency of George H.W. Bush|H.W. Bush Administration (1989–1993)]], a position which ultimately went to [[Dick Cheney]].<ref name="riseandfall"/>

===Political positions===
Stevens was long considered a [[Rockefeller Republican]] and described as a liberal or moderate Republican,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-08-10 |title=The life and legacy of former Sen. Ted Stevens |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38645177 |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506062553/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38645177 |url-status=live }}</ref> managing [[Nelson Rockefeller]]'s 1964 campaign in Alaska.<ref name="rockyak">{{Cite news|last=Times|first=NY|date=April 5, 1964|title=Rockefeller Camp Claims Victory At District Convention in Alaska|language=en-US|newspaper=New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/05/archives/rockefeller-camp-claims-victory-at-district-convention-in-a-laska.html|access-date=2023-05-24|archive-date=November 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119192146/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/05/archives/rockefeller-camp-claims-victory-at-district-convention-in-a-laska.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By one measure of all members of Congress from 1937 to 2002, Stevens, with a score of 0.183, usually voted to the left of the average Republican (who scored an average of 0.271 in the Senate and 0.300 in the House), and to the left of notable liberal & moderate Republicans such as Illinois Representative & 1980 presidential candidate [[John B. Anderson]], with a score of 0.185,<ref>''A Campaign of Ideas: The 1980 Anderson/Lucey Platform (Contributions in American Studies)'' by Clifford W Brown Jr. (Author), Robert J. Walker (Author) {{ISBN|978-0313245350}}</ref> Virginia Senator [[John Warner]], with a score of 0.251,<ref>{{Cite web |title=John Warner, longtime Virginia senator and ex-husband of Elizabeth Taylor, dies at 94 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/05/26/john-warner-longtime-virginia-republican-senator-dies-94/7444723002/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621082511/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/05/26/john-warner-longtime-virginia-republican-senator-dies-94/7444723002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> & even Democrats such as Ohio Senator [[Frank Lausche]], with a score of 0.200.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Poole |first=Keith T. |date=October 13, 2004 |title=Is John Kerry a Liberal? |url=http://voteview.com/Is_John_Kerry_A_Liberal.htm |access-date=24 May 2023 |website=voteview.com |archive-date=May 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526063634/https://legacy.voteview.com/Is_John_Kerry_A_Liberal.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1977, the [[American Conservative Union]] gave Ted Stevens a ranking of less than 50%, indicating that Stevens had voted more liberally than he had conservatively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kilgore |first=Ed |date=2017-10-09 |title=When Moderate Republican Senators Walked the Earth |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2017/10/when-moderate-republican-senators-walked-the-earth.html |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=Intelligencer |language=en-us |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127024548/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2017/10/when-moderate-republican-senators-walked-the-earth.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1974, Stevens was given a 25% year-round rating, his lowest rating that year, putting him to the left of noted liberal Republicans [[Mark Hatfield]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oregonoutpost.com/?p=5343|title=The era of the Oregon Liberal Republican. Part Two. Senator Mark Hatfield &#124; Oregon Outpost}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> [[Bob Packwood]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Jordan Michael |date=2014-02-25 |title=Bob Packwood's Redemption Story |url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/02/bob-packwood-lobbying-politics-103966 |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=POLITICO Magazine |language=en |archive-date=June 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620035319/https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/02/bob-packwood-lobbying-politics-103966/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Charles H. Percy|Charles Percy]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charles Percy |url=https://www.theloneliberalrepublican.org/charles-percy |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=The Lone Liberal Republican |language=en-US |archive-date=June 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620035316/https://www.theloneliberalrepublican.org/charles-percy |url-status=live }}</ref> liberal Democratic leader [[Frank Church]],<ref name="CSM">{{Cite journal |first = Lucia |last = Mouat |date  = October 16, 1980 |title = It's 'Frank' vs. 'Steve' as Idaho's Church seeks re-election to Senate |journal     = Christian Science Monitor |page       = 6 |url         = http://www.igottheconch.com/index.php?title=Church_Committee#Frank_Church |url-status     = usurped |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080131145339/http://www.igottheconch.com/index.php?title=Church_Committee#Frank_Church |archive-date = January 31, 2008}}</ref> and even his Democratic colleague from Alaska, [[Mike Gravel]].<ref>[http://ratings.conservative.org/people?level=state&limit=1000&orderBy=rating&state=US&year=1974 Ratings 1974] {{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 1974, Stevens's lifetime rating was 43%. By the end of his career, Stevens had a 64.78% lifetime rating,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2009 |title=Ted Stevens ACU rating |url=http://ratings.conservative.org/people/S000888 |access-date=20 June 2023 |website=ratings.conservative.org }}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> over 15% short of the required rating to be considered sufficiently conservative by the organization.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=http://stewart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stewart-named-top-conservative-by-american-conservative-union|title=Stewart Named Top Conservative By American Conservative Union|date=April 3, 2014|publisher=Congressman Chris Stewart|access-date=June 20, 2023}}</ref>

====Internet and net neutrality====
{{Main|Series of tubes}}
[[File:Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, during the Conference on Supplemental Appropriations bill.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Stevens in an Appropriations hearing; May 1997]]
On June 28, 2006, the Senate Commerce Committee was in the final day of three days of hearings,<ref name="communicationsreformbillhearings">[https://web.archive.org/web/20121215221945/http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Hearings&ContentRecord_id=7207bab5-f871-4741-a136-186372198f2c&ContentType_id=14f995b9-dfa5-407a-9d35-56cc7152a7ed&Group_id=b06c39af-e033-4cba-9221-de668ca1978a&MonthDisplay=6&YearDisplay=2006 "Full Committee Markup – Communications Reform Bill."] U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, June 28, 2006. (The audio from the day's hearing is available at a [[streaming media]] file in [[RealMedia]] format. Stevens's speech begins at 1:13:11 and ends at 1:24:19.)</ref> during which the Committee members considered more than two hundred amendments to an omnibus telecommunications bill. Stevens authored the bill, S. 2686,<ref name="sbill-twosixeightsix">{{cite web |url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:s.02686: |title=S.2686. A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. |website=Thomas.loc.gov |access-date=July 20, 2010 |archive-date=December 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218124922/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:s.02686: |url-status=dead }}</ref> the Communications, Consumer's Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006.

Senators [[Olympia Snowe]] (R-ME) and [[Byron Dorgan]] (D-ND) cosponsored and spoke on behalf of an amendment that would have inserted strong [[network neutrality]] mandates into the bill. In between speeches by Snowe and Dorgan, Stevens gave a vehement 11-minute speech using colorful language to explain his opposition to the amendment. Stevens referred to the Internet as "not a big truck", but a "series of tubes" that could be clogged with information. Stevens also confused the terms ''Internet'' and ''e-mail''. Soon after, Stevens's interpretation of how the Internet works became a topic of amusement and ridicule by some in the [[blogosphere]].<ref name="wired-yourownpersonalinternet">Singel, Ryan and Kevin Poulsen. (June 30, 2006). [http://blog.wired.com/27BStroke6/index.blog?entry_id=1512499 "Your Own Personal Internet."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060902145024/http://blog.wired.com/27BStroke6/index.blog?entry_id=1512499 |date=September 2, 2006 }} 27B Stroke 6, Wired.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2006.</ref> The phrases "the Internet is not a big truck" and "series of tubes" became [[internet memes]] and were prominently featured on U.S. television shows including [[Comedy Central]]'s ''[[The Daily Show]]''.

[[CNET]] journalist [[Declan McCullagh]] called "series of tubes" an "entirely reasonable" [[Internet metaphors|metaphor for the Internet]], noting that some computer [[operating system]]s use the term '[[Pipeline (Unix)|pipes]]' to describe [[interprocess communication]]. McCullagh also suggested that ridicule of Stevens was almost entirely political, espousing his belief that if Stevens has spoken in a similar manner, yet in support of [[Net Neutrality]], "the online chortling would have been muted or nonexistent."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10076855-38.html|title='Series of tubes' senator convicted of corruption|date=October 27, 2008|publisher=[[CNET Networks]]|last=McCullagh|first=Declan|author-link=Declan McCullagh|access-date=November 8, 2008|archive-date=July 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730045801/http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10076855-38.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Logging====
[[File:Nancy Reagan at Reagan Missile site crop.jpg|thumb|upright|Stevens escorts former first lady [[Nancy Reagan]] at the [[Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site]] dedication ceremony, April 10, 2006]]

