Coleman calls on Stevens to resign

Republican Senator Norm Coleman is calling on Alaska Senator Ted Stevens to resign. A jury yesterday found the long-time Alaska Republican Senator guilty of seven counts of trying to hide more than $250 thousand in free home renovations and other gifts from a wealthy oil contractor. At a campaign stop in Inver Grove Heights, Coleman said Stevens should leave office immediately..

"I think he's been tried and convicted and that's the standard I set before with colleagues that have plead guilty or have been convicted and I think that's what he should do."

In July, Coleman returned $20 thousand in campaign contributions from Stevens. Minnesota Democrats are calling on Coleman to also return $12 thousand that Stevens donated to Coleman's Senate campaign in 2002 but Coleman said he already spent that money. Both Stevens and Coleman are running for re-election this year.

UPDATE: DFLers say that's not good enough. They say Coleman gave back money when the Abramoff and Foley scandals occurred. They say Coleman should do the same here.

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