Felonious Punk

Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens finds himself at the wrong end of 7 felony convictions and yet still remains a viable candidate for re-election. If multiple states can prevent felons from ever voting again - why can't we prohibit felons from obtaining an elected office? Wouldn't that seem more prudent? What if Teddy Felony regains his seat? Will we be officially free from reproach if we marginalize the citizens of Alaska based on their intellectual capabilities, or more appropriately - lack thereof?