Cue the calliope:
A federal judge on Sunday dismissed one of the jurors in the trial of Senator Ted Stevens after losing contact with her after her father’s death.
Wow. She just took off. I understand, her dad died, but someone from the family could make a phone call. No? Okay.
Judge Emmet G. Sullivan of Federal District Court plans to seat an alternate juror on Monday morning and to order the jury to start their deliberations from the beginning.
Apparently, the prior problems with Juror No. 9 have calmed down, after Judge Sullivan gave the whole panel a sermonette on "civility and mutual respect".
I would have imagined this is good news for Stevens, but apparently not:
The move was a setback to Mr. Stevens, Republican of Alaska, who is trying to hold onto his seat and wanted a verdict before Election Day.
I wouldn't mind a conviction on Friday. Otherwise, take your time, guys.
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