So long, ‘Uncle Ted’

The Senate’s longest serving Republican and recently convicted felon has lost his bid for re-election, the AP reports. Another sign that true change is coming in this country.

Stevens’ ouster on his 85th birthday marks an abrupt realignment in Alaska politics and will alter the power structure in the Senate, where he has served since the days of the Johnson administration while holding seats on some of the most influential committees in Congress.

The crotchety octogenarian likes to encourage comparisons with the Incredible Hulk, and he occupies an outsized place in Alaska history. His involvement in politics dates to the days before Alaska statehood, and he is esteemed for his ability to secure billions of dollars in federal aid for transportation and military projects. The Anchorage airport bears his name; in Alaska, it’s simply “Uncle Ted.”

The infamous “Bridge to Nowhere” project probably best symbolizes (and memorializes) Stevens’ legacy of obscene congressional pork. Good riddance to this legendary Pork King.

Congratulations, Alaska, you’ve at least partially redeemed yourself. Now, if only my own state would wake up and give our infamous senator the boot, perhaps Oklahoma could redeem itself.