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After a lifetime of service, Sen. Ted Stevens needs to call forth his energy for one final sacrifice for Alaskans.

He needs to step down.

The "Lion of the Senate" has vowed repeatedly to continue running his election campaign against Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. He's said emphatically that he will win - even as his federal corruption trial unfolded around him.

Because of Alaskans' love for the man who has served this state so well for more than 40 years, Stevens will undoubtedly garner much support out of loyalty and respect for his name and the billions of dollars he has produced for the state. Stevens is back in Alaska this week to call in his chips and make what may be his final political stand.

Rather than focus on his re-election, Stevens should step aside for the good of the Republican party, for the good of the state, and concentrate instead on clearing his name in the courts, however long that may take. Knowing that such a longtime war horse for Alaska won't likely do so, however, voters should cast their votes Tuesday for Begich.

The Anchorage Democrat comes with new ideas for the state and a new attitude about communicating clearly, honestly and transparently with his constituents.

With the nation's economy slumping, a fresh voice in Congress is as necessary as it is refreshing. In talks with the Juneau Empire's editorial board, Begich said Congress should go after CEOs of failed financial institutions and take away their golden parachutes, as well as should ensure that the country's small business community has access to much needed capital. He said now is the time for a stimulus package to create jobs and build infrastructure.

Begich's background shows him to be a capable leader. When he took over as mayor of Anchorage in 2003, he inherited a $33 million hole in the city budget, low reserves and deficit spending. Much of his popularity came from turning that around. In 2006, he was re-elected by an overwhelming majority. His first term saw accomplishments such as voter approval of a $100 million expansion of the Anchorage Museum at the Rasmuson Center.

His claims that infrastructural stimulus would help the nation in today's economic climate have more weight when one considers that under his watch, voters approved Anchorage's largest-ever bond package for road improvement.

Through two decades as a businessman in Anchorage, he showed his mettle, thriving while the city grew in leaps and bounds. He has been fortunate in a fortunate era. He has earned the chance to prove himself during a time period that may be marked by difficulty and financial malaise.

But how much of Anchorage's growth was due to Stevens? Is the nation's longest-serving Republican senator the man to rely on in times of hardship? Stevens undoubtedly has proved himself a powerful advocate of the state's needs. From helping pass the Native land claims settlement in the 1970s to molding the laws of America's offshore fisheries, Stevens' contributions have been vast, almost immeasureable.

It's appalling to think an association with notoriously corrupt Bill Allen has led to the possible ruination of one of the U.S. Senate's longest-serving and most powerful members. But despite the state's debt to Stevens, it's unthinkable that voters could or would throw their votes behind a convicted felon.

Alaskans simply can't let their public servants yield to pressures coming from people and businesses scheming for profit.

Stevens hasn't yet accepted responsibility for his conviction and is vowing to fight it with every ounce of energy he has.

Despite his stature, Steven's own party is turning on him. Presidential candidate John McCain and running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin have both called for him to resign. That kind of political environment will not let him be a successful servant for Alaska, no matter how good he's been.

We need a new voice, and the best option is Begich. Stevens should step down, and do what's best for the state one final time.