Stevens was a long-standing proponent of logging and championed a plan that would allow {{convert|2400000|acre|km2}} of roadless [[old growth forest]] to be [[clear-cut]]. Stevens said this would revive Alaska's timber industry and bring jobs to unemployed loggers; however, the proposal would mean that thousands of miles of roads would be constructed at the expense of the [[United States Forest Service]], judged to cost taxpayers $200,000 per job created.<ref name="jstor1">{{cite journal |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24782122 |author=Daniel G. Drais |title=The Tongass Timber Reform Act: Restoring Rationality and Responsibility to the Management of America's Largest National Forest |journal=Virginia Environmental Law Journal |year=1989 |volume=8 |issue=2 |pages=317–372 |jstor=24782122 |access-date=2022-09-01 |archive-date=August 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831235954/https://www.jstor.org/stable/24782122 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Abortion====
According to ''[[On the Issues]]''<ref>[http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Ted_Stevens_Abortion.htm "Ted Stevens on Abortion".] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104221002/http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Ted_Stevens_Abortion.htm |date=January 4, 2016 }} On the Issues: Every Political Leader on Every Issue. Retrieved on May 31, 2007.</ref> and NARAL,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naral.org/choice-action-center/in-congress/congressional-record-on-choice/state.html?state=AK |title=Congressional Record on Choice by State" (Alaska.) |publisher=NARAL |access-date=May 31, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927231603/http://www.naral.org/choice-action-center/in-congress/congressional-record-on-choice/state.html?state=AK |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Stevens had a mildly [[anti-abortion]] voting record, despite some notable pro-abortion votes.<ref>[https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=1&vote=00048 "U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 108th Congress – 1st Session: On the Amendment (Harkin Amdt. No. 260).] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910235745/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=1&vote=00048 |date=September 10, 2016 }} Vote date March 12, 2003. United States Senate, Legislation & Records. Retrieved on May 31, 2007.</ref>

However, as a former member of the moderate [[Republican Main Street Partnership]], Stevens supported [[human embryonic stem cell]] research.<ref name=RMSP>{{cite web|url=http://www.republicanmainstreet.org/members.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051124163849/http://www.republicanmainstreet.org/members.htm|archive-date=November 24, 2005|title=Congressional Members: 109th Congress|publisher=Republican Main Street Partnership}}</ref>

====Global warming====
Stevens was long an avowed [[climate change denial|skeptic]] of [[anthropogenic climate change]], instead believing the threat was from natural causes. In 2004, Stevens said "No place is experiencing a more startling change from rising global temperatures than Alaska. Among the consequences are sagging roads, crumbling villages, dead trees, catastrophic fires and possible disruption of marine life. These problems will cause Alaska hundreds of millions of dollars. Alaska is harder hit by global climate change than any place in the world."<ref name="theory">{{Cite news |last=Stolz |first=Kit |date=2007-09-07 |title=Alaskan senator invents new theory of global warming |url=https://grist.org/article/ted-stevens-climatologist/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=Grist |language=en-us |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515131248/https://grist.org/article/ted-stevens-climatologist/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At a [[Senate Commerce Committee]] hearing in 2005, Stevens warned Congress to approach climate change with caution, stating "Dr. Syun-Ichi Akasofu sent me his most recent assessment earlier this month. I hope you all know that we helped finance three, maybe four icebreaker research vessels now for the third year in the Arctic Ocean to try and really keep track of what is happening there. He noted the amount of {{CO2}} and CH4 now in the air is well above what the earth has experienced during the last 450,000 years and climate change is in progress in full steam in the Arctic. But he emphasized that there is 'no definitive proof' that receding glaciers and shrinking sea ice 'are caused entirely and specifically by the greenhouse effect.'", adding "I have urged my colleagues in the Senate not to substitute casual judgments for sound science. That would only lead to confusion, which Dr. Akasofu has warned me may be more dangerous than global warming itself."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-11-15 |title=Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens Addresses U.S. Climate Change Science Program Workshop |url=https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2005/11/commerce-committee-chairman-ted-stevens-addresses-u.s-climate-change-science-program-workshop |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation |language=en |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515131248/https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2005/11/commerce-committee-chairman-ted-stevens-addresses-u.s-climate-change-science-program-workshop |url-status=live }}</ref>

In early 2007, he acknowledged that humans were changing the climate, and began supporting legislation to [[climate change mitigation|combat climate change]]. "Global climate change is a very serious problem for us, becoming more so every day", he said at a Senate hearing in February 2007, adding that he was "concerned about the human impacts on our climate". He then spoke to the St. Petersburg Times, stating "We've got global climate change, and it's coming about partly naturally and part of it may be, I believe, caused by the accumulation of the activities of man."<ref name="adair">{{cite news|author=Adair, Bill|date=February 24, 2007|title=Senator's new views on climate surprise foes|work=St. Petersburg Times|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/24/Worldandnation/Senator_s_new_views__.shtml|access-date=February 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816174946/http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/24/Worldandnation/Senator_s_new_views__.shtml|archive-date=16 August 2016}}</ref> But in September 2007, he claimed, "We're at the end of a long term of warming.", adding "700 to 900 years of increased temperature", and then "If we're close to the end of that, that means that we'll starting getting cooler gradually, not very rapidly, but cooler once again and stability might come to this region for a period of another 900 years."<ref name="greenpeace"/><ref name ="theory"/>

====Civil rights====
Stevens voted in favor of the [[Passage of Martin Luther King Jr. Day|bill]] establishing [[Martin Luther King Jr. Day]] as a [[Federal holidays in the United States|federal holiday]] and the [[Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987]] (as well as to override [[Ronald Reagan|President Reagan]]'s veto).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/98-1983/s293|title=TO PASS H.R. 3706. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 19. -- Senate Vote #293 -- Oct 19, 1983|website=GovTrack.us|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=May 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520132928/https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/98-1983/s293|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/100-1988/s432|title=TO PASS S 557, CIVIL RIGHTS RESTORATION ACT, A BILL … -- Senate Vote #432 -- Jan 28, 1988|website=GovTrack.us|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728203812/https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/100-1988/s432|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/100-1988/s487|title=TO ADOPT, OVER THE PRESIDENT'S VETO OF S 557, CIVIL … -- Senate Vote #487 -- Mar 22, 1988|website=GovTrack.us|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810145251/https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/100-1988/s487|url-status=live}}</ref> Stevens was one of the sponsors the [[Title IX]] amendment to the [[Education Amendments of 1972]],<ref name="guardianwomen"/> and was influential in its passage, with the [[Washington Post]] nicknaming him "The Father of Title IX".<ref name="fatherix"/> The [[American Civil Liberties Union]] rated Stevens 20% in 2002, indicating an anti civil rights voting record, and the [[NAACP]] rated Stevens 14% in 2006, indicating an anti-affirmative action stance. Stevens would, however, vote against an amendment to ban affirmative action in federally funded businesses in 1995.<ref name="civilissues">{{Cite web |title=Ted Stevens on Civil Rights |url=https://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Ted_Stevens_Civil_Rights.htm |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=www.ontheissues.org |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410141020/https://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Ted_Stevens_Civil_Rights.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

===== LGBT+ rights =====
Stevens voted in favor of an amendment to classify abuse based on sexual orientation a hate crime in 2000, though he voted against a similar amendment in 2002.<ref name="civilissues"/> Stevens voted in favor of the [[Defense of Marriage Act]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Senate Votes on 1996-280 |url=https://www.ontheissues.org/SenateVote/Party_1996-280.htm |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=www.ontheissues.org |archive-date=November 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126192743/https://www.ontheissues.org/SenateVote/Party_1996-280.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Human Rights Campaign]] rated Stevens 0% in 2006, indicating an anti-gay rights stance.<ref name="civilissues"/>

====U.S. Supreme Court====
Stevens voted in favor of the nominations of [[Robert Bork Supreme Court nomination|Robert Bork]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Congressional record. Senate |url=https://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/348_1987.pdf |website=senate.gov |access-date=10 May 2023 |date=October 23, 1987 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416002814/https://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/348_1987.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination|Clarence Thomas]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1021/vote_102_1_00220.htm|title=U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 102nd Congress – 1st Session|website=www.senate.gov|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=May 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507172256/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1021/vote_102_1_00220.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> to the [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]].

