Stevens's Trial Could End Just Days Before General Election

The Hill reports that jury selection for Senator Ted Stevens's trial

is scheduled to begin Sept. 24, but the judge said the case could start a couple days sooner or later, depending on whether other trials affect his schedule.

Stevens's lawyer was optimistic that the case could conclude a week after the start, but Justice Department prosecutor Brenda Morris said it could take up to three weeks.

A Stevens conviction in late October could have a toxic effect on the GOP not only in Alaska but across the country. Some conservatives have suggested it might make more sense for Stevens to step down after the August 26 primary, thus allowing the Alaska GOP to select a better candidate than any of his primary opponents. But Stevens, who trails his Democratic opponent by 13 points in the most recent poll, appears to have every intention of fighting this race to the bitter end. If Republicans can't get Stevens to agree to step down after the primary, their only choice may be to rally around one of Stevens's primary opponents.

But there is considerable reluctance to push aside Stevens, who is regarded as a "founding father" of Alaska. Gov. Sarah Palin tells the New York Times: "Two days after an indictment coming down, it's premature for me to say he needs to step down. [...] But I do believe Alaskans are craving for change."