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However you voted, whatever your opinions, the impact of Ted Stevens' nearly 40 years as Alaska's senator cannot be overstated. Before the airport, the marine research center and yes, before the government investigation, Ted Stevens was an Alaska-sized icon.
Stevens was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives in 1962. And after losing a U.S. Senate bid, he was appointed to Alaska's seat after incumbent Bob Bartlett died in 1968. With previous experience as an U.S. Attorney and in the Eisenhower-era Department of Interior, Senator Stevens knew the odd power plays of Washington.
He began making political news through military positions. He was familiar with the armed forces as he flew support missions during World War II. He campaigned against the draft, and pushed for withdrawing troops from Vietnam.
And then in 1973, he pushed for the Alaska pipeline, changing the last frontier forever.
Five years later, he survived a plane crash that took his first wife's life.
Stevens developed a reputation as a master practitioner of old school politics -- exerting influence through votes, backroom negotiations and seniority in the appropriations process. His rising profile brought immense funds to Alaska.
His throwback style -- and his temper -- clashed with his younger, more pragmatic senate peers. One day in 2005 is a clear example: Stevens took to the senate floor in an incredible hulk tie -- ready for a fight -- and pushed to open ANWR. He said he was owed votes by previous handshake deals, but the senators he was relying
And then, his last defiant stand:
Earlier this month, a DC jury found Stevens guilty of seven counts of corruption. Before the verdict, we sat down with him to get his thoughts on his legacy.
Stevens told CBS 11 News, "I said a long time ago, I wasn't there to write history, I was there to make it. History will be good to me, or be bad to me, but I won't be here. But I'm not interested in that. I'm interested in doing my job on a day-to-day basis."