====Criticism of political positions and actions====
During his tenure as Senator, Stevens was subject to frequent criticism that included:
* [[Citizens Against Government Waste]] accused Stevens of [[pork barrel]] politics and kept a list of his pet projects.<ref>[http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=PorkerProfile_Stevens "Senator Ted Stevens's Pork Tally".] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826181522/http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=PorkerProfile_Stevens |date=August 26, 2009 }} Citizens Against Government Waste. Retrieved on May 31, 2007.</ref>
* In 2005, Stevens strongly supported federal transportation funds to build the [[Gravina Island Bridge]], which quickly became derided due to its price tag (approximately $398{{spaces}}million) and as an unnecessary [[Bridge to Nowhere]]. Stevens threatened to quit the Senate if the funds were diverted.<ref name="Ruskin">{{cite news|last=Ruskin |first=Liz |title=Stevens says he'll quit if bridge funds diverted |url=http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/7112853p-7020074c.html |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |date=October 21, 2005 |access-date=November 6, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061014174402/http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/7112853p-7020074c.html |archive-date=October 14, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Additionally, he received criticism for introducing a bill in January 2007 that would heavily restrict access to [[social networking]] sites from public schools and libraries. Sites falling under the language of this bill could have included [[MySpace]], Facebook, [[Digg]], [[English Wikipedia]], and [[Reddit]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Preston|last=Gralla|date=February 14, 2007|url=http://www.computerworld.com/blogs/node/4598|title=U.S. senator: It's time to ban Wikipedia in schools, libraries|website=Computerworld.com|access-date=October 28, 2008|archive-date=October 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028090934/http://www.computerworld.com/blogs/node/4598|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/02/fear_and_loathi.html|title=Fear And Loathing on The Anti-Anti-Predator Campaign|website=Blog.wired.com|date=February 15, 2007|access-date=October 28, 2008|first=Ryan|last=Singel|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110232939/http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/02/fear_and_loathi.html|archive-date=January 10, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2007/02/15/dopa-jr-is-not-a-wikipedia-ban |title=DOPA Jr. Is Not A Wikipedia Ban |website=Webpronews.com |access-date=October 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709072603/http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2007/02/15/dopa-jr-is-not-a-wikipedia-ban |archive-date=July 9, 2008 |author=Jason Lee Miller |date=February 15, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* In 2007, Stevens added $3.5 million into a Senate omnibus bill to help finance an airport which serves a remote Alaskan island.<ref name="airport2007">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/08/01/cq_3199.html|title=Stevens's Earmark Funds Airport Project That Benefits One Company|publisher=[[CQ Politics]]|first=Kathryn A.|last=Wolfe|date=August 1, 2007|access-date=August 21, 2007|archive-date=April 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424093513/http://www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/08/01/cq_3199.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The proposed airstrip would allow around a hundred permanent residents of [[Akutan, Alaska|Akutan]] access, but the biggest beneficiary would have been the Seattle-based [[Trident Seafoods]], a corporation which reportedly operated "one of the world's largest seafood processing plants", on a volcanic [[Aleutians]] island.<ref name="airport2007"/> In December 2006, a federal [[grand jury]] involved in the [[Alaska political corruption probe]] ordered Trident (as well as other seafood companies) to render private documents about ties to the senator's youngest son, former Alaska Fisheries Marketing Board Chairman and, at the time, the incumbent President of the Alaska State Senate [[Ben Stevens]].<ref name="airport2007"/> Trident's chief executive, [[Charles Bundrant]], was a longtime supporter of the elder Stevens, and Bundrant with his family donated $17,300 in a time period spanning since 1995 to Stevens's political campaigns and another $10,800 to his leadership PAC, while also donating $55,000 to the [[National Republican Senatorial Committee|National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee]].<ref name="airport2007"/>

==Controversies==
In December 2003, the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' reported that Stevens had taken advantage of lax Senate rules to use his political influence to obtain a large amount of his personal wealth.<ref name="Stevenswaytowealth">{{cite news|last1=Neubauer|first1=Chuck|last2=Cooper|first2=Richard T.|date=December 17, 2003|title=Senator's Way to Wealth Was Paved With Favors|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-dec-17-na-stevens17-story.html|access-date=August 21, 2007|archive-date=September 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908180230/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-dec-17-na-stevens17-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the article, while Stevens was already a millionaire "thanks to investments with businessmen who received government contracts or other benefits with his help", the lawmaker who was in charge of $800{{spaces}}billion a year, writes "preferences he wrote into law", from which he then benefits.<ref name="Stevenswaytowealth"/>

===Home remodeling and VECO===
[[File:Senator Ted Stevens Girdwood Alaska house.jpg|thumb|Stevens's home in [[Girdwood, Anchorage|Girdwood]], [[Alaska]]]]

On May 29, 2007, the ''[[Alaska Dispatch News|Anchorage Daily News]]'' reported that the [[FBI]] and a federal grand jury were investigating an extensive remodeling project at Stevens's home in [[Girdwood, Anchorage|Girdwood]]. Stevens's Alaska home was raided by the FBI and [[IRS]] on July 30, 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/31/washington/31stevens.html|title=Alaska Home of Senator Is Raided by U.S. Agents|first=Philip|last=Shenon|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 31, 2007|access-date=August 11, 2010|archive-date=December 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210161415/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/31/washington/31stevens.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The remodeling work doubled the size of the modest home. The remodel in 2000 was organized by [[Bill Allen (corporate CEO)|Bill Allen]], a founder of the [[VECO Corporation]] (an oil-field service company) and was alleged by prosecutors to have cost VECO and the various contractors $250,000 or more.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/8928969p-8829178c.html |title=Feds eye Stevens's home remodeling project |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |date=May 29, 2007 |first=Richard |last=Mauer |access-date=August 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819164731/http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/8928969p-8829178c.html |archive-date=August 19, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, the residential contractor who finished the renovation for VECO, Augie Paone, "believes the [Stevens's] remodeling could have cost{{snd}}if all the work was done efficiently{{snd}}around $130,000 to $150,000, close to the figure Stevens cited last year [referring to 2007]."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alaskadispatch.com/features/2-features/14-bill-a-teds-excellent-adventure-the-dark-side-to-alaskas-political-corruption-scandal.html?tmpl=component&print=1&page= |title=Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure: The dark side to Alaska's political corruption scandal |first=Tony |last=Hopfinger|date=January 2, 2008|publisher=Alaska Dispatch |access-date=October 28, 2008 |archive-date=January 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116192040/http://www.alaskadispatch.com/features/2-features/14-bill-a-teds-excellent-adventure-the-dark-side-to-alaskas-political-corruption-scandal.html?tmpl=component&print=1&page= |url-status=dead }}</ref> Stevens paid $160,000 for the renovations "and assumed that covered everything".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hays|first1=Tom|last2=Holland|first2=Jesse J.|title=Judge refuses to end Stevens trial|work=North County Times|date=October 8, 2008|url=http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/10/08/news/nation/zfb065901ebae9882882574dc007b38fa.txt|access-date=November 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209015331/http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/10/08/news/nation/zfb065901ebae9882882574dc007b38fa.txt|archive-date=December 9, 2008}}</ref>

In June, the ''Anchorage Daily News'' reported that a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., heard evidence in May about the expansion of Stevens's Girdwood home and other matters connecting Stevens to VECO.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.adn.com/front/story/9006601p-8922071c.html |title=Grand jury examines Stevens's ties to Veco |work=Anchorage Daily News |date=June 17, 2007 |first=Richard |last=Mauer |access-date=August 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421224334/http://www.adn.com/front/story/9006601p-8922071c.html |archive-date=April 21, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In mid-June, FBI agents questioned several aides who worked for Stevens as part of the investigation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eu.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2007/08/01/senate-aide-called-in-stevens-case/30316001007/|title=Sen. Stevens aides questioned in probe|agency=Associated Press|first=Matt|last=Apuzzo|date=June 19, 2007|access-date=May 24, 2023|archive-date=June 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630194542/https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2007/08/01/senate-aide-called-in-stevens-case/30316001007/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July, ''[[Washingtonian (magazine)|Washingtonian]]'' magazine reported that Stevens had hired "Washington's most powerful and expensive lawyer", [[Brendan Sullivan (lawyer)|Brendan Sullivan]] Jr., in response to the investigation.<ref>The Stevenses paid $160,000 for the renovations. Eisler, [https://www.washingtonian.com/2007/07/01/sen-ted-stevens-hires-super-lawyer-brendan-sullivan/ "Sen. Ted Stevens Hires Super-Lawyer Brendan Sullivan"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814033348/https://www.washingtonian.com/2007/07/01/sen-ted-stevens-hires-super-lawyer-brendan-sullivan/ |date=August 14, 2016 }}, ''Washingtonian Magazine'', July 1, 2007. Retrieved July 18, 2016.</ref> In 2006, during [[wiretap]]ped conversations with Bill Allen, shortly after the VECO offices were searched and Allen agreed to cooperate with the investigation, Stevens expressed worries over legal complications arising from the sweeping federal investigations into Alaskan politics. "The worst that can happen to us is we run up a bunch of legal fees, and might lose and we might have to pay a fine, might have to serve a little time in jail. I hope to Christ it never gets to that, and I don't think it will", Stevens said.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://community.adn.com/adn/node/132300 |title=adn.com &#124; Alaska Politics Blog : Stevens/Allen phone calls (Updated with transcripts) |website=Community.adn.com |author=Alaska_Politics |access-date=October 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010064426/http://community.adn.com/adn/node/132300 |archive-date=October 10, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="reuters jail">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4957E420081007?sp=true|title=Sen. Stevens on tape: "might serve time in jail"|work=Reuters|date=October 6, 2008|access-date=October 6, 2008|first=Randall|last=Mikkelsen|archive-date=January 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110120404/http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4957E420081007?sp=true|url-status=live}}</ref> Stevens continued, "I think they might be listening to this conversation right now, for Christ Sake."<ref>[https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/2008/10/07/95439217/ Taped Phone Conversations Played At Stevens Trial] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124140012/https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/2008/10/07/95439217/ |date=January 24, 2021 }}, ''[[NPR]]'', Nina Totenburg, October 7, 2008. Retrieved August 9, 2020.</ref> On the witness stand, Allen testified that VECO staff who had worked on his own house had charged "way too much", leaving him uncertain{{snd}}that he would be embarrassed to bill Stevens for overpriced labor.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/06/stevens.trial/index.html|title=Jury hears Sen. Stevens curse on wiretapped call|agency=CNN|date=October 6, 2008|access-date=October 28, 2008|archive-date=October 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028171915/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/06/stevens.trial/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Former aide===
The Justice Department also examined whether federal funds that Stevens steered to the [[Alaska SeaLife Center]] may have illegally benefited an aide.<ref name="sealiferesearch">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/01/stevens.investigation.ap/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070813055357/http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/01/stevens.investigation.ap/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 13, 2007|title=Probe eyes money Stevens steered to research center|agency=CNN|date=August 1, 2007|access-date=August 21, 2007}}</ref> However, no charges were ever filed.

