RNC’s Duncan ‘Anxious to Hear’ From Stevens

Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan said that he’s looking forward to hearing from Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) now that a federal corruption probe has led to his indictment.

“Obviously, I’m very concerned,” said Duncan on MSNBC Tuesday. “It’s a serious allegation. The prosecutor said that it was the beginning of the process and that we should all keep in mind that it is an allegation, that no one has been convicted. With all that being said, I’m anxious to hear from the senator. I want to hear what he has to say. We look forward to his remarks on this. And it’s something of concern to all of us.”

Stevens faces seven felony counts for making false statements about his finances on federal forms.

Duncan added that John McCain and the presidential campaign will not be affected by Stevens’s situation.

“This presidential campaign will not be about the senior senator from Alaska,” Duncan said. “It’s going to be about big issues. It’s going to be about energy; it’s going to be about tax policy; it’s going to be about the future of America. This is a blip along the way. There are 98 days to go. And while this is unfortunate, the campaign will not be determined by one event like this.”