CREW named Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) one of the most corrupt members of Congress in September. 

Today, the long career of Senator Stevens ended today as he said good-bye to that body.  Stevens lost his Senate race earlier in the week.  Last month, he was convicted of federal corruption charges:

"I really must pinch myself to fully understand that I'm privileged to speak on the floor of the United States Senate," Stevens said, sitting comfortably and with an ease he didn't have during the five weeks he faced a federal jury on corruption charges this fall.

Stevens, who was convicted on seven counts of failing to disclose gifts from a powerful political contributor, lost his election Tuesday and will return to Alaska. He made just one mention of his conviction during his farewell remarks, saying he hoped to one day be cleared of the cloud over his head.

Yet Stevens never sounded a bitter note. He thanked his family, his friends both inside and outside of the Senate, and the people of Alaska.

If home is where the heart is, Stevens said, "I have two homes. One is right here in this chamber and the other is my beloved state of Alaska. I must leave one to return to the other."