Stevens says he hasn’t yet been convicted

    FAIRBANKS, Alaska- Alaska Senator Ted Stevens says he’s not a convicted felon—just yet.
    He argued to the editorial board of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner “There’s not a black mark by my name yet.“ He claims he can’t be called a convicted felon “until the appeal is over and I am finally convicted, if that happens.“
    The Republican says he expects his conviction to be overturned during the appeals process.
    On Monday a federal jury convicted Stevens on seven counts of lying on Senate disclosure forms to conceal more than $250,000 in gifts and renovations to his home. On Tuesday he’s facing a tough re-election challenge from Anchorage mayor Mark Begich.
    A growing number of Republicans, including John McCain and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, have called for Stevens to resign.