===Bob Penney===
In September 2007, ''The Hill'' reported that Stevens had "steered millions of federal dollars to a sportfishing industry group founded by Bob Penney, a longtime friend". In 1998, Stevens invested $15,000 in a Utah land deal managed by Penney; in 2004, Stevens sold his share of the property for $150,000.<ref>{{cite news|first=Manu|last=Raju|url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/catching-fish-netting-earmarks-up-in-alaska-2007-09-06.html|title=Catching fish, netting earmarks up in Alaska|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918111118/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/catching-fish-netting-earmarks-up-in-alaska-2007-09-06.html |archive-date=September 18, 2008|work=The Hill|date=September 6, 2007}}</ref>

==Trial, conviction, and reversal==
{{Main|Trial of Ted Stevens}}

===Indictment===
[[File:Ted Stevens mug shot.jpg|thumb|upright|Mug shot of Stevens taken in July 2008]]

On July 29, 2008, Stevens was indicted by a federal grand jury on seven felony counts of failing to properly report gifts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/July/08-crm-668.html|title=Department of Justice Press Release, "U.S. Senator Indicted on False Statement Charges"|publisher=Usdoj.gov|date=July 29, 2008|access-date=June 20, 2010|archive-date=August 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825112503/http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/July/08-crm-668.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The charges related to renovations to his home and alleged gifts from [[VECO Corporation]], claimed to be worth more than $250,000.<ref name = "cnn_20080729">{{cite news|title=Grand jury indicts Alaska senator|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/29/stevens.indictment/index.html|agency=CNN|date=July 29, 2008|access-date=July 29, 2008|archive-date=July 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729202029/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/29/stevens.indictment/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="msnbcindicted">{{cite news|title=Justice Department indicts Sen. Ted Stevens|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25916299|publisher=[[NBC News]]|date=July 29, 2008|access-date=July 29, 2008|archive-date=May 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519043618/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/25916299/|url-status=live}}</ref> The charges were associated with those exposed in what became known as "[[Alaska political corruption probe|Operation Polar Pen]]". The indictment followed a lengthy investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for possible corruption by Alaskan politicians and was based in part on Stevens's extensive relationship with Bill Allen. Allen owned racehorses, including a partnership in the stud-horse ''So Long Birdie'', which included Stevens and eight others, and which was managed by Bob Persons.<ref name= Bird>[http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/article40695636.html Life's sweet for Alaskan at center of corruption probes], ''[[Idaho Statesman]]'', Rich Mauer, August 18, 2008. Retrieved 22 May 2017.</ref> The FBI not only had calls between Allen and Stevens (made after Allen became a cooperating witness), they had thousands of wiretapped conversations involving the phones of both Allen and VECO Vice President Rick Smith. They had also videotaped meetings between Allen and state legislators at VECO's hotel suite in Juneau, the state capitol. Allen had testified that he bribed Ted's son Ben, the former Alaska Senate president. A former VECO employee said he did campaign fundraising work for Stevens while on VECO's payroll, a violation of federal law.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/politico-now/2007/09/fbi-recorded-stevens-phone-calls-with-oil-company-exec-003259|title=FBI recorded Stevens's phone calls with oil-company exec|work=[[Politico]]|first=John|last=Bresnahan|date=September 20, 2007|access-date=May 22, 2017|archive-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203103454/https://www.politico.com/blogs/politico-now/2007/09/fbi-recorded-stevens-phone-calls-with-oil-company-exec-003259|url-status=live}}</ref> Allen, then an oil service company executive, had earlier pleaded guilty (sentence suspended pending his cooperation in gathering evidence and giving testimony in other trials) to bribing several Alaskan state legislators. Stevens declared, "I'm innocent", and pleaded not guilty to the charges in a federal district court on July 31, 2008. Stevens asserted his right to a [[speedy trial]] so he could have the opportunity to clear his name promptly and requested that the trial be held before the 2008 election.<ref name="msnbcnotguilty">{{cite news|title=Stevens pleads not guilty in corruption case|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25951568|agency=Associated Press|publisher=NBC News|date=July 31, 2008|access-date=July 31, 2008|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518171058/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/25951568/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=adnnotguilty>{{cite news|title=Stevens' trial scheduled before election|url=http://www.adn.com/2008/07/31/480507/stevens-trial-scheduled-before.html |work=Anchorage Daily News |date=July 31, 2008 |access-date=July 31, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120125538/http://www.adn.com/2008/07/31/480507/stevens-trial-scheduled-before.html |archive-date=November 20, 2010|first=Erika|last=Bolstad}}</ref>

[[United States federal judge|U.S. District Judge]] [[Emmet G. Sullivan]], on October 2, 2008, denied the [[mistrial (law)|mistrial]] petition of Stevens's chief counsel, [[Brendan Sullivan (lawyer)|Brendan Sullivan]], that made allegations of withholding evidence by prosecutors. Thus, the latter were admonished and would submit themselves for an internal probe by the [[United States Department of Justice]]. ''[[Brady v. Maryland]]'' requires prosecutors to give a defendant any material exculpatory evidence. Judge Sullivan had earlier admonished the prosecution for sending home to Alaska a witness who might have helped the defense.<ref>{{cite news|date=October 3, 2008|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/03/us/03stevens.html?bl&ex=1223179200&en=9a2bc36dfc35487b&ei=5087%0A|title=Judge Berates Prosecutors in Trial of Senator|newspaper=[[New York Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017020300/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/03/us/03stevens.html?bl&ex=1223179200&en=9a2bc36dfc35487b&ei=5087%0A |archive-date=October 17, 2015|first=Neil A.|last=Lewis}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=5937338&page=1|title=Judge Denies Mistrial Request in Stevens Case|publisher=ABC News|date=October 2, 2008|access-date=June 20, 2010|first1=Jason|last1=Ryan|first2=Theresa|last2=Cook|archive-date=February 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206080630/https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=5937338&page=1|url-status=live}}</ref>

The case was prosecuted by Principal Deputy Chief Brenda K. Morris, Trial Attorneys Nicholas A. Marsh and Edward P. Sullivan of the [[United States Department of Justice Criminal Division|Criminal Division]]'s [[Public Integrity Section]], headed by Chief William M. Welch{{spaces}}II; and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph W. Bottini and James A. Goeke from the District of Alaska.

