Alaska senator relinquished post pending outcome of his federal trial
By RICHARD S. DUNHAM Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau
July 30, 2008, 10:09PM


WASHINGTON — One day after the indictment of Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison on Wednesday replaced him as the top Republican on the powerful Senate Commerce Committee.

As part of a deal negotiated with Senate GOP leaders, Hutchison also will temporarily retain her current post as the senior Republican on the subcommittee that oversees NASA.

Stevens relinquished the post pending his trial on seven felony counts of lying about gifts and favors from an Alaska energy executive.

Hutchison was careful to pay homage to her indicted predecessor, the longest-serving Republican senator in history.

"I am honored to temporarily step in for Sen. Stevens ... while the legal process works itself out," she said.

If Stevens is cleared of the charges, he could try to regain his committee spot.

If Hutchison permanently replaces him, , she would have to surrender her spot on the Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee.

Hutchison's time on the committee also could be limited by her own ambitions.

She has announced that she will not seek re-election in 2012 and may resign early to seek the 2010 Texas Republican gubernatorial nomination.

richard.dunham@chron.com

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/pol ... 16447.html