The fallout from Senator Ted Stevens’ indictment is coming quickly for some of the GOP’s most vulnerable members of Congress. At least four members who are facing uphill battles during their re-election campaigns have announced any donations from Stevens will go to charity. The four are: Senators Elizabeth Dole ($21,000), Gordon Smith ($29,696), Norm Coleman ($22,000) and Susan Collins ($23,000). Additionally, noteworthy Stevens’ contributions have gone to: John Ensign ($24,936), John Sununu ($22,000), Jon Kyl ($20,852), John Thune ($19,500), John McCain ($15,696) and Mitch McConnell ($13,500).
As Republican members find their bank accounts lower than they may like them or need, will they give away the contributions to avoid the connection to Stevens’ indictments? I believe anything that can tie an incumbent to more GOP scandal is detrimental to their campaigns. You will probably see more campaigns donating their donations to charity.