===Guilty verdict and repercussions===
On October 27, 2008, Stevens was found guilty of all seven counts of [[making false statements]].<ref name="nprguilty">[https://www.npr.org/2008/10/27/96189065/sen-stevens-found-guilty-of-lying-about-gifts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524210445/https://www.npr.org/2008/10/27/96189065/sen-stevens-found-guilty-of-lying-about-gifts|date=May 24, 2023}}, ''npr'', October 27, 2008 4:09pm ET</ref> Stevens was only the fifth sitting senator to be convicted by a jury in U.S. history,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Expulsion_Censure.htm|title=United States Senate History, "Expulsion and Censure"|website=Senate.gov|access-date=June 20, 2010|archive-date=November 15, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021115195042/http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Expulsion_Censure.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> and the first since Senator [[Harrison A. Williams]] (D-NJ) in 1981<ref>{{cite news|last=Carnevale|first=Mary Lu|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/10/27/jury-finds-sen-stevens-guilty-of-failing-to-report-gifts/?mod=googlenews_wsj|title=Wall Street Journal, "Jury Finds Sen. Stevens Guilty of Failing to Report Gifts"|publisher=Blogs.wsj.com|date=October 27, 2008|access-date=June 20, 2010|archive-date=January 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108014221/http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/10/27/jury-finds-sen-stevens-guilty-of-failing-to-report-gifts/?mod=googlenews_wsj|url-status=live}}</ref> (although Senator [[David Durenberger]] (R-MN) pleaded guilty to a felony more recently, in 1995). Stevens faced a maximum penalty of five years per charge.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/stevens-guilty-of-felony-charges-2008-10-27.html|title=Sen. Ted Stevens guilty of all 7 felony charges|first=Manu|last=Raju|work=The Hill|date=October 27, 2008|access-date=October 27, 2008|archive-date=October 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029063954/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/stevens-guilty-of-felony-charges-2008-10-27.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> His sentencing hearing was originally arranged February 25, but his attorneys told Judge Sullivan they would file applications to dispute the verdict by early December.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14819.html|title=Jury: Stevens guilty on seven counts|last=Bresnahan|first=John|date=October 27, 2008|publisher=Politico|access-date=October 27, 2008|archive-date=October 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028140805/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14819.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it was thought unlikely that Stevens would spend significant time in prison.<ref>{{cite news|date=October 27, 2008|access-date=October 27, 2008|publisher=BBC|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7694209.stm|title=US Senator Stevens found guilty|archive-date=October 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028004611/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7694209.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Within a few days of his conviction, Stevens faced bipartisan calls for his resignation. Both parties' presidential candidates, [[Barack Obama]] and [[John McCain]], were quick to call for Stevens to stand down. Obama said Stevens needed to resign to help "put an end to the corruption and influence-peddling in Washington".<ref name="Bloomberg">{{cite news|last=Fireman|first=Ken|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601073&sid=aASRtNFSWrjA|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119074205/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601073&sid=aASRtNFSWrjA|archive-date=January 19, 2013|url-status=dead|title=McCain, Obama Call on Stevens to Resign From Senate|work=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg News]]|date= October 28, 2008}}</ref> McCain said Stevens "has broken his trust with the people" and needed to step down, a call echoed by his running mate, [[Sarah Palin]], governor of Stevens's home state.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna27418037|title=McCain calls on Sen. Stevens to step down|agency=Associated Press|date=October 28, 2008|access-date=October 29, 2008|archive-date=February 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227094139/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/27418037/|url-status=live}}</ref> Senate Minority Leader [[Mitch McConnell]], as well as fellow Republican Senators [[Norm Coleman]], [[John E. Sununu|John Sununu]] and [[Gordon Smith (politician)|Gordon Smith]] also called for Stevens to resign. McConnell said there would be "zero tolerance" for a convicted felon serving in the Senate, strongly hinting that he would support Stevens's expulsion from the Senate unless Stevens resigned first.<ref>{{cite news|author=Bresnahan, John & Kady, Martin II|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2008/10/mcconnell-calls-on-stevens-to-resign-015037|title=McConnell pushes Alaska's Stevens to step down|work=[[Politico]]|date=October 28, 2008|access-date=May 24, 2023|archive-date=May 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524210917/https://www.politico.com/story/2008/10/mcconnell-calls-on-stevens-to-resign-015037|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bolstad|first=Erika|url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/55143.html|title=Senator Reid says Stevens cannot stay in Senate|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116054424/http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/55143.html |archive-date=January 16, 2009|work=[[The McClatchy Company|McClatchy Washington Bureau]]|date=November 2, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Late on November 1, Senate Majority Leader [[Harry Reid]] confirmed that he would schedule a vote on Stevens's expulsion, saying "a convicted felon is not going to be able to serve in the United States Senate."<ref>{{cite news|author=Stanton, John|url=http://www.rollcall.com/news/29690-1.html|title=Reid Says Stevens Cannot Serve|work=[[Roll Call (newspaper)|Roll Call]]|date=November 2, 2008|access-date=November 2, 2008|archive-date=November 6, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106052318/http://www.rollcall.com/news/29690-1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Nonetheless, during a debate with his opponent, Anchorage, Alaska Mayor [[Mark Begich]], days after his conviction, Stevens continued to claim innocence. "I have not been convicted. I have a case pending against me, and probably the worst case of prosecutorial misconduct by the prosecutors that is known." Stevens also cited plans to appeal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/31/stevens.debate/?iref=mpstoryview|title=Sen. Stevens: I'm innocent and not convicted|access-date=2008-10-31|publisher=CNN|date=October 31, 2008|archive-date=November 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081103114557/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/31/stevens.debate/?iref=mpstoryview|url-status=live}}</ref> On [[2008 United States Senate election in Alaska|November 4, 2008]], eight days after his conviction, Begich went on to defeat Stevens by 3,724 votes, a 1.3% margin. Stevens was the longest-serving U.S. Senator in history to have ever lost a bid for re-election, beating out [[Warren Magnuson]]'s record in [[1980 United States Senate election in Washington|1980]].<ref name="electionresults08">{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.alaska.gov/08general/data/results.htm |title=Unofficial Election Results |publisher=Alaska Division of Elections |date=November 4, 2008 |access-date=November 18, 2008 |archive-date=November 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081113075739/http://www.elections.alaska.gov/08general/data/results.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Had Stevens won his re-election bid, and then been expelled, a special election would have been held to fill his seat through the remainder of the term, until January 2015.<ref>[http://www.liuzhao.info/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/Vacancies.pdf House and Senate Vacancies: How Are They Filled?] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325054108/http://www.liuzhao.info/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/Vacancies.pdf |date=March 25, 2009 }}. Retrieved November 5, 2008.</ref> No sitting U.S. senator has ever been expelled since the [[American Civil War|Civil War]].

On November 13, Senator [[Jim DeMint]] of [[South Carolina]] announced he would move to have Stevens expelled from the [[Republican Conference of the United States Senate|Senate Republican Conference]] (caucus) regardless of the results of the election. (Absentee, provisional, and early ballots were, at the time, still being tallied in the close election.) Losing his caucus membership would cost Stevens his committee assignments.<ref>{{cite news|author=Kelley, Matt|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-11-13-alaska-senate-race_N.htm|title=Ted Stevens may face ouster from GOP Senate caucus|work=USA Today|date=November 13, 2008|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=October 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025092524/http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-11-13-alaska-senate-race_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> However, DeMint later decided to postpone offering his motion, saying that while there were enough votes to throw Stevens out, it would be moot if Stevens lost his reelection bid.<ref>Hunter, Kathleen. [http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002987409 Senate GOP Delays Action on Stevens Pending Election Outcome] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112163648/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002987409 |date=January 12, 2009 }}. ''[[CQ Politics]]'', October 18, 2008.</ref> Stevens ended up losing the Senate race, and on November 20, 2008, gave his last speech to the Senate, which was met with a loud standing ovation by the other members of the chamber.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2008/11/_history_of_alaska_fisheries.html?hpid=moreheadlines|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=Ted Stevens: Farewell and 'To Hell With Politics'|access-date=May 25, 2010|archive-date=March 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090320195927/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2008/11/_history_of_alaska_fisheries.html?hpid=moreheadlines|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Government concealment of evidence===
In February 2009, FBI agent Chad Joy filed a whistleblower affidavit, alleging that prosecutors and FBI agents conspired to withhold and conceal evidence that could have resulted in acquittal.<ref>The Criminal Lawyer [http://burneylawfirm.com/blog/2009/02/11/more-allegations-of-prosecutorial-misconduct-in-sen-ted-stevens-case/ "More Allegations of Prosecutorial Misconduct in Sen Ted Stevens Case"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501190215/http://burneylawfirm.com/blog/2009/02/11/more-allegations-of-prosecutorial-misconduct-in-sen-ted-stevens-case/ |date=May 1, 2016 }}</ref> In his affidavit, Joy alleged that prosecutors intentionally sent a key witness, former VECO employee Robert Burnette "Rocky" Williams, who had testified before a [[grand jury]] in 2006, back home to Alaska.<ref name=UPI/> Williams had performed poorly during a mock cross-examination.<ref name=NYT>{{Cite news|last=Lewis|first=Neil A.|date=2009-02-11|title=Agent Claims Evidence on Stevens Was Concealed (Published 2009)|language=en-US|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/us/politics/11stevens.html|access-date=2020-12-01|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041718/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/us/politics/11stevens.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The prosecution informed Judge Sullivan that it had concerns regarding the health of the witness. Williams was terminally ill,<ref name=NYT/> experiencing liver failure, which causes confusion.<ref>[https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326919 What to know about hepatic encephalopathy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010113155/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326919 |date=October 10, 2020 }}, ''[[Medical News Today]]''. Retrieved September 13, 2020.</ref><ref name=UPI>[https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/01/01/Rocky-Williams-Stevens-case-witness-dies/95861230831328/ Rocky Williams, Stevens case witness, dies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010122612/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/01/01/Rocky-Williams-Stevens-case-witness-dies/95861230831328/ |date=October 10, 2020 }}, ''[[UPI]]'', January 1, 2009. Retrieved September 13, 2020.</ref> He died on December 30, 2008.<ref name=NYT/> Joy further alleged that the prosecutors intentionally withheld ''[[Brady v. Maryland|Brady]]'' [[Brady material|material]] including redacted prior statements of a witness, and a memo from Bill Allen stating that Senator Stevens probably would have paid for the goods and services if asked. Joy further inferred that a female FBI agent had an inappropriate relationship with Allen, who also gave gifts to FBI agents and helped one agent's relative get a job.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ted Stevens – National Registry of Exonerations |url=https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=3663 |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=www.law.umich.edu |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412173851/https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=3663 |url-status=live }}</ref>

