Ben Stevens

Benjamin Aavan Stevens (March 18, 1959 – October 13, 2022) was an American politician and political advisor who served as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Alaska, Mike Dunleavy.

[6][7] His office was visited twice by FBI agents who seized evidence, including documents relating to an alleged payment scheme involving fisheries legislation.

[13] Beginning in July 2002, Stevens held a secret option, expiring in December 2004, to buy a 25% ownership in Adak for an immediate payment of $50,000 and another $450,000 paid over time.

[17] Nonetheless, during a debate with his opponent, Anchorage, Alaska Mayor Mark Begich, days after his conviction, Stevens continued to claim innocence.

[19] On April 7, 2009, federal judge Sullivan formally accepted President Barack Obama's Attorney General Eric Holder's motion to set aside the Ted Stevens verdict and throw out the indictment, declaring "There was never a judgment of conviction in this case.

"[20] After deciding not to seek re-election to the state senate in 2006, Stevens continued to hold a post as a member of the Republican National Committee.

In September 2007, two of the state's top Republican elected officials, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and House Speaker John Harris called on Stevens to resign from the RNC, because he was under a federal investigation for his ties to the oil field services company, VECO Corporation.

[21][22] In December 2018, Stevens was named by incoming Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy as an advisor on legislation, transportation and fishing.