by Denis Campbell

Unfortunately yes. Strange things can happen on Election Day. 

Just ask John Ashcroft. The incumbent Senator from Missouri lost his seat to Democrat Mel Carnahan in 2000. The problem? Mr. Carnahan died a few weeks before the election. John Ashcroft lost the election to a dead guy. The Missouri Governor appointed his wife to fill out the term until a special election could be held.

Ted Stevens rushed his trial to court in order to exonerate himself before the election. Ooops. He was found guilty on all seven counts at his corruption trial Monday. Stevens was charged with lying on Senate financial forms about $250,000 in home renovations and other gifts he received from an oil contractor.

He spent three days on the witness stand, vehemently denying that allegation, said his wife, Catherine, paid every bill they received and now faces up to five years in prison on each count. Because of his advanced age (86) and under federal sentencing guidelines, would likely receive much less prison time, if any.

In a tight election year, the verdict has the potential to alter the nation’s political landscape. The Senate’s longest-serving Republican is fending off an aggressive Democratic challenger for a seat he’s held for generations. He and Anchorage Mayor Begich were in a statistical polling tie before the verdict.

You can see an anonymous Dear Abby question brewing here: I was convicted of a felony, but have served my time and am on probation. Can I register to vote?

No. A convicted felon may not register to vote unless unconditionally discharged from custody. When you are no longer on probation, a copy of your discharge papers will allow you to register.

So Stevens can run, but he cannot, as a now ‘convicted felon’ be unable to even vote for himself. He could even be expelled by the Senate before the election or before the end of the term and then unable to assume his seat even if he does win meaning Governor Sarah Palin would appoint his successor?

Are voters likely to vote him in? No. And the Democrats cannot stop. 

The motto for the last few days across the campaigns should be, remember Mel Carnahan!