As a result of Joy's affidavit and claims by the defense that prosecutorial misconduct had caused an unfair trial, Judge Sullivan ordered a hearing to be held on February 13, 2009, to determine whether a new trial should be ordered.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Judge Holds Prosecutors in Contempt in Stevens Case|url=https://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2009/02/judge-holds-prosecutors-in-contempt-in-stevens-case.html|access-date=2020-12-01|website=The BLT: The Blog of Legal Times|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226075144/https://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2009/02/judge-holds-prosecutors-in-contempt-in-stevens-case.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At the February 13 hearing, Judge Sullivan held the prosecutors in contempt for having failed to deliver documents to Stevens's legal counsel.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/13/AR2009021303092.html|title=Justice Dept. Lawyers in Contempt for Withholding Stevens Documents|newspaper=Washington Post|first=Nedra|last=Pickler|date=2009-02-14|access-date=2010-05-25|archive-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018033951/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/13/AR2009021303092.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Convictions voided and indictment dismissed===
On April 1, 2009, on behalf of U.S. Attorney General [[Eric Holder]], Paul O'Brien submitted a "Motion of The United States To Set Aside The Verdict And Dismiss The Indictment With Prejudice" in connection with case No. 08-231. Federal judge [[Emmet G. Sullivan]] soon signed the order. During the trial, Sullivan had expressed anger after Allen, the prosecution's witness, recounted a note Stevens sent him insisting that a bill for work Veco had done be sent to Stevens. Allen said that Persons subsequently told him that Stevens was just "covering his ass".<ref name ="Bolstad & Mauer">{{cite news|url=http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/stevens/story/743906.html|title=U.S. attorney general ends Stevens prosecution: Former Sen. Ted Stevens|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]|access-date=June 20, 2010|url-status=dead|first1=Erika|last1=Bolstad|first2=Richard|last2=Mauer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100123234422/http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/stevens/story/743906.html|archive-date=January 23, 2010}}</ref> Holder, who had taken office only three months earlier, stated that it was "in the interest of justice" not to hold a new trial,<ref name="abctrial">{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=7235615&page=1|title=Holder urges Ted Stevens' conviction reversed|website=ABC News|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510180759/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=7235615&page=1|url-status=live}}</ref> adding that he was "horrified".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://supreme.findlaw.com/legal-commentary/the-strong-message-attorney-general-eric-holder-sent-to-all-federal-prosecutors-when-he-dismissed-the-indictment-against-senator-ted-stevens-and-the-apparent-basis-for-the-dismissal.html|title=The Strong Message Attorney General Eric Holder Sent to All Federal Prosecutors When He Dismissed the Indictment Against Senator Ted Stevens, and the Apparent Basis for the Dismissal|website=Findlaw|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=May 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528013300/https://supreme.findlaw.com/legal-commentary/the-strong-message-attorney-general-eric-holder-sent-to-all-federal-prosecutors-when-he-dismissed-the-indictment-against-senator-ted-stevens-and-the-apparent-basis-for-the-dismissal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After Sullivan held the prosecutors in contempt, Holder replaced the entire trial team, including top officials in the public integrity section. The discovery of a previously undocumented interview with Allen raised the possibility prosecutors had knowingly allowed Allen to [[perjury|perjure]] himself. Allen said the [[fair market value]] of the repairs to the Stevenses' house was around $80,000, considerably less than the $250,000 he said it cost at trial.<ref name ="legaltimes">{{Cite web|url=https://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2009/04/doj-wants-charges-against-ted-stevens-dismissed.html|title=DOJ Wants Charges Against Ted Stevens Dismissed|website=The BLT: The Blog of Legal Times|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=May 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528013300/https://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2009/04/doj-wants-charges-against-ted-stevens-dismissed.html|url-status=live}}</ref> More seriously, Allen said in the interview that he didn't recall talking to Persons, a friend of Stevens, regarding the repair bill for the Stevenses' house. Even without the notes, Stevens's attorneys claimed Allen was lying about the conversation.<ref name ="Bolstad & Mauer"/>

Later that day, Stevens's attorney, [[Brendan Sullivan (lawyer)|Brendan Sullivan]], said Holder's decision was forced by "extraordinary evidence of government corruption". He also claimed that prosecutors not only withheld evidence but "created false testimony that they gave us and actually presented false testimony in the courtroom".<ref>{{cite news|title=Lawyer says prosecutors' request has 'cleared' Stevens|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/01/stevens.case.dropped/index.html|agency=[[CNN]]|date=April 1, 2009|access-date=April 1, 2009|archive-date=April 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402081337/http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/01/stevens.case.dropped/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 7, 2009, Judge Sullivan formally accepted Holder's motion to set aside the verdict and throw out the indictment, declaring, "There was never a judgment of conviction in this case. The jury's verdict is being set aside and has no legal effect", and calling it the worst case of prosecutorial misconduct he'd ever seen.<ref>United States of America v. Theodore F. Stevens No. 1:08-cr-00231-EGS Document 324 Filed 04/01/2009 @ {{cite web|url=https://ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/doc1/04512482916 |title=District of Columbia live database |access-date=2010-12-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111615/https://ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/doc1/04512482916 |archive-date=2016-03-04 }}</ref> He also initiated a criminal contempt investigation of six members of the prosecution. Although an internal investigation by the [[Office of Professional Responsibility]] was already underway, Sullivan said he was not willing to trust it due to the "shocking and disturbing" nature of the misconduct.<ref name=Wilber>Wilber, Del Quentin. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20110204212634/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/07/AR2009040700338.html Judge Tosses Out Stevens Conviction]". 'The ''Washington Post''. April 7, 2009. Stevens's deliverance was cited by ''[[Times-Picayune]]'' ([[New Orleans]]) columnist [[James Gill (columnist)|James Gill]] as encouraging an organization called "Friends of Congressman [[William J. Jefferson]]" that the indicted [[U.S. Representative]], who formerly represented [[Louisiana's 2nd congressional district]] before being ousted by [[Joseph Cao|Anh "Joseph" Cao]] in 2008, could likewise avert conviction. James Gill, [http://www.nola.com/timespic/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1239513832203640.xml&coll=1 Jefferson's friends an optimistic bunch], {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20130104035841/http://www.nola.com/timespic/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1239513832203640.xml&coll=1 |date=January 4, 2013 }} ''Times-Picayune'', April 12, 2009, Saint Tammany Edition, p. B5.</ref>

In 2012, the Special Counsel report on the case was released. It said,<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=New York Times|date=March 15, 2012|title=Report Details Inner Workings of Troubled Ethics Trial of Senator|author1=Charlie Savage|author2=Michael S Schmidt}}</ref>
{{blockquote|The investigation and prosecution of U.S. Senator Ted Stevens were permeated by the systematic concealment of significant exculpatory evidence which would have independently corroborated Senator Stevens's defense and his testimony, and seriously damaged the testimony and credibility of the government's key witness.| Special Counsel Report<ref>{{cite web|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.documentcloud.org/documents/325801/court-report-on-stevens-ethics-case.pdf|title=Court report on Stevens|website=documentcloud.org|date=March 15, 2012|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=October 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024114040/https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.documentcloud.org/documents/325801/court-report-on-stevens-ethics-case.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

Upon the release of the Special Counsel report, the Stevens defense team released an analysis of its own, which said, "The meticulous detail paints a picture of the government's shocking conduct in which prosecutors repeatedly ignored the law. The Report shows how prosecutors abandoned their oath of office and the ethical standards of their profession. They abandoned all decency and sound judgment when they indicted and prosecuted an 84-year old man who served his country in World War{{spaces}}II combat, and who served with distinction for 40 years in the U.S. Senate."<ref>{{cite news|title=GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION CONFIRMED BY COURT-ORDERED INVESTIGATION|url=http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/files/williams-connolly-analysis.pdf|date=March 15, 2012|access-date=March 17, 2012|archive-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725115754/http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/files/williams-connolly-analysis.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

A statement issued by Stevens's widow Catherine said, "I can say that the Stevens family continues to be shocked by the depth and breadth of the government's misconduct."<ref>{{cite news|title=Schuelke-Shields Report: Statement from Catherine Stevens|url=http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/whitecollarcrime_blog/2012/03/schuelke-shields-report-statement-from-catherine-stevens.html|date=15 March 2012|access-date=17 March 2012|archive-date=March 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320070625/http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/whitecollarcrime_blog/2012/03/schuelke-shields-report-statement-from-catherine-stevens.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mark Bonner, associate professor of law at [[Ave Maria School of Law]], has argued that the court acted improperly by appointing a special prosecutor, claiming that, among other things, the "trial court had no lawful authority to hold the prosecutors in contempt for Brady violations..."<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Inquisition by Special Prosecutor in United States v. Senator Ted Stevens: of Brady, Contempt, and the Forensic Trifecta|volume=54|issue=1|journal=Criminal Law Bulletin|date=Winter 2015|pages=69–124|ssrn=2560956|url=https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2560956|access-date=May 12, 2023|archive-date=April 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420072713/https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2560956|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Achievements and honors==
[[File:Ted Stevens and Catherine Stevens.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Stevens and his wife Catherine Ann Chandler]]

Stevens was voted Alaskan of the Century in 2000 by the Alaskan of the Year Committee. In the same year, the Alaska Legislature renamed the Anchorage airport, the largest in the state, to the [[Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport]].<ref>[http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/stevens/story/478874.html "Stevens biographical timeline"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918055950/http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/stevens/story/478874.html |date=September 18, 2008 }}, ''Anchorage Daily News'', July 29, 2008.</ref>

The Ted Stevens Foundation is a charity established to "assist in educating and informing the public about the career of Senator Ted Stevens". The chairman is Tim McKeever, a lobbyist who was treasurer of Stevens's 2004 campaign. In May 2006, McKeever said the charity was "nonpartisan and nonpolitical", and that Stevens does not raise money for the foundation, although he has attended some fund-raisers.<ref>Michael Kranish, [http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/05/07/limits_urged_on_political_charities/?page=2 "Limits urged on political charities: Watchdogs target funds legislators helped create"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182817/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/05/07/limits_urged_on_political_charities/?page=2 |date=March 3, 2016 }}, ''Boston Globe'', May 7, 2006.</ref>

November 18, 2003, the senator's 80th birthday, was declared Senator Ted Stevens Appreciation Day by [[Governor of Alaska]] [[Frank Murkowski]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_15_59/ai_n27343453|title=Sinking in the West: Ted Stevens's last hurrah? &#124; National Review &#124; Find Articles at BNET|date=10 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210091316/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_15_59/ai_n27343453 |access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=December 10, 2008 }}</ref>

When discussing issues that were especially important to him (such as opening up the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]] to oil drilling), Stevens wore a necktie with [[Hulk|The Incredible Hulk]] on it to show his seriousness.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/v-printer/story/7303381p-7215164c.html |title=Senate to vote today on ANWR |publisher=Adn.com |access-date=October 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070123182243/http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/v-printer/story/7303381p-7215164c.html |archive-date=January 23, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Marvel Comics]] has sent him free Hulk paraphernalia and has thrown a Hulk party for him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://peninsulaclarion.com/stories/062103/ala_062103ala011001.shtml#.V4azsBFREy8|author=Liz Ruskin|title=Anger management: Stevens meets the Hulk|publisher=Peninsula Clarion|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]|access-date=July 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713213523/http://peninsulaclarion.com/stories/062103/ala_062103ala011001.shtml#.V4azsBFREy8|archive-date=July 13, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On December 21, 2005, Stevens said the vote to block drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge "has been the saddest day of my life".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/22/politics/22cong.html?ex=1188446400&en=6827cfdd479232b2&ei=5070|title=Senate Rejects Bid for Drilling in Arctic Area|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=Carl Hulse|date=December 22, 2005|access-date=October 28, 2008|archive-date=March 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309041327/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/22/politics/22cong.html?ex=1188446400&en=6827cfdd479232b2&ei=5070|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 30, 2006, Stevens delivered a eulogy of [[Gerald R. Ford]] at the 38th President's funeral service.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0612/30/sitroom.03.html|title=CNN transcripts|access-date=November 7, 2008|work=transcript|agency=[[CNN]]|date=December 30, 2006|archive-date=October 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013095552/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0612/30/sitroom.03.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 13, 2007, Stevens was recognized as the longest-serving (38 years) Republican senator in history. (He served in total forty years and ten days.) Senator [[Daniel Inouye]], a Democrat from Hawaii, referred to Stevens as "The [[Strom Thurmond]] of the Arctic Circle". Stevens held this record until he was overtaken by [[Orrin Hatch]] on January 14, 2017.<ref>[https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDOC-110sdoc4/pdf/CDOC-110sdoc4.pdf Tributes to Hon Ted Stevens] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905134257/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDOC-110sdoc4/pdf/CDOC-110sdoc4.pdf |date=September 5, 2022 }} govinfo.gov</ref>

==Death and legacy==
{{Main|2010 Alaska DHC-3 Otter crash}}
[[File:Ted Stevens Gravestone.jpg|thumb|alt=Stevens' grave|Grave at Arlington National Cemetery]]
On August 9, 2010, Stevens and seven other passengers including former [[NASA]] administrator [[Sean O'Keefe]] were aboard a [[de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter]] plane [[2010 Alaska DHC-3 Otter crash|when it crashed]] about 17 miles north of [[Dillingham, Alaska]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.adn.com/alaska-news/article/bad-weather-hampers-stevens-crash-rescuers/2010/08/10/|title=Bad weather hampers crash rescuers: Western Alaska|newspaper=Anchorage Daily News|publisher=adn.com|date=August 9, 2010|access-date=July 13, 2016|archive-date=August 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813225701/http://www.adn.com/alaska-news/article/bad-weather-hampers-stevens-crash-rescuers/2010/08/10/|url-status=live}}</ref> while en route to a private fishing lodge. Stevens was confirmed dead in the crash via a statement from his family.<ref>{{cite news|title=Plane Crash in Alaska Kills Former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens |agency=Associated Press |date=August 10, 2010 |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-ap-us-alaska-plane-crash,0,4949924.story |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811012038/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-ap-us-alaska-plane-crash%2C0%2C4949924.story |archive-date=August 11, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He and others were aboard the single-engine plane registered to Anchorage-based [[General Communication|GCI Communication]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Becky |last=Bohrer |url=http://www.adn.com/2010/08/10/1403264/crews-trying-to-reach-downed-plane.html |title=Crews trying to reach downed plane near Dillingham: Alaska News |agency=Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822093537/http://www.adn.com/2010/08/10/1403264/crews-trying-to-reach-downed-plane.html |archive-date=August 22, 2010 |access-date=August 10, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Tributes and memorials===
As Stevens's death was confirmed, Alaskan and national political figures from all sides of the political spectrum spoke highly of the man many Alaskans knew as "Uncle Ted".<ref>{{cite news|access-date=August 12, 2010|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2010/08/ted-stevens-dead-washington-re.html|title=44 – Ted Stevens's death: Washington reacts|newspaper=Washington Post|date=April 13, 2010|archive-date=November 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130154253/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2010/08/ted-stevens-dead-washington-re.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=August 13, 2010 |url=http://www.adn.com/2010/08/10/1404450/our-view-sen-ted-stevens.html |title=Our View: Sen. Ted Stevens: ADN Editorial |publisher=ADN |date=August 10, 2010 |archive-date=June 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610141438/http://www.adn.com/2010/08/10/1404450/our-view-sen-ted-stevens.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Senator [[Lisa Murkowski]] said of Stevens: "His entire life was dedicated to public service{{snd}}from his days as a pilot in World War{{spaces}}II to his four decades of service in the United States Senate. He truly was the greatest of the '[[Greatest Generation]].{{'"}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://alaskapublic.org/2010/08/10/murkowski-alaska-loses-hero/|title=Murkowski: Alaska Loses Hero|first=Kristin|last=Spack|newspaper=Alaska Public Media |date=10 August 2010|access-date=10 May 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510182303/https://alaskapublic.org/2010/08/10/murkowski-alaska-loses-hero/|url-status=live}}</ref> Senate Minority Leader [[Mitch McConnell]] stated "In the history of our country, no one man has done more for one state than Ted Stevens. His commitment to the people of Alaska and his nation spanned decades, and he left a lasting mark on both." Senator [[Mary Landrieu]] also spoke "Ted always said, 'To hell with politics. Do what is best for Alaska.' He never apologized for fighting for his state, and Alaska is better for it today."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0810/Ted-Stevens-plane-crash-how-Uncle-Ted-reshaped-Alaska|author=Gail Russell Chaddock|title=Ted Stevens plane crash: how 'Uncle Ted' reshaped Alaska|date=August 10, 2010|work=[[Christian Science Monitor]]|access-date=May 6, 2023|archive-date=May 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506062553/https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0810/Ted-Stevens-plane-crash-how-Uncle-Ted-reshaped-Alaska|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor]] honored Stevens with a plaque and a display of memorabilia of his wartime service in China-Burma-India. Senator [[Mark Begich]], his successor, stated, "Over his four decades of public service in the U.S. Senate, Senator Stevens was a forceful advocate for Alaska who helped transform our state in the challenging years after Statehood"<ref>[https://alaskapublic.org/2010/08/10/begich-stevens-one-of-alaskas-greatest-statesmen/ Begich: Stevens One of Alaska's "Greatest Statesmen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524211224/https://alaskapublic.org/2010/08/10/begich-stevens-one-of-alaskas-greatest-statesmen/ |date=May 24, 2023 }} APM. August 10, 2010.</ref> and former president [[George H. W. Bush]] released a statement that "Ted Stevens loved the Senate; he loved Alaska; and he loved his family{{snd}}and he will be dearly missed."<ref>[https://alaskapublic.org/2010/08/10/president-bush-stevens-loved-alaska/ President Bush: Stevens Loved Alaska] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524211222/https://alaskapublic.org/2010/08/10/president-bush-stevens-loved-alaska/ |date=May 24, 2023 }} APM. August 10, 2010.</ref> President Barack Obama said in a statement, "Ted Stevens devoted his career to serving the people of Alaska and fighting for our men and women in uniform."<ref name=deathreports/>

