Leader McConnell Won't Take a Stand on Stevens

Amanda Carpenter | November 11, 2008 6:36 PM

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has called on Ted Stevens to resign from the Senate, but is staying very quiet about whether or not he'd support a move to kick him out of Washington.

In Beltway-speak, McConnell's silence means he's not willing to take a position on the matter.

From the AP: Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the GOP leader, has called on Stevens to resign and says he'll support expelling him if his convictions stand. But McConnell has also suggested it would be appropriate to permit Stevens to appeal his case before ousting him from the full Senate. Stevens has said he plans to appeal. McConnell spokesman Don Stewart deferred comment, saying he had not discussed the issue with his boss.

Removing Stevens from the Senate is drastic. But it's appropriate. So why the hesitation, Leader McConnell?

Republicans should take action by stripping Stevens of his committee assignments and removing him from the GOP caucus NOW. (He's probably going to jail for God's sakes!!!) That's what Jim DeMint is calling for and it's what McConnell should support if he wants to get back to party principles.