In the wake of Ted Stevens' indictment, CQ Politics has changed its ranking in the Alaskan Senate race from leans Republican to leans Democratic. Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich wasn't at the top of too many political radars before today, but with a weak remaining GOP field and polls showing Barack Obama posing a serious challenge in the state, that could all change.

In the meantime, some leading progressive bloggers are taking umbrage at the reaction to the Stevens' indictment from Democratic senators, including Daniel Inouye and California's Barbara Boxer. Even though Inouye's comments were limited to "he's innocent until proven guilty," and Boxer simply said she needed more information before commenting, the reaction from some bloggers like Matt Stoller has been swift:

Is everyone that comments part of the 9% of the country that approves of Congress?  Do you realize how out of touch you are when you defend this kind of behavior?  Don't you see that when you cheer the Bush Department of Justice and excuse the enabling Democrats in the Senate you are part of the problem? 

Stoller also links to a Swing State Project post from earlier this year, noting Inouye held a fundraiser for Stevens.

The indictment of Sen. Ted Stevens presents a number of opportunities and challenges to both national Republicans and those in his home state of Alaska. Stevens is already facing a steady stream of challengers in his Republican primary, but the bench of viable replacements for him is somewhat thin. MyDD's Josh Orton notes that Stevens can be replaced on the ballot if he resigns before September 17th.

Stevens has become infamous amongst younger voters for his comments describing the Internet as a "series of tubes."

While Stevens and Rep. Don Young remain scapegoats of wayward Republicanism, Gov. Sarah Palin is a transcendent political figure right now, with approval ratings hovering around 80 percent and a vice presidential draft movement afoot. But Next Right's Patrick Ruffini says:

But who to replace him? Sarah Palin? I suspect it's too soon to bury this rising star in the Senate.

Stevens has been a punching bag for John McCain when the presumptive Republican nominee discusses spending and government corruption. National Review editor Rich Lowry blogs that the indictment allows McCain a chance to do what he does best, without suffering fallout from the party faithful:

McCain should absolutely unload on Stevens, and frame it as the sort of dysfunction and corruption in Congress that he has long railed against. A good way to get some indie cred without upsetting any conservatives.

Meanwhile, Swampland's Michael Scherer says Stevens' possible exit from politics could change the way no-bid government contracts are awarded.