And the Denounce and Reject Game Begins...

Good to see Democratic challengers jumping on this Ted Stevens thing today. He's been around 50 years and has distributed a lot of cash to his fellow Senators over that time. Now, by the rules of politics, that money is tainted. And so Jeff Merkley has begun by asking his opponent Gordon Smith to return that money or donate it to charity. In a pre-emptive strike, Elizabeth Dole has already dumped the money.

Campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley just told Election Central that the campaign has written a $10,000 check -- the amount Dole has received this cycle from Stevens' leadership PAC -- to the Society of St. Andrew.

Stevens' PAC has donated to every incumbent GOP Senator seeking re-election this year. That's one down. Will others follow?

It's one of those great little moves to put your opponent on the defensive. Go Democratic challengers!

...meanwhile, Stevens has resigned from his leadership positions on two committees.

...ooh, Norm Coleman took Veco money. Get on it, Al Franken!

...Mark Begich has released a statement.

"The indictment of Senator Ted Stevens is a sad day for Alaska and for the senator after his 40 years of service to our state. The people of Alaska are resilient and strong.

I have great faith in our state and our people, and we will continue to move forward."

...And now John Sununu has dumped Hulk-Smash's money.

...Andrew Rice is calling on James Inhofe to return Stevens' money, too.