Hundreds of Alaskans attended a memorial [[Mass (Roman Rite)|Mass]] for Stevens at [[Holy Family Cathedral (Anchorage, Alaska)|Holy Family Cathedral]] in [[downtown Anchorage]] on August 16. On August 17, mourners paid their respects as he laid in a closed casket at All Saints Episcopal Church, also in downtown Anchorage, which was Stevens's home church. His funeral at Anchorage Baptist Temple on August 18 was attended by some three thousand people, including then-Vice President [[Joe Biden]], former Governor [[Sarah Palin]], then-Governor [[Sean Parnell]] and three other former governors, eleven senators, nine former senators, and two congressmen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themudflats.net/2010/08/17/ted-stevens-memorial-brings-dignitaries-to-alaska/ |publisher=The Mudflats |title=Ted Stevens Memorial Brings Dignitaries to Alaska |date=August 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821011507/http://www.themudflats.net/2010/08/17/ted-stevens-memorial-brings-dignitaries-to-alaska/ |archive-date=August 21, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Stevens was interred at [[Arlington National Cemetery]] on September 28.<ref>[http://media.aprn.org/2010/ann-20100827-06.MP3 Stevens to be Buried in Arlington] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829145350/http://media.aprn.org/2010/ann-20100827-06.MP3 |date=August 29, 2010 }} [[Associated Press]]/[[Alaska Public Radio Network]]</ref>

===USS ''Ted Stevens''===
In January 2019, the [[US Navy]] announced that a Flight{{spaces}}III {{sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer}} would be named {{USS|Ted Stevens|DDG-128}}. It will be constructed at [[Huntington Ingalls Industries]]' Ingalls shipbuilding division in [[Pascagoula, Mississippi]].<ref name="2019-01-04_adn">[https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/military/2019/01/05/us-navy-will-name-destroyer-after-ted-stevens/ U.S. Navy will name destroyer after Ted Stevens] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107232854/https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/military/2019/01/05/us-navy-will-name-destroyer-after-ted-stevens/|date=January 7, 2019 }}, James Brooks, [[Anchorage Daily News]], 2019-01-04</ref>

==Electoral history==
{{Main|Electoral history of Ted Stevens}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Alaska|United States|Politics}}
* [[Alaska political corruption probe]]
* [[List of fatalities from aviation accidents#Individuals|List of fatalities from aviation accidents]]
* [[Mount Stevens (Alaska)|Mount Stevens]]
* [[List of federal political scandals in the United States]]

==Notes and references==
{{note|a}}This office is now known as the Solicitor of the Interior. When Stevens held this role, it was the 2nd highest position, behind Secretary. After 1995, it became the 3rd highest role, behind Secretary and Deputy Secretary.

{{Notelist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{external links|date=June 2024}}
{{Sister project links|d=yes|n=Category:Ted Stevens|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|f=no|species=no|s=Author:Theodore Fulton Stevens|wikt=no}}
* [http://vault.fbi.gov/ted-stevens Federal Bureau of Investigation Records: The Vault - Ted Stevens]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081030092535/http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/stevens/story/569304.html Timeline: Ted Stevens] from the ''[[Anchorage Daily News]]''
* {{CongLinks | congbio=S000888 | votesmart= | fec=S2AK00010 | congress= }}
<!--Links formerly displayed via the CongLinks template:
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?cid=N00007997 Financial information (federal office)] at [[Center for Responsive Politics|OpenSecrets.org]]
* [http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Ted_Stevens.htm Issue positions and quotes] at [[On the Issues]]-->
* [http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/s/ted_stevens Ted Stevens News] from [[The New York Times]]
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10926640 Obituary] from [[BBC News]]
* [https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo30384 Memorial Addresses and Other Tributes Held in the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States Together With Memorial Services in Honor of Ted Stevens, Late a Senator from Alaska, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, Second Session]
* [http://stevens.library.uaf.edu/ Ted Stevens Paper Projects] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808022710/http://stevens.library.uaf.edu/ |date=2020-08-08 }} from [[Elmer E. Rasmuson Library|Alaska and Polar Regions Collections of Elmer E. Rasmuson and BioSciences Libraries]]
* {{C-SPAN|4055}}
* [http://100years.akleg.gov/bio.php?id=1474 Ted Stevens] at ''100 Years of Alaska's Legislature''
* [https://alaskapublic.org/2010/08/10/president-bush-stevens-loved-alaska/ President Bush: Stevens Loved Alaska APRN. Aug 10, 2010.]
* {{Team USA Hall of Fame|new_id=ted-stevens}}

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{{s-bef|before=[[Lee McKinley]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for [[United States Senator|U.S. Senator]] from [[Alaska]]<br />([[Classes of United States Senators|Class 2]])|years=[[1970 United States Senate special election in Alaska|1970]], [[1972 United States Senate election in Alaska|1972]], [[1978 United States Senate election in Alaska|1978]], [[1984 United States Senate election in Alaska|1984]], [[1990 United States Senate election in Alaska|1990]], [[1996 United States Senate election in Alaska|1996]], [[2002 United States Senate election in Alaska|2002]], [[2008 United States Senate election in Alaska|2008]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Dan Sullivan (U.S. Senator)|Dan Sullivan]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Bill Brock]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[National Republican Senatorial Committee]]|years=1975–1977}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Bob Packwood]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Robert P. Griffin|Robert Griffin]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Party leaders of the United States Senate|Senate Republican Whip]]|years=1977–1985}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Alan K. Simpson|Alan Simpson]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Howard Baker]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Party leaders of the United States Senate|Senate Republican Leader]]<br />Acting|years=1979–1980}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Howard Baker]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Howard Baker]]<br />[[John Jacob Rhodes|John Rhodes]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Response to the State of the Union address]]|years=[[1980 State of the Union Address|1980]]|alongside=[[John Jacob Rhodes|John Rhodes]]}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Robert Byrd]], [[Alan Cranston]], [[Al Gore]], [[Gary Hart]], [[J. Bennett Johnston|Bennett Johnston]], [[Ted Kennedy]], [[Tip O'Neill]], [[Donald W. Riegle Jr.|Don Riegle]], [[Paul Sarbanes]], [[Jim Sasser]]}}

{{s-par|us-sen}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Bob Bartlett]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of United States Senators from Alaska|United States Senator (Class 2) from Alaska]]|years=1968–2009|alongside=[[Ernest Gruening]], [[Mike Gravel]], [[Frank Murkowski]], [[Lisa Murkowski]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Mark Begich]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Robert P. Griffin|Robert Griffin]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Party leaders of the United States Senate|Senate Minority Whip]]|years=1977–1981}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Alan Cranston]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Howard Baker]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Party leaders of the United States Senate|Senate Minority Leader]]<br />Acting|years=1979–1980}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Howard Baker]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Alan Cranston]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Party leaders of the United States Senate|Senate Majority Whip]]|years=1981–1985}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Alan K. Simpson|Alan Simpson]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Malcolm Wallop]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[United States Senate Select Committee on Ethics|Senate Ethics Committee]]|years=1983–1985}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Warren Rudman]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Wendell Ford]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Ranking Member of the [[United States Senate Committee on Rules and Administration|Senate Rules Committee]]|years=1987–1995}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Wendell Ford]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Wendell Ford]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[United States Senate Committee on Rules and Administration|Senate Rules Committee]]|years=1995}}
{{s-aft|after=[[John Warner]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[William Roth|Bill Roth]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs|Senate Governmental Affairs Committee]]|years=1995–1997}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Fred Thompson]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Mark Hatfield]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|Senate Appropriations Committee]]|years=1997–2001}}
{{s-aft|rows=4|after=[[Robert Byrd]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Robert Byrd]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Ranking Member of the [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|Senate Appropriations Committee]]|years=2001}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Robert Byrd]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|Senate Appropriations Committee]]|years=2001}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Robert Byrd]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Ranking Member of the [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|Senate Appropriations Committee]]|years=2001–2003}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Robert Byrd]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|Senate Appropriations Committee]]|years=2003–2005}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Thad Cochran]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[John McCain]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation|Senate Commerce Committee]]|years=2005–2007}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Daniel Inouye|Dan Inouye]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Daniel Inouye]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Ranking Member of the [[United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation|Senate Commerce Committee]]|years=2007–2008}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Kay Bailey Hutchison]]}}

{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Robert Byrd]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[President pro tempore of the United States Senate]]|years=2003–2007}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Robert Byrd]]}}

{{s-hon}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Strom Thurmond]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Most Senior [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[United States Senate|United States Senator]]|years=2003–2009}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Richard Lugar|Dick Lugar]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Robert Byrd]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[President pro tempore of the United States Senate#President pro tempore emeritus|President pro tempore emeritus of the United States Senate]]|years=2007–2009}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Patrick Leahy|Pat Leahy]]}}
{{s-end}}
}}

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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stevens, Ted}}
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