Stevens May Testify Tomorrow

(AP) - Two close friends of Sen. Ted Stevens schemed to conceal the fact that one was paying for extensive work done at the senator's cabin in Alaska, according to FBI audiotapes played today at Stevens' corruption trial. The pair, Bill Allen and Bob Persons, are heard on tape fretting in February 2006 over a plumbing bill marked, "Labor paid for by Bill." They agreed to "make that disappear" and get a check from Stevens to pay for the work—one that would never be cashed. More»

Indicted Republican senator 'disgraced himself and his office'

(NEWSER) - Newly indicted Ted Stevens should resign as soon as possible, write the editors of the National Review. The Alaskan senator, who is accused of seven counts of making false statements, legally “deserves the benefit of the doubt—but not from an ethical standpoint,” they note. “The facts that have emerged over the course of the federal investigation into his personal finances are damning enough on their own.” More»

Government's chief witness acknowledges giving inappropriate gifts to Alaska sen.

(AP) - A longtime friend of Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens crossed the powerful lawmaker and testified today as the star witness in the Republican senator's gift-giving trial. The fiercely loyal Stevens did not acknowledge Bill Allen when he entered the courtroom. The two men barely looked at each other as Allen prepared to testify that he gave the senator $250,000 in home renovations and other gifts. More»

Judge sets pre-Election Day trial date, but defers ruling on venue change to Alaska

(NEWSER) - Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens pleaded not guilty today in federal court in Washington to seven counts of corruption, the Anchorage Daily News reports. At his lawyers' request, the judge set a tentative trial date of Sept. 24, more than 5 weeks before the Nov. 4 general election. He'll rule on the defense team's request to move the trial to Alaska on Aug. 19. More»

Chamber's first since Bill Clinton's in 1999

(NEWSER) - The Senate will open today an impeachment trial against a Louisiana judge facing a slew of corruption charges, Fox News reports. The House already voted unanimously to impeach US District Judge G. Thomas Porteous, accused of lying under oath and taking payoffs. A Senate impeachment panel will hold three all-day hearings over the next two weeks. More»