Stevens faces no automatic Senate punishment

[October 28, 2008]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- There is no automatic Senate punishment for Sen. Ted Stevens, the Alaska Republican convicted of seven corruption charges Monday.

The most severe potential consequence is expulsion by a two-thirds majority of the Senate. That normally would follow an investigation by the Senate ethics committee.

The committee has not taken action while awaiting the outcome of Stevens' criminal case.

If Stevens loses his re-election bid next week, the committee could decide to do nothing -- even though he remains in office until the new Senate convenes in January. The Senate only has jurisdiction over its members while they are serving.

Under a rule applying only to Senate Republicans, Stevens -- when indicted -- stepped down from senior posts on the Commerce and Appropriations committees. The conviction means Stevens will be unable to resume those positions.

[Associated Press]

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