Stevens got $2.7M for pal's road

[Snazzy]

Source: AP

AP INVESTIGATION: Stevens got $2.7M for pal's road

By GARANCE BURKE and ADAM GOLDMAN
Associated Press Writers

Just 0.7 miles long, Crow Creek Road isn't a road to nowhere. It runs straight to the Double Musky Inn, a Cajun bistro owned by a Bob Persons, a close friend of Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens.

It cost taxpayers $2.7 million to widen and pave that road, and Alaska had higher priorities. But an Associated Press examination of government e-mails and interviews with state transportation officials found that Stevens moved the project to the front of the line.

Persons, owner of the popular watering hole where the Republican senator frequently dines, testified as a defense witness this month in Washington, D.C., where Stevens is on trial for corruption.

"This is a classic pork barrel project that just confirms everyone's fears," said David Williams, a vice president for policy at Citizens Against Government Waste. "It's like 'Hey, if you're my buddy, I'll just get you a few million dollars and make you a road to your restaurant.'"

Details of the Crow Creek deal emerged as Stevens awaits a verdict in his trial. He is charged with lying on Senate financial disclosure forms about gifts, including more than $250,000 in home improvements to his cabin, not far from the Double Musky.

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Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/STEVENS_FRIENDS_ROAD?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2008-10-25-13-01-45

[wordpix]

1. a road in return for what? Free meals/drinks/parties at the restaurant for life?

"Persons, owner of the popular watering hole where the Republican senator frequently dines, testified as a defense witness this month in Washington, D.C., where Stevens is on trial for corruption."

You can be sure that "honest" Ted is spreading the pork for some reason that benefits him.

[hootinholler]

4. You can be sure ol Ted is paying any bill he's given.

Gosh, Ted, I know you ordered a burger, but the kitchen screwed up and made this Prime Rib. You wouldn't want us to have to waste it now would you?

-Hoot

[xchrom]

2. recommend

[L. Coyote]

3. All right. Another trial coming right up!! And, a New Senator from Alaska!!

This should be the last nail in the coffin before the guilty